Page 114 of Obsessed by My Ex's Mafia Uncle

I plate the pancakes, cutting them into smaller pieces before setting the fork beside them.

I have tried not to think about what happened in this apartment some nights ago. I’ve been running away from it.

The way he said it was like there was nothing else to consider. And even worse is the fact that he’s following through on it.

It’s been days.

Days of silence.

Days of nothing.

Except for the money he sent two nights ago. Money I plan on returning when I have the stomach to face him.

My phone vibrates on the counter, and the notification comes in just as I reach for the glass of juice.

My gaze flickers briefly to it, catching the message from another unknown number. It’s been one threat after another with Daniel, switching numbers every time I block him.

I’ve never seen someone so desperate, so unwilling to take rejection and grow the hell up.

I don’t open it.

I pick up the glass instead, take a sip, then set it down like nothing just shifted in the room.

I turn back to Blue.

“Eat, baby,” I nudge the plate closer to her.

“Mommy…” She frowns at me.

“What, baby?” I ask, already knowing.

“You did a face.”

“I always do a face.” I force a smile. “Ask Aunty Aisha.”

“No,” she shakes her head, serious now. “You did that one.”

I stare at her for a second.

She’s too perceptive and observant. Too much like her fath… I don’t finish that thought.

Instead, I reach for her, my fingers finding her sides, digging in just enough to tickle.

“Ahh!” she shrieks instantly, squirming, her whole body folding in on itself as laughter bursts out of her.

“Eat your pancakes,” I threaten, holding my fingers in the air.

“Okay, stop!” she gasps, laughing harder, trying to push my hands away.

“Eat.”

“I can’t!”

“You can.”

“Okay, I will.” She dissolves into giggles, the earlier question forgotten, replaced by something lighter.

Exactly where I need it.