Page 43 of Avenging Azalea

Steph’s words felt like an arrow right through my heart.

“Yeah, I know. Something else for me to think about. Anyway, the guards are staring at me. I better go. Bye, girl.”

“Bye, babe.”

I hung up and grabbed my purse and bags, feeling like a pack mule as I got out of my car. It was a Volkswagen and didn’t match anything else parked in the loop of expensive vehicles. Titus had insisted on buying me something to go from home to school, but I’d refused anything new or fancy. This was our compromise.

“Hi, Naji.” I smiled at the guard, who felt like family.

“Ms. Fawn, how are you this evening?”

“Surviving. Things have been difficult, but I love working at the clinic and helping the animals.”

He gave me a little smile, and even if he wanted to mention something about Titus and the marriage to Vera, he wouldn’t. Titus’s men were loyal, which I appreciated and respected.

“Do you want help carrying your bags up to your room,” he asked, opening the front door for me.

“No, I’m all good, but thank you.”

I’d spent the last few days avoiding Titus by crashing in Steph’s spare bedroom at night. It felt necessary to put some space between us, so I’d sneak home every day to do my chores and set dinner for the girls. I was in and out before Titus got home from work, but it felt rushed, and I missed cuddling them at night.

As soon as I stepped into the house, I heard the thunder of paws and the click-clack of nails. It filled me with an unmatched joy. I was suddenly swarmed and ended up on my ass, laughing as my pack licked every piece of bare skin they could find.

“Okay, okay, enough. I missed you, too.”

They each got a kiss on their head before I reloaded my bags and trudged up the stairs with my army of dogs. No matter what Steph said, this was my home, and the thought of leaving made me feel sick.

My stomach grumbled as I put my stuff down. I needed to get something to eat and see if I could find Titus. Was that a good idea? Probably not. But hiding was cowardly, and that made me hate myself more than loving someone who clearly didn’t share my feelings.

“You all stay here. I’ll be right back,” I said to the sad faces. “Don’t worry I’ll bring you back cookies.” I’d learned quickly that dogs were awesome unless you wanted to sneak around. They kind of gave you away every time.

The one thing being away from Titus had allowed me was clarity. I’d imagined this entire life and relationship in my head, but that was on me. It wasn’t his fault. Punishing Titus for not having the same feelings when he’d never promised me more romantically was wrong and childish. He’d taken me in and treated me like family. It was time that I grew up and faced him, no matter how much it hurt.

Too tired to change out of my scrubs, I wandered out of my room on the hunt for food and Titus. All his normal spots were empty, and I was starting to think he wasn’t home when I heard faint men’s voices. The conversation got louder as I neared the den. It was definitely Titus, but I didn’t recognize the second man.

“I’d rather push thumbtacks in my cock.”

Ouch. I cringed at the visual. Who would want to do that?

“What the hell is wrong with you,” Titus asked. “How are we related?”

This had to be Ronan, Titus’s older brother. I’d spoken to Nathaniel enough times to know his voice. I snuck as close to the door as I dared and peeked around the corner. Only half of Titus’s face was visible from my angle. I could only see the back of his guest’s head. I hadn’t known his voice, but the platinum blond hair told me this was indeed Ronan.

“I’m not into kids,” Ronan said.

“Well, you better get used to the idea. That’s the whole point of getting married, right? You do still plan on picking someone?”

Ronan shrugged. “Maybe, but I’m not doing the white picket fence bullshit. Despite what Amy thinks. I said my piece. I don’t think you should marry Vera.” My heart skipped a beat. “She’s not right for you.”

“Vera has a lot going for her. She comes from a great family. She’s beautiful, smart, and ambitious with her company. Besides, what is the alternative?”

“I don’t know, but you shouldn’t do this.”

“The wedding is only eight months away. Get used to it.”

“Who the fuck has a Christmas wedding? It ruins the holiday for everyone. The two of you are inconsiderate assholes. No one is going to show up. You should just cancel.”

Christmas? That was so soon. My stomach churned, and tears pricked my eyes.