“She’s fine.”
I shrug and tuck my dick back in my jeans.
“Mom, are you here? I’m starving.” She knocks on the bedroom door, twists the knob, and it opens freely.
Christ, she could have walked in on us. I shoot Alexa a dirty look, but she just licks her lips and wipes her mouth as she pops up from the floor. “Hey, Sweetpea. Guess who’s here?”
“East,” she shrieks, coming straight to me for a hug.
“Hey, Lil’ Lady. How was school?”
“I had a stupid math quiz.”
“How did you do?”
“I aced it.”
“That’s my girl. How about I treat you two to dinner tonight. Your choice. To celebrate that A.”
“Pizza.” She grins.
Alexa scowls. “I thought we could send Wylla over to the Baker’s and you and me could get some alone time in. You’ve been gone for six weeks, East.”
“I didn’t even think you noticed.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Please don’t fight, guys.” Wylla Mae loosens her hold and steps back from me. “I can go to the Baker’s. It’s no big deal.”
“No. Go get ready,” I tell her, daring Alexa to challenge me on it.
“Okay.” Wylla Mae darts down the hall to her room.
“What’s your problem, East?”
“Nothing. I’m just tired is all.”
“You sure that’s it? I mean if something were wrong between us, you’d tell me, right?”
“Of course,” I lie. Shit hasn’t been good between us since we started. I keep telling myself I’m going to break this shit off but then I think about Wylla Mae and my heart nearly cracks in two. I love that little girl. She’s the best thing to ever happen to me. She gave me purpose. She gave me a sense of family outside the brotherhood of the RBMC. I thought over time I’d come to love Alexa too, but I haven’t. Bitch doesn’t love me either. The woman simply likes having me on her arm to rub in Murder’s face. She thinks I don’t see the way she stares at him when I take her to the clubhouse. Alexa’s been making a fool of me.
“Talk to me, East.”
“I’ve got nothing to say.” If I open my mouth much more, she won’t like the words that come out.
Her cell phone goes off with a text. I don’t know what makes me grab it. I’ve never been the jealous type to go checking her phone.
“What are you doing?” She goes to grab the phone from my hand but not before I look at the screen.
Paul – damn, baby, was hoping to see you tonight. Missing that bomb ass pussy that squeezes my cock so fuckin’ tight.
“What the fuck, Alexa?” I roar. “Who the hell is Paul?”
“It’s nothing, East. I can explain.”
“Right.” I snort. “Explain to me why this motherfucker is texting you and saying he misses your pussy. Pussy that is supposed to be mine and only mine. Good thing I always wore a fucking rubber with you. Who knows who you’ve been fucking behind my back?”
“You were gone, and I was lonely. It just happened.”