Piece Me Back Together

Chapter 11

In honor of reaching 400 reads, I pulled this together.

Daniel's living room above!

Song is Creep by Radiohead

-

Nothing could describe how low I felt once the door slammed shut. I promised myself I’d never become this. I would be the smart and wise one, not play the victim. I’m a grown woman and I need to start acting like it.

Sighing, I leaned my head back against the door. Had he left yet? Would he try to come in? I resisted the urge to check through the window right next to the door. My heart was pounding uncontrollably.

“Are you alright?” It was Daniel.

I couldn’t even open my eyes because I could already feel the tears building up. I didn’t want to lose it right in front of him over my past lover. I felt him grab my arm and pull me toward him. Large warm arms embraced me and engulfed me completely. The sobs were out of my mouth before I could control them. He only shushed me softly, tightening his hold. I couldn’t get rid of Leo’s tear stricken face was I told him that I loved Daniel. The obvious heartbreak tore at my insides.

I didn’t just say that to hurt him or get him off my back. Wrapped in this man’s arms, I felt safe and comfortable. It brought warm fuzzy feelings that spread through my body when his lips touched the crown of my head. He was the only man I had let into my life so easily. My daughter loved him, as he did her. She had him wrapped around her finger.

I really did love him.

I dug my face further into his hard chest. He was now rocking me back and forth, arms around my back. I didn’t want this to change anything between us. I didn’t want him to leave because he realized being with us would be too much drama or something. I couldn’t let that happen.

“Don’t leave me,” I hated how small and pathetic my voice sounded.

He chuckled lightly as he held me closer. “I wouldn’t even if you wanted me to.”

“You’re not going to run for the hills now that Anabelle’s dad wants us both back? You’re not going to realize this isn’t worth it?” His fingers ran softly under my eyes, wiping away ever last tear. He had a soft smile as he spoke,

“Do you really think I’m the type to give up when things get hard? You are my family. This is what I’ve always wanted, Belinda. Don’t you see that? I’ve always wanted a family and I finally have it. I’ll be damned if I’m just going to let some dumbass guy get in between us, regardless of your past with him.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. I felt so at ease.

“You’re mine. Just like Ananbelle is mine, too.”

I smiled at his possessiveness and dug my way further into his chest. “Mm, yours.”

We didn’t have label, he hadn’t asked me to be his girlfriend or to be exclusive. But we knew. We both knew. And I hadn’t felt that content in a long time.

“Come on, baby. It isn’t long until Bell comes looking for us.” I let him pull me away, giving one last glance at the closed door.

-

My mother was cackling as Daniel told her of when we went out for milkshakes and I dropped it on my white jeans. Everyone was chuckling along with him, even Anabelle, as I sat there with a “stop” face.

He had introduced himself to everyone already, as he said he would but didn’t mention Leo. I was grateful for that. They didn’t need to know yet. My brothers would hunt him down if they knew he was on our front steps five minutes ago.