Claimed by my Brother’s Best Friends (Alyssa) novel Chapter 42

Alyssa

Zuri's loud cry jolts me out of my sleep, my heart racing as I groggily look around for her. I find Niko standing over me, holding my screaming baby. Her face is red, and she's reaching out desperately for me.

I sit up so fast it's like I'm the Undertaker coming back to life. "Oh my god. Is she okay?" I ask, my voice thick with sleep as I pull her into my arms, trying to soothe her.

"Yeah, I think she just wanted her mama," Niko replies, his tone calm and reassuring.

He's right. The moment she feels my warmth, her cries cease, and she settles against me. It feels so fucking good to know that she still misses me, even when she's with her new favorite person.

"I fed her dinner already and gave her a night bottle," Niko continues, watching me carefully. "Wiped her gums and two little teeth clean too, like I've seen you do every night. So, she should be ready to sleep soon."

I blink, surprised. "Wow...thank you."

Niko really is amazing with her, and he seems to pay attention to everything I do so he can replicate it on his own. It's sad that her own father never put in this much effort.

"How was King with her?" I ask, my voice tinged with curiosity.

This was only the second time he's been alone with her, and I can only imagine how that went. I'm surprised he even offered to watch her at all. That was nice of him after he managed to fuck the life out of me.

Niko grins. "When Mason and I came back, she was just chilling with him."

His eyes flicker to my chest, and I suddenly remember that I'm completely naked, and my breasts are just hanging out like two deflated balloons. I blush and quickly yank the blanket over my bare chest.

I hadn't meant to fall asleep after King said he'd watch Zuri, but I was so out of it, I just passed out. I know how dangerous it is to give in to King, but I crave the rough way he fucks me, the way he makes me feel alive.

Niko's voice cuts through my thoughts. "Do you want to talk about anything?" he asks gently, sitting at the edge of the bed. "I'm here if you do."

I force a smile, appreciating his concern. "Thanks, Niko, but I'm good."

He doesn't look convinced, his eyes searching mine. There's no pity in his gaze, just a guarded look that I can't quite read.

"I know what you probably heard about earlier," I add, quietly, "but I don't want to revisit that again tonight."

His expression softens, and he nods. "I understand, but if you ever do, you know where to find me."

I nod in return, appreciating his offer more than I can say. There's no way in hell I can talk about it now, but maybe one day. When the wound scabs over again.

"Do you want to watch a movie?" Niko asks, rising from the bed. "She's asleep now, so we've got some time."

I glance down to see that Zuri is indeed asleep in my arms, her little chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

I guess I am free tonight then.

"Sure," I agree, realizing I could use the distraction. I don't want to stay up all night by myself drowning in my own mind.