Chapter TWENTY-TWO ANDRES

“What?” she asked, her gorgeous eyes blinking up at me.

“Mommy! When is dinner?” Sammy called, his little feet making slapping noises on the hardwood floor.

“In a few minutes, Sweetie,” she called out, her gaze still locked on mine. “Andres, you don’t have to say things like that,” she said, her small hands touching my sides.

Fuck.

I loved having her hands on me.

“Yes, I do. Because it’s the truth. Now, listen to me, Gary is a piece of shit. He never deserved you. But I do, Angel. I will always treat you right. And if I don’t, just tell me, trust me, and I will turn it around. I fucking swear it.”

“I know. And I trust you.”

“Good. You also need to know you never have to apologize to me for anything.”

“Andres, that’s not⁠—”

“Yes, it is. And fuck him for making you feel bad for existing. That piece of shit,” I growled, having to close my eyes to control my temper.

Her mouth opened, and I knew she needed to hear this as much as I needed to say it.