One Percent of You

by Michelle Gross

“Don’t apologize. Never apologize to me. I want to be that shoulder you need to cry on.” He tapped it. “Go on, use me all you want.”

She cried because she thought she’d really not be allowed to see me again.” He chuckled. “Like I’d let you guys go.”

I couldn’t deny it anymore. I wanted that. I wanted them. With me. As my family. I wanted Hadley—all pieces of her.

His expression turned somber as he drew. “I’m glad that happened. The thought of not knowing you guys.” He pointed to his chest slowly before rubbing it. “Hurts right here.”

Deep down, instead of princes, I thought maybe every woman wanted gentle monsters. Someone strong—scary enough to keep all the bad things away—and gentle only to those he loved.

“You really are a pretty little thing, Hadley,” his voice was deeper, husky—purely sexual. “Instead of gorgeous, I was thinking more along the lines of how fucking edible you look in that dress.”

Well, I wanted more. I wanted to come home to them one day. I wanted to be always there Elijah… Never leaving Elijah… Husband Elijah… Stepdad Elijah… Forever Elijah…

“One day, baby, when we’re old and gray, I’m going to look over at you while we’re sitting on the porch and tell you how these tears were wasted.” She cried harder as she opened her eyes. “God bless… You’re serious!” “One hundred percent.” I cupped her cheeks in my hands. “That one percent of you… I want it.”

“They have me. Whatever I can be, I’ll be for those two. I love all your pieces, especially the ones that call you mom. I hope one day they’ll come to me instead of just you when they need something because I’ll be here.”

“I love you.” “I’ve been in love with you. You’ve made me all domestic and shit.”