She didn’t put up a fight when he made a suggestion. Cherry did everything he asked without argument. She took Mindy to school before going to college. John stayed with her for protection. They both cooked dinner together, and Mindy was improving under Cherry’s care. His daughter was seeing her as more of a mother than anything else.
When his daughter’s menstrual cycle came a week ago and there hadn’t been any ladies’ products, Cherry had handled it, talking with her. He was starting to wonder how he even handled his daughter before she came into his life.
“How is Cherry?” Caleb asked, taking a sip of his whiskey.
“She’s fine.”
“You’ve kept her then,” Henry asked.
“She’s not something I can get rid of.” Marcel had asked her how his gift was faring. Elijah had given the bastard a warning. When his wife had died, Elijah had gone on a rampage earning the reputation that helped him to this day. He’d killed men who’d tried to fight him, lashing out without being provoked. Elijah had done all of this until he went back to the hospital where his little girl was waiting for him.
Bethan died in his arms, and he went to take care of business. Fifteen years ago, three gangs had been trying to take his turf from him. Elijah took out all three gangs and sent out a warning. He’d not cared at the time if he lived or died. He had held his dead wife and wanted to follow her. When he’d survived, he’d gone back to the hospital, organized what to do for his wife’s funeral, then gone to hold his daughter. Mindy had held onto his finger as if begging him to stay.
Elijah had fought for the life he now led. Marcel may have a lot of men at his back, but none of them knew how many men owed Elijah. He learned to help other men who also helped him. John was ex-military. When the military got rid of him, Elijah picked him up. He took men who had a gift for defense and were known to be loyal, and he paid them well.
“Donna likes her.”
“She likes everyone,” Elijah said.
“Lydia likes her as well, and she doesn’t like everyone,” Henry said.
“She doesn’t even like you half the time.” Elijah chuckled. It was no secret that Lydia and Henry’s relationship was a love-hate one.
It was cute most of the time to see the two together.
“I’ve got to head out of here.” Elijah downed his whiskey, getting to his feet. It was a Saturday night, girls’ night. He’d been asked to give Mindy and Cherry time to themselves. Nine o’clock was more than enough time.
He shook both men’s hands and headed out. John was waiting for him again. His life was becoming the same routine of business deals and danger. Elijah was growing bored.
You weren’t bored of the life you led before Cherry came into your life.
“Are you okay, boss?” John asked.
“Yes, I’m fine.” He didn’t talk about his feelings with his men. Elijah talked to the photo of his dead wife. “Any news?”
“None, sir. Cherry and Mindy stayed in all night. They ordered pizza, and the delivery guy flirted with Cherry. She slammed the door in his face. I don’t know what he said, but she was not impressed.”
Elijah chuckled. He kept a lot of protection on his home. No one got near his daughter. All of his men had his cell phone number and would use it if something happened. In the last fifteen years no one had come close to his daughter. He’d kept Mindy a secret from the dark side of his life.
“You can take the rest of the day off,” Elijah said. “And tomorrow.”
“Will do.”
Opening the front door, Elijah keyed in the security. The house was silent. He passed the dining room only to stop. Cherry had several books open and was jotting down notes. She didn’t look up or show any sign that she’d heard him.
Leaning against the doorframe he watched her working. Her clear blue eyes soaked up each word.
She glanced up and screamed. Cherry pulled her headphones out of her ears. “Shit, you scared me. I didn’t even hear you come in.”
“You were concentrating.” He pointed at the book that she was writing in.
“Sorry, is it late?” She looked down at her watch, frowning. “It’s only nine-thirty.”
“Where’s Mindy?” he asked.
“She wasn’t feeling too well so I sent her to bed. I think she’s got a bug or something.” Cherry pushed some hair off her face that had fallen down.
“How long have you been studying?” he asked. He didn’t want her to stop talking.
“Erm, a couple of hours. It hasn’t been long. We cut the movie short as Mindy was ill.” She stared at her books again before looking up at him. He watched the emotions flicker across her face