Page 29 of Blaze

“Mama?” Blair questions fifteen minutes later as I help guide Ms. Hallows inside her home, and Snow bounds over to us, making me chuckle as I give the husky a pet while she licks my hand.

“Happy birthday, sweetie,” I hear Ms. Hallows whisper, and I look up to see my girl embracing her mother, tears shining in her eyes, and I tilt my head at her as our eyes connect, but I frown when she breaks eye contact.

Ok, that will definitely not fucking do.

Patting Snow’s head one last time, I stand and walk over to the women just as they separate, and I cup my girl's soft cheek while Ms. Hallows takes a seat on the couch.

I take in her features as I rub her jaw.

I get she’s probably pissed because I ghosted her for a week, but I had hoped she’d realize that my leaving that shirt meant she was mine. I just needed to get my head straight because I’m claiming someone when I said I wouldn’t, not like this anyhow.

“Happy birthday,” I rasp, and she swallows before getting out of my hold before muttering, “Thanks, I’ll go make some drinks,” then walks away from me, and I narrow my eyes while Ms. Hallows sighs with disappointment.

What the fuck?

Should I have left a note? Shit, I should have left a note.

I go to move towards her, but my phone buzzes, and I quickly check it to make sure it isn’t the club because I know I told Cage I’d be there by now. I scowl seeing it's El, the first text she’s sent me this week, instead of calling like a pain in the ass.

Shaking my head, I open the thread, and my scowl deepens.

El:

Okay, I get it, you’re still on club business, but Trick threatened me if I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want to do it by text, but he made sure he’d make waves so you couldn’t claim me if I didn’t tell you before you got back. I have Chlamydia or had it now, I guess. I’ve been on medication, and I know you double-gloved, but you need to get tested. I went to the ER because I thought I was pregnant, thought maybe we were having a baby xxx

Having a baby?

What the fuck has this girl been smoking? I haven’t fucked her in a month, since meeting Blair.

Wait? My eyes widen. Shit… I look up to see Blair staring at the coffee maker, and I quickly message Trick.

Me:

Was Blair working when Elenor came to the ER?

I tap my leg, not taking my eyes off Blair before he messages back.

Trick:

Oh yeah, had a breakdown, called herself the other woman. You need to come and get tested, though hers came back clear, better safe than sorry, and all that.

Fuck.

Me:

Thanks, I had a routine check while away as a precaution, I'm good.

Well, that makes fucking sense with the standoffish nature.

Dammit.

Sighing, I put my phone in my cut before making my way to my girl, who is in her own little world.

Coming up behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist and put my chin on her shoulder, and I mutter, “You know, normally you have to click the button for hot water…”

She jumps, making me smile, and she goes to move, but I hold her tighter, and I murmur, “I’m sorry I disappeared, I’m sorry I most likely brought that abandonment issue you have going on, back up again…”

She cuts me off, “I really am that transparent, huh?”