Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39513 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39513 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
"I've always been terrified no one would want me," I admit quietly, a lump lodging in my throat. "If our own parents didn't want us..."
Leia sighs, resting her head against mine. "Our parents were messed up, but that's their issue, not yours or ours, Heidi. There's nothing wrong with us."
"It took me a long time to figure that out, too," Adalynn admits quietly. "Razor helped."
"Bronx, too," Gemma chimes in.
"And Xavier." Charlie grins.
"And Colter," Leia adds.
We fall quiet for a moment, all lost in our thoughts. It’s...kind of beautiful to know that the five little girls our parents abandoned in a rundown apartment didn’t just survive but have each thrived in their own way. It may have taken me a little longer than my sisters, but I feel like I’m finally getting there, too. What we went through didn’t break us. We survived. And maybe we’re stronger because of it.
Gemma giggles suddenly. "We're really all grown up now, aren't we?"
"Speak for yourself." A devilish smile stretches across Charlie’s face. "I'm never growing up."
"Believe me, we know," Leia says, rolling her eyes as the bell over the front door jingles. I turn that way, hoping to see Alessandro walking in. Instead, I find Don striding inside.
Crap. He must know about the break-in.
Breaking away from my sisters, I hurry over to meet him, anxiety churning through me. I fight to keep my nerves from showing but can’t help but wring my hands together as I greet him. “Hi, Don.”
"Heidi." His tone is clipped, his dark eyes flicking around the bakery. "Heard there was a break-in last night."
"Um, yes. But we're cleaning it all up," I promise quickly. Please don’t kick me out. Please. I’m not entirely sure he can do that since I signed a lease, but I’d really rather not risk it.
"Good." He stares at me intently, not saying anything else.
I clear my throat as the silence grows awkward. "Did...did you need something?"
"Your rent check."
Oh, crap. My eyes fly open wide as realization crashes through me. Rent is due today. "I'm so sorry! With everything going on, I forgot to bring the check with me."
His hard gaze bores into me for a long, tense moment. "I understand," he finally says, his voice still sharp. "Just don't make it a habit. I'd hate to have to evict you from the building, Heidi."
What the heck? My stomach twists at his words, shock running through me. He's always been nice, but this feels a whole lot like he's kicking me when I'm already down. I don’t like it.
Leia apparently agrees because she swoops in, her eyes flashing fire. "She'll mail the check to you,” she snaps. “In fact, there's no need for you to come here to pick them up at all. We'll make sure they're in your hands before the due date without you having to inconvenience yourself by coming down to the bakery to get them.” The patently false, savage smile she shoots his way makes it crystal clear she’s telling him to kick rocks and not come back.
Don scowls at her before dipping his head curtly. "Fine. I look forward to it." He pivots on his heel and stalks out without another word.
Adalynn walks over as soon as the door closes behind him, her brows furrowed. "What the heck was that about?"
"I don't know," I whisper, staring at my sisters uneasily. "That was weird."
"Super weird," Leia agrees.
An ominous feeling settles in my stomach like a lead weight. Is he mad about the break-in? Does he want me out of here now? I don’t know, but I really don’t like it.
I notice my sisters watching me, so I shake off the feeling, pasting a bright smile on my face instead. Don isn’t going to ruin this morning for me. Alessandro fixed most of the bakery. He loves me.
Everything is going to be okay. It has to be.
An hour later, the bell above the door jingles again. My heart leaps as I glance up to see Alessandro ducking inside this time, looking as freaking gorgeous as ever.
“Morning, Sunshine,” he rumbles, grinning at me.
I practically fly across the bakery to him, flinging myself into his waiting arms. He catches me effortlessly, pulling me up against his chest.
"Thank you," I whisper fervently, clinging to him as he holds me tightly. "Thank you so much, Alessandro."
"You don't ever have to thank me, angel.” His deep voice vibrates through me as he dips his head, pressing his lips to mine. "Taking care of you is what I live for."
Tears prick my eyes at how easily he says it, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. I slide my hands into his thick hair, staring up at him.
“I love you.” The truth spills out, unable to be contained any longer. I need him to know how I feel about him. I don’t think I’ll be able to breathe until he knows. "Not because of what you did today, but because of who you are. I love you."