Body Count (BWWM)

Chapter 11

Artemis

She's trembling beneath my arms and I hold onto her tight. The water was blinding me but I didn't care. I just wanted to make sure she was safe and comfortable. I knew what she just learned couldn't have been easy for any mother to hear. I wanted to be her savior and protector but I don't know if she would allow it. She grips my shirt and I can feel her becoming less shaky. I turn the water off and pick her up, she cradles in my arms like a child.

I sit her on the counter of the bathroom sink and go get her extra clothes and a towel. "Do you need help changing?"

She shakes her head no, "I'd like to bathe first."

"Take you time. Do you want me to bring Tati in here with you?"

She thinks for a bit, "no she seems safe where she's at. Only you or Niko around her." She responds, adamantly.

"I'll always make sure she's safe." I remind her. She doesn't respond and I don't think either one of us needs to speak further. I shut the door and let her bathe.

She spent about an hour in the room and I ordered all of us some food because I knew she was probably hungry. Plus, Tati kept asking for snacks and I wanted her to get a decent meal.

I was placing vegetables on Tati's plate and placed her in my lap. I hadn't had time to get the necessary baby items. I'd jump at any opportunity to hold my baby anyway.

"Can I have another biscuit?" She asks.

"Maybe if you give two more bites of vegetables. Then, I'll get you a half of a biscuit." I tell her as I feed her.

I sensed someone standing behind me. "Sorry, did you want to feed her?" I asked, knowing it was Gloria.

She comes in my view with a smirk on her face. "Actually, no. I think you're doing a great job." She compliments.

The compliment made me emotional as I've always wanted to be a father. I loved kids and to know I wasn't there from the beginning really bothers me. I look up at her, eyes red and trying to hold back my tears. "Thank you. That means a-" I couldn't finish my sentence, I just nodded my head acknowledging her compliment.

She grabs Tati from me. "Baby, you did a great job with your veggies! Here, take your biscuit and go finish watching cartoons on the couch." Gloria kisses her cheek and she waddles over to the couch.

She sit down next to me and grabs my hand. "I apologize, that you didn't get to experience her from birth. I wish those years would have been different for us." I watch as tears fall from her eyes.

I stand up and pull her into a hug. "It's not your fault. My dumb decisions did this but I promise I will be there for Tati until the day I die."

She pulls away giving me a small smile. "I know. You're already a great father."

"For you too," she looks at me confused.

"Huh?"

"I would be there for anything you need as well. I don't care what it is or what time of the day. I will always be there for you and Tati." I told her sternly.

She stood on her toes and kissed my cheek. "Thank you."

I smiled as I caressed her face. She looked incredible sexy in my oversize shirt and hair wrapped in a t-shirt from when she washed it. We pulled each other back in for an embrace but quickly disconnected when we heard screaming.

Quickly, Gloria grabbed Tati from the couch and flew to my side. "Stay behind me!" I tell her and she nods following behind me.

I pull my gun from my waist and we're in the entrance of the house and I see Niko bolting up the stairs. Gloria and I follow behind him and we reach the room where Alicia was staying in.