Sold To the Grizzly Don (Alcee and Bruno) novel Chapter 139

Chapter 139

Alcee was sitting next to Antero’s bed watching him sleep and wondering how long this calm would last or alternatively, if he’d go back to the quiet, sullen, nearly catatonic version of himself she hated more than his violence. She brushed his hair off his forehead and almost laughed when he grimaced under her touch, rolled over on his side and spooned Avalanche. She never wanted a dog but damned if she wasn’t thrilled with it right now.

“Hi.”

The quiet spoken word from the doorway made her spine stiffen.

She turned her head slowly to see the man standing in the doorway an expression on his face she didn’t want to name. It was easier when he was being cocky and self–assured, but this remorseful expression of regret wasn’t what she needed to deal with right now. She was too, tired.

“I’m too tired for you Torq.”

“I know. Susana said he may wake up a few times through the night because it’s his pattern. I,” he cleared his throat still speaking softly as if worried to wake the child up, “I booked in online with the therapist for the morning. I was so busy getting Mom and Dad here and then planning for Corrado and with the arrival of my brother, I put the most important thing on the backburner. I fucked up. I’ll make it better.”

She looked at him angrily. “All I hear are excuses.”

“I know. You’re right. They are. Excuses for being a shitty parent but it’s all I have. Starting tomorrow and for the next six weeks I am scheduled three sessions a week, in my schedule so it can’t be changed with the therapist. I owe him an apology, and I will give it to him in the morning when he wakes up. Whether he receives it or not, I will apologize and I will keep apologizing until he knows his daddy will never hurt him again.”

Her eyes tore from his, tears welling in hers and she wanted to yell at him he doesn’t deserve the opportunity to be Antero’s father. Instead, she nodded. “Fine.”

“You should go to bed.”

“He might wake up.”

“And I will be here.” When her eyes flicked back to his he shrugged, “it’s my mess. The least I should do is be the one to lose sleep over it. I will sit there in the chair and watch over him. If he or Avalanche wake up, I’ll deal with it.”

“He’ll freak out if he sees you here and not me.”

“And I will deal with it. I am his father.”

“You’re not compassionate enough, and I don’t trust you to do right by him.”

The accusation felt as if it were a direct assault on his character and she could see the shot landed exactly as intended. The hurt on his face was blatant but instead of fighting back all he did was give a slow nod of acknowledgement.

“I know you don’t trust me, and I can’t say I blame you. However, you are exhausted, and you need rest. If he wakes up and I can’t manage the situation, I promise you, I will get you to help.”

“Torq.”

“Let me be his dad. You managed mom duties all night. It’s time for a shift switch if you will. Go to bed. Get some sleep. I will wake you if he is inconsolable.” He gave her a sad smile, “come on, Alcee, I’m not asking for a limb here. I just want to do my job as a dad because I failed so miserably before,”

“Fine.” She got off the chair. “Do you promise to come get me?”

“Yes. I know my word doesn’t mean jack shit to you right now, but you have it.”

“Fine but we’re not done talking about this. When I’m not so emotionally volatile, and he’s settled somewhat, we’re fighting this out.”

*I agree absolutely but there will be no fighting. This is all on me. I will accept whatever you decide with the exception of you leaving me. That, I can’t accept. I need you. I need him. I don’t show it very well. I haven’t even done a remotely decent job, but I’ve already started to put things in motion, and you will see, I’m serious and I mean this. I will be the man you both deserve.”

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Chapter 139

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