Renegade: The Alliance Chronicles, Book Six

Chapter 6

Asher

"If someone's disappointing you frequently, it's because you've given them permission to do so. You can't make a person change."

—from Sessions with Abigail Ramirez-Lee, Psy.D., P.C.

Rihana's changing the kids for bed when I open the door to our room. Viyan jumps to her feet and runs for me. Catching her, I toss her in the air. Her squeal warms my heart.

I plant a kiss on her chubby cheek and sit beside Rihana. "Have you been a good girl?"

"Yes, Daddy. I help Mommy."

"She tried to help me give Shiloh a bath," corrected my wife.

That explains why she's wearing a robe. "Viyan, take your brother and go play for a few more minutes. I need to talk to Mommy."

My four-year-old helps her little brother toddle from the room. I'll never tire of watching my children. Although doing so reminds me of my brother, I wouldn't change a thing. Therapy has helped me learn that all memories aren't bad.

Rihana pushes the door up, leaving it cracked to hear the kids, and returns to the bed. "What's wrong, Aza?"

I lift her hand and kiss the back of it. She's the only one allowed to use my Arabic name. I love how it rolls off her tongue. "It's Mark. He's, like, downstairs with Steve."

"Why must you continue to torment yourself about that man?"

"He's my friend, Ree. I care about him."

"You care too much. He isn't worth it."

"That's not true. Before we met, Mark was, like, the only one who understood what I was going through. He was there when nobody else wanted to be."

"You have been over this time and time again with Dr. Lee. If Mark was such a wonderful friend, he would not have abandoned you. He wasn't around for the birth of either of our children. He wasn't around for Tru and Zared when they married. That's not being a good friend."

I shake my head. Even my wife wouldn't understand Mark, but maybe she was right about one thing. I care too much for the man, more than I should. When Shiloh could have used my help, I wasn't there for him. I won't do the same thing to Mark. He's got me whether or not he wants help.

"I'll be back," I say and head for the door.

"Where are you going, Aza?"

"I owe Mark an apology. This won't take long."