The Damned [G-eazy] Book 2

Power Trip

Gerald POV

I leaned against the archway listening to Danny talk to Leo. I'd never seen her so down on her birthday it damn near killed me. I cleared my throat and walked into the room watching her look down at her son. He was already fast asleep in her arms.

"You want me to take him up to his crib?" I sat down and she looked to me.

"Su-Sure." I nodded as she handed him to me. He was a handsome boy and there was no doubting that much. I carried him upstairs and settled him in his cot.

"You're mom...she really loves you." I mumbled and placed a kiss to his forehead. "I'm sorry your dad can't be here, but I'm gonna teach you everything I can... Just like my son Kevin. See I grew up without a dad and it was rough. I got picked on and shit." I mumbled, playing with my Rolex absentmindedly. "I don't want that for you Leo. I told Kevin this and I'll tell you both as you grow up that you're dad was honestly the best. I didn't tell Danny this because I know it'd make her feel worse about it all.... Aaron used the last energy he had to call 911 so you all could be safe. I wouldn't have thought like that at all. I would have fucking panicked." I chewed on my lip. "I love your mom and I love you just like my son. Nobody is gonna hurt you. I promise." I turned around and there she was staring at me. I slowly walked out of Leo's room yet she just backed up into the wall in the hallway.

"Ger-Gerald. What-What did you just say?"

"I told him he's not growing up without a dad Danny. Just cause he's someone else's kid doesn't mean I'm gonna do you like that and treat Kevin better than him. I get he's not mine and you're not mine, but he's Kevin's brother. He deserves that at least." Only now did I realize how close me were as she looked up at me. She was so broken and coy now that I barely recognized the powerful woman I once new.

I took a chance and gently brushed my hand against her cheek before leaning down and kissing her. She didn't push me away and instead her hands gripped the fabric of my jacket to pull me closer. Yet she dipped her head away from me. The troubled part of me wanted more. I wanted to carry her away and disappear for a few hours by making love. Yet I pulled away to only a gap between us. Giving her the space she wanted.

"Dee sorry. Wrong way of comforting you." I mumbled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. She nodded slowly before her fingers coiled into mine. It felt funny holding her hand due to the half of a ring finger. I didn't care that physically she looked a tiny different.

"Yeah... So.... Cake?" She laughed slightly and glanced towards the stairs, I couldn't help but chuckle at her awkward conversation change. I nodded and followed her down, only letting go of her hand for those moments. I glanced to the others then watched Danny cut her slice of cake. A misgevrious grin on her lips as she looked to me than Ellie. "Mr. Gillum." She stood beside me and handed me the plate.

"Don't I need a fork?"

"Nah... watch and observe." She picked up the slice by the cake part before chucking it at Ellie who wasn't facing us. "O MY GOD GERALD." O she started a war. Ellie turned around slowly and looked at me as if I'd just ruined some Gucci shoes. Ellie grabbed some cake and threw it at me before everyone joined in making the kitchen a mess. Grady had icing all over. My clothes were ruined and Danny was laughing with Ellie licking icing off their fingers. For a moment I saw the old her surface that giant smile and contagious laugh.

I grabbed her arm and pulled her to me, I knew everyone was watching as I hugged. I loved seeing her like this and I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it. She pulled away and glanced around to everyone before laughing softly and very shy. She was quick to create distance.

"So does that mean Gerald is cleaning up the kitchen?" Danny laughed at Lani's joke.

"It can wait till tomorrow. Why don't we all just shower. Plenty of guest rooms and sofas around for everyone to stay." She smiled then glanced to me. "Ellie and her wandered upstairs to clean up and I looked to the others.

"If and this is a BIG IF G..." Lani pained icing on her face like war paint. "Danny gives involved with you again and you dare fucking hurt her. I will personally slice your dick off and feed it to my Rottweiler."

"I ain't gonna do her wrong..."

"You won't get the chance cause you'll be dead."

"I'll feed the rest of you to my corgi." Richard chuckled before carrying Jess covered in cake. "If you excuse me I'm having my dessert upstairs." Only laughed and watched as everyone went upstairs. I cleaned up some of the mess before hearing someone clear their throat.

"Go ahead and shower. I'll handle it in the morning." I glanced to Danny who was bundled in her robe. "Guest room across from mine is open." I nodded and walked by her, up the stairs. I showered and changed into clothes I'd had in a duffel with me. I was always prepared to travel. Yet when I changed I could see her door open.

I stood and wandered across the hall. Her room was amazing, more than it was at our house. She was asleep and coiled in a ball with a book in her grasp. I sighed and clicked off her light, taking the book and marking the page. She turned slightly before I pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"You're gonna be okay... happy birthday Danny." I stood and walked into my room. Little did I know she was awake and brushing her fingers along her forehead, deep in thought.