Page 4 of Rising Star

I buckled Justine in her car seat, kissed both my daughters, and made them promise to be on their best behavior. Mikaella stared at me, a wrinkle across her forehead. The tiny-teen version of her had made a comeback.

She waggled a finger before me. “You better not catch the flu, Daddy. It’s gross when people vomit. Dis-gus-ting. Sabrina threw up in art class once, and it stank soooo bad.”

I raised my hands. “Pinky swear. I’ll do my best, sweet pea.”

With my heart leaping in my throat at the idea my kids were experiencing a new milestone without me, I waved at the car pulling out of the driveway. My lips tilted up at the sight of Riley in daddy mode, driving Devon’s black SUV instead of his usual red sports car. Yeah, it kinda suited him.

Once inside, I rushed to check on Madison. Heaves rocked her body. She flushed the toilet, looking even paler than before.

“My stomach didn’t appreciate the medicine.” A timid smile grazed her lips, her eyes shadowed by dark circles.

She rubbed her upper arms, chills shaking her body.

“Tell me what to do. I’d heat some soup, but I’m not sure you’ll be able to keep it in.” Her teeth chattered. “How about a blanket?”

She nodded. “Please. I’m so cold.”

I returned to the room minutes later with a pile of blankets in my arms, helped her to bed, and wrapped one around her shoulders.

“Better?”

“I’m sorry, Sam. I’m supposed to care for Justine and Mika, not the other way around.”

“Get some rest and stop worrying. The girls left with Ry. Sleep. I’ll check on you later.” I closed her door but left it ajar so that I could hear her if she needed me.

How could I have been so stupid, locking myself in my studio, to have missed Madison being sick?

“See what you did?” I hissed at my dick. “All your fault. You can’t behave, and now we’re hiding from temptation. Nice job.”

I fixed dinner, and for the first time in forever had to eat by myself. No sound filled the lonely silence. I was so used to living in squabbles and giggles that I had forgotten what quiet sounded like.

Even though, for a moment, I enjoyed the calm and knew the girls were safe, my insides coiled at the thought they weren’t around.

Restless, I checked on Madison for the millionth time. The sight of her when I cracked open the door broke my heart. She was now awake, curled upon herself, her legs folded, bringing her knees up to her chest, shivering and teeth chattering.

“Fuck. That bad, huh?”

She lifted her eyes, and her gaze pierced mine.

“Wanna take a bath? I know that’s what I do when I’m not feeling well,” I suggested, shoving my hands in my pockets.

“Yes,” she murmured. “Please. Can you—?”

I nodded. “Gimme a few minutes. I’ll come to get you when it’s ready.”

Hiding in the en-suite bathroom, I exhaled the tension swirling in me. I honestly had no idea what I was doing and guessed I wasn’t the right person to help Madison out. Who else would care for her when there were only the two of us left here?

Why didn’t I insist Devon stay and help her out? That would have made much more sense.

I shook my head, chasing the dreadful thoughts away, and turned on the faucet.

Once the bathtub was full and the water was slightly more than lukewarm, I went to get Madison, who hadn’t moved from her position on the bed. “Still up for that bath?”

She nodded.

With careful steps, I helped her to the other room. I placed a clean towel by the bathtub. “You got everything you need?” I asked.

She whispered a low yes.