Page 100 of Too Sweet
She’s young. She should have fun, enjoy life, and get the parties out of her system. I fucking know all this. That line is a mantra I recite ten times a day to keep myself in check.
I don’t want Mia to miss out. She’s been slowly opening up about the bullying, telling me gory stories about the harassment and humiliation she suffered for years. She never had real friends, always alone, always verbally and mentally abused. It’s a fucking miracle she’s still trying to find her place. That she’s capable of trusting the triplets not to act like everyone else and that my temper didn’t scare her off at the start.
She never went to prom; missed every homecoming dance, every football game, every high school, and college party. Years of fun lost, years of experiences and memories never made.
I don’t want her to look back in ten years thinking she should’ve partied instead of being with me.But... if I could, I’d lock her in a padded room on a deserted island.
Mia shouldn’taskfor permission.
I have a love-hate relationship with her insecurity. I love when she’s timid around strangers, but I hate when she’s like that with me. And she is more and more often the longer we’re together, like she’s afraid that one day I’ll up and fucking leave.
That text shouldn’t be a question. It should be a statement.I’m going out with the triplets. I’ll call you when I’m home.That’s what she should’ve said.
But she didn’t.
“Nico,” Theo urges. “They’ve been friends long before you two met. She’ll be fine.”
I hate when he’s right. I can’t smother her. She already lets me get away with a lot of shit.
“I know she should go out and that I can’t be with her all the time.” I bang my fists on the table, inhaling a deep breath. “I can’t keep her safe if she’s out alone.”
“She won’t be alone,” Logan points out. “Of all people, the triplets won’t let a hair fall off her head, so what’s this really about? You’re jealous? You need to trust her. She’s a good kid.”
It has nothing to do with trust. I trust Mia more than I trust myself. She doesn’t look at other men, she doesn’t encourage anyone, and she keeps herself safe.
Jesus, she broke Brandon’s nose, for fuck’s sake. She’s not helpless. She just looks it, and that’s messing with my head.
I take another deep breath, sit down, and grab my phone. Mia’s pretty face smiles from the screen, muting the incessant buzzing blanketing my thoughts as I dial.
“Hey,” she answers. I can tell from the tone of her voice she’s uncertain. That she’s questioning texting me in the first place. “I don’t mind staying home.”
A tight rope ties itself around my chest. “You’re not staying home. Go, Mia. Have fun, but I want to know sooner next time so I can drive you.”
She’s silent for a whole ten seconds. “Are you sure? I wasn’t allowed to go out with Aisha—”
“That’s different. And I never said you’re not allowed. You’re mine, baby, but I don’t own you. I don’t make your decisions, I keep you safe, and I don’t trust Aisha to do that.”
“Do you trust your brothers? I don’t want you to worry.”
Like that’s a possibility.
Honest to God, I never stop thinking about Mia. I never stop worrying, and I’m pretty sure I need professional help to fix whatever the fuck is wrong with my head because it can’t be normal that I want to have her wrapped in my arms all the time.
“I do. Have fun but call me if you need me. And call me when you’ve had enough. I’ll come and get you.”
“Okay, I will. I promise, but if you change your mind—”
“I won’t. Be good, baby.”
“Always.”
I’m definitely falling in love with her. So fucking fast.
She cuts the call, and I immediately down the rest of my beer, sending a message to the group chat.
Me: Well played, boys.
Colt: Check, mate, bro. You can’t monopolize Mia like that.
