Body Count (BWWM)

Chapter 12

Gloria

We entered his room again as he carried our sleeping child in his arms. It was a beautiful sight to see and I wish it had been like this from the beginning. I'm angry and I know I can't be mad at him but it's just the situation that has me upset. I was alone during the most vulnerable time of my life. What if the Albanians had tried to attack when I was pregnant or when Tati was an infant. I hated that he brought us into this world but I think I hate myself more for sleeping with him. I don't know, but regardless I don't regret my decision of having my baby. She meant the absolute world to me. I'd die before I let anyone hurt her.

I crawl into his bed, ready for this day to be over. My mind still hasn't rested since the hospital, I've been anxious and unsteady. I just need a night with my baby in my arms, knowing she's safe for now, brings the slightest peace.

He stands over me slowly rocking Tati back in forth. "Do you want me to put her in her room? Or do you want her in here?" He asks, now looking at me.

My brows furrow. "Her room? She has a room here."

He smiles like a proud father. "The minute I found out I had a kid. I had them build her room." He sits down on the edge of the bed still holding her.

"Y-you're really happy? H-happy that you have a kid?" I questioned, slightly nervous at him response.

He looked at me weird. "Why wouldn't I be happy that I have a child?"

I sit up slightly shrugging my shoulders. "I don't know. Most men, after a one night stand, would've sent me to the clinic. Hell, I almost went my damn self. I didn't think I could do it on my own."

His face saddens. "Gloria. I'm a grown fucking man. A man takes care of his responsibilities whether he asked for them or not. If I could take that pain from you I would but I would've been excited to see you carrying our child. I would've been there every step of the way. You would've been pampered, protected, and loved."

His words cause my lips to quiver and I try to hold back my emotions. I spent so many years thinking he wouldn't have cared and cursed his names so many times. His life probably wasn't the easiest in prison either. He probably woke up every day thinking it was his last. I hated that for him especially considering how great of a person he is.

"That means a lot. Thank you!" I finally respond.

He stands. "Here or her room?" He questions again.

"Here."

He places her in front of me as I wrap my arms around her tiny waist, hugging and kissing her from behind as she snores lightly. Artemis stands up to leave and bends down to kiss her forehead, whispering. "I love you, малыш." (Baby).

Artemis turns on his feet, making his way towards the door. "Artemis."

"Hmm?" He halts, turning his head to see tears forming in my eyes.

"Stay with us."

He forms a smile and walks over to the bed. He removes his Rolex and places it on the nightstand. I watch as he pulls his shirt over head, revealing his toned body and ink covered canvas. Even with the scar on his eye, he was the most beautiful man I've ever seen.

He pulls the covers back and slides in the bed behind me. He places on hand behind his head and one on top of his stomach, staring at the ceiling. I need more than just his presence but I don't know how to ask him.

I turn over to hold my baby girl thinking of ways to approach the situation but I give up and just decide to go to sleep. I'm almost there when I feel strong hands snake around my waist pulling me and Tati close. With my eyes still closed, I smile at him somehow reading my mind.

"Thank you." I whisper, placing my hand on his forearm, caressing it.

I feel him kiss the nape of my neck. "Don't ever play games with me, Gloria. If you want something from me. Tell me. I don't care if we're together or not. I will always be here for the both of you and you will always have my protection."

I'm assuming he heard me sniffling from trying to silently cry. He pulled me even closer and his large arms reached all the way past Tati. I did feel protected in his arms and for the first time since having Tati. I felt like I was able to give her a family. This is all I ever wanted for her and I'm glad he came back into our lives because I don't want my daughter to go another day without knowing her father.

***

I woke up from heat beaming down on my face. I placed my hand in front trying to cover the sun that shining in from the curtains. I shot up noticing I was alone in the bedroom both Tati and Artemis were gone. It was 7:45am based on what the clock read on the night stand. This is the first time in three years that I was able to sleep in and not worry about getting Tati together. I knew her father had her and I trusted him with her. So, I decided to take advantage of this time.

I spent about an hour in the steamy hot shower just relaxing and letting the water run down my back. I noticed he had his staff bring in some items that I loved because there's no way this man was exfoliating with strawberry and mango sugar scrubs. I smile at his successful attempt to please my needs. I got lucky in the baby daddy department.

Once I was cleaned, I grabbed another one of his shirts and I didn't have panties or bras but they were long enough to cover me completely. I walked into the kitchen and found my baby and her father eating pancakes.

"Mommy! This..." She points to Artemis, confused on what to call him. We both chuckle at her confusion.

"This man, made me dinosaur pancakes." She says while stuffing her face and syrup dripping off her chin.

I deeply sigh, walking up to Tati and sitting in the chair next to her. "Baby, mommy has something to tell you."

She turns to me with her doe eyes and long lashes. "Yes, mommy?" Tati listens.

I look at Artemis and he's eating from his plate. Oblivious as to what I'm about to tell her. "This man. He's your daddy." I tell her, causing Artemis to choke on her pancake.

Her eyes widen. "My daddy?"

I nod my head, smiling and tearing up at the same time. "Yes, your daddy was on vacation for a long time. He came back just to be with you!"

Tati claps her hands and jumps out of her seat into his arms. She's using her toddler strength to hug his neck because he's turning red. "Not too tight baby." I have to remind her.

"Oh, daddy. I wove you so much!" She says, and I look at Artemis. He's already staring at me, mouthing "Thank you". I watch as he wipes a tear away.

"Oh daddy, pwease don't leave again!" Tati says.

"I'll never leave you, baby." I'm not sure if that message was for Tati or the both of us because he said it while never taking his eyes off of me.

My heart rate picked up. This man is going to have me turning into Keke Wyatt.