Lex (Unexpected, #5)

by Cora Rose

“And did you hear about how Fred tried to hide that prostitute under his bed last week? They’re talking about kicking him out now,” Martha says. “Serves him right,” Vikki replies. “He should have never shoved that poor lady under there. Treat her with a little respect. At least offer her the closet or the pantry.”

He won’t be kissing anyone else but me. His mouth is mine. His whole body is mine. I didn’t have parents and I never learned how to share.

I rinse my toothbrush and then hand it to him. When he hesitates, I roll my eyes. “You licked my cum off your fingers last night, and I have excellent dental hygiene.”

“Well, are you going to be rude or introduce us?” Diablo asks, like he gives a flying fuck about politeness. “Diablo, this is William. He’s mine. You can’t have him,” I say saucily. “Not that he’d want you. You have crumbs on your shirt.”

“Who the fuck is Brenda?” Diablo asks, moving toward my kitchen and rummaging through my cabinets. The nosy, hungry fucker. He’s like a bear. A tiny one. He just constantly rummages around for food. Hmm, maybe he’s more like a raccoon.

“She’ll be okay.” “How do you know?” he asks with a sniffle, his eye twitching. “She fell two years ago. She was just hurt and in pain, but she was okay.” He stares at me a frown on his face. “That was entirely unhelpful, William. Why on earth would you tell me that?”

“Who’s going to love me now that she’s gone?” I whisper. William reaches over and clasps my hand. “Me, Lexington. Me. I will love you.”

“Look, enough of this,” Martha says, attempting to get off the couch but she gets stuck a little. “Damn thing,” she says. “I told my son that this couch was too low but he didn’t listen. If you come to visit and can’t find me, the couch probably ate me. Just check between the cushions with the loose change.”

“He’s Brenda’s grandson.” I eye William and smile, feeling myself start to tear up again. “She gave him to me before she left so I wouldn’t be alone. Told us to take care of each other.”