The Ties That Bind Us: (The Ties Duet Part One) Danda K. (dark academia books to read TXT) 📖

currently taking up space in the apartment that has me wishing I fell into a ditch on my way back home.

“Hey baby, I thought you had work?” Jaxon gives me an uncomfortable smile. The bitch rolls her eyes at his pet name for me.

I place my Jansport down on the floor and take off my boots. “There was a mix up with scheduling. I wasn’t supposed to work today.”

Gelissa checks her nails as Jaxon blurts out, “Gelissa has a job interview.” He gives me a yeah right look and continues, “She needs me to take the baby tonight so she can go.”

I nod my head and smile tightly as I continue taking off my layers from the cold.

I walk past Jaxon to head to the kitchen, but he grabs my arm to stop me, placing his usual kiss hello on my cheek. Gelissa clears her throat, and I continue into the kitchen. I listen to their exchange as I open the fridge for no reason other than to be close by and make sure she isn’t going to try and squeeze any more money out of him. They ramble on about some stuff with custody agreements and discuss Emersyn’s upcoming pediatrician appointment.

I notice Gelissa has been acting much sweeter to Jaxon than usual during their encounters, especially when I’m around. I got her number, though. I may have been closed off to the world for a long time, but I can spot a devious bitch from a mile away.

Emersyn runs over to her mom, hides behind her legs, and then sticks her head out to play peek-a-boo with Jaxon. He goes along with her, faking shock every time she pops out and yells. Gelissa picks her up, and the baby continues to try to keep Jaxon’s attention. Although this is a completely innocent exchange between Jaxon and his daughter, I know Gelissa is enjoying it way too much. She has a sly grin on her face that I know is aimed right for me, even though she hasn’t looked my way once.

Emersyn reaches out for Jaxon, and he grabs her and holds her in his arms. She rubs her nose against his then reaches back towards Gelissa. “Mama.” She reaches out for her now, and Gelissa steps closer to Jaxon as he freezes in discomfort. His back is towards me, so he can’t tell I’ve been side-eyeing them the whole time from behind the refrigerator door.

But Gelissa knows, and I know she’s going along with this just for my benefit. She wants to shove the one thing she does have with Jaxon in my face. The one thing I’ll probably never have, his child.

At this point, Gelissa is close enough for Emersyn to pull her in by the back of her neck.

“Mama... Daddy...hug.” Emersyn tries to pull them both in for a group hug, and it’s at this moment Gelissa subtly winks my way as she closes the space between them.

I swear if that baby wasn’t in such close proximity to her, I’d fly through this kitchen window and throat punch her. Jaxon steps out of the embrace immediately and distracts Emersyn with tickles as she doubles over in laughter.

Gelissa shakes off his rejection, looking to the side as he continues to play with his daughter. He puts Emersyn down on the floor, and she runs off towards her toys again.

“Well,” Gelissa drags out the word. “I’m gonna get going.” With a devilish grin, she rubs his arm up and down with her hand. “Take care of our baby, Jaxon.” She bats her eyelashes at him as he grabs her wrist and slowly removes it from his body. Ouch.

He looks over at the baby before whispering something in Gelissa’s ear, which I’m assuming isn’t too pleasant because she scoffs and forcefully pulls her hand out of his grasp. Adjusting her bag on her shoulder, she storms out without even saying good-bye to her daughter.

Once the door closes, Jaxon turns a worried eye towards the kitchen. I’m assuming to see if I caught any of their confrontation. God, I hate that bitch. I pretend to be busy, not wanting him to think I’m a crazy, jealous girlfriend.

Which I obviously am. I feel him behind me as I rinse my hands in the sink.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call and let you know she was coming here.” He squeezes my sides as he kisses my shoulder, so I turn around to face him.

“You know she still has feelings for you, right?” I look down, feeling insecure.

“She isn’t capable of having genuine feelings for anyone, Nyx. She’s a narcissistic sociopath.” He takes my face in his hands. “And even if she was capable, I don’t give a shit. She’s the mother of my child, that’s it, so she’ll have to be a part of my life for a long time. But never more than that.”

“She definitely wants more Jaxon, I can tell. I wouldn’t be surprised if she tries to get back with you.” I look up at him now, feeling another pang of jealousy rise from my gut. “She may want to try and be a family for Emersyn.”

He laughs out loud. “Baby, trust me. I know her. She’s way too selfish for any of that. And I would never want anything more with her, so it wouldn’t matter. I love you. You’re the only crazy lady I want in my bed.”

Wiggling his eyebrows at me, Jaxon reaches behind me with both hands and squeezes my butt. I feel better about it now, sure, but a part of me can’t help but wonder if I’m holding Emersyn back from having a mom and a dad.

Something I never had. Not really anyway.

“Daddy!” I hear Emersyn’s little voice from behind him as she runs into the kitchen, leaving a trail of toys behind her. She reaches her hand up to give Jaxon a teacup, and he takes a long and exaggerated sip. She takes his hand and drags him back into the living room, where I look to find all her tea set toys out.

Still feeling