Page 129 of After Midnight
Me and Gianna both lifted our heads.
"I'm here, buddy. Are you okay?" I asked, voice husky with sleep.
"I had a bad dream. Can I sleep with you?"
Before I could respond, Gianna did, "Of course, sweetheart."
Melo gasped. "You're here too, GG?"
She laughed. "I am, little handsome." Making some room between us, she patted the bed. "Come on in."
Melo dashed over and I helped him climb in. He settled in between us as Gianna adjusted the blanket around us.
"Comfy?" she asked gently.
"Mmhm." Melo hummed happily. "I'm happy you here, GG. Can you be here more?"
She looked over at me. "Yeah, sweetheart. I'll be here as long as you need me." Dipping her head, she kissed the top of his head. "Get some sleep. We have pancakes to make in the morning."
His head shot up. "With chocolate chips?"
"Withchocolate chips."
"Yay!"
Chuckling, I wrapped my arm around the two of them. "Gianna?" I whispered into the dark after a while.
"Yes," she whispered back.
"I love you. Thank you, beautiful. For everything."
I could hear the smile in her voice. "You don't have to thank me, babe. I love you too. Both of you."
And as I settled into sleep with my babies lying next to me…I swear I had the best sleep I had in years.
Chapter 31
Iwas on my way to Madam's office when I heard his voice.
Boss.
My steps slowed automatically.
He was back?
The door wasn't fully closed but cracked just enough for me to hear his voice carry out into the hallway low and sharp. "You've done it before," he said. "Just clear her schedule."
My stomach tightened instantly. I already knew who he meant. Gianna. Offuckingcourse.
I moved closer, stopping just outside the doorway as Madam let out one of those little sighs, she did whenever a man was testing her patience.
"Bishop," she replied calmly. "you've already monopolized a considerable amount of Gianna's time over the last week."
"And I paid for it. Generously. 20k with no problem."
My stomach dropped, heart slamming against my chest. He paid 20k for her last week? Are you fucking kidding me?
"You did," Madam agreed. "With interest, and it's appreciated. However, she's booked for the next two weeks."
