It’s been two days since Carlos attacked us, and I can honestly say the entire incident seems to have only brought Drea and me closer together. She’s been a constant at my side, tending to my every need, even putting sex off-limits until my wound heals no matter how hard my dick gets when she’s around.

“You sure you’re okay?” she asks again as we climb the steps of my family home. “This isn’t exactly a short flight of stairs.”

I reach down and take her hand in mine, loving the idea that she worries about me. “I’m good.”

When we make it to the top, I lead her down the hallway to Pop’s quarters. My knuckles rap on the door two times before I push it open. My father’s sitting in his lift chair in front of the TV just as he always does during this time of the day. I tug on Drea’s hand, leading her into the room with me. It’s time I officially introduce the two most important people in my life to one another. “Hey, Pop. I’ve got someone I want you to meet.”

Pop’s green eyes wander over to us, and I know if he could, he would tell me to come on in and have a seat before he launched into a million questions.

I hate that this disease has taken his voice from him. I miss the sound of it.

I throw my arms around Drea's shoulders and pull her tight against my good side. “Pop, this is Drea. She's the leader of my new group, The Vixens, and my girlfriend.”

That earns me a look from Drea. I guess even though I’ve admitted my love to her, I’ve never officially called her my girlfriend before. A smile takes over her beautiful face, clearly pleased with my introduction. She might as well get used to it because that's what she is.

Drea’s attention quickly shifts from me to my father. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Rawlings.”

Pop goes right to work typing furiously on his machine. “You too. Have Seat.”

I pull her over to the couch next to where Pop is sitting, and Pop shuts his television off so that his full attention is directed at us.

“You have a great voice. I listen to tapes and videos,” Pop tells her. “Laz made right choice making you lead.”

That final statement earns a smile from both Drea and myself. Pop’s approval means a lot to me. Other than my own, Pop’s ear is the only one I trust when it comes to music. His statement also means he’s confirming my choice, and he sees her talent. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have said that. Pop’s not one to bullshit anyone. He’s blunt and always has been, so I know he means what he says.

I cradle Drea’s hand in my lap. “I’m glad you approve, Pop. It means a lot coming from you.”

Pop’s eyes flash down to our interlocked fingers. “She worth all the trouble?”

My gaze flits down to Drea’s, and I would redo the little bit of hell we’ve gone through in the past few days ten times over if it meant being with her and keeping her safe. I love this woman with all that I am or could ever wish to be. She means everything to me, so I nod but keep my eyes locked on Drea when I answer Pop. “She’s worth every ounce of trouble this world could possibly throw at me. I love her.”

Drea nibbles on her bottom lip as her smile widens.

“You feel same?” Pop asks, directing the question at Drea.

“Absolutely,” she answers without hesitation and then turns her focus toward Pop. “Laz has taught me so much —not just with music, but also my life. He makes me feel better about myself and encourages me every day to keep pushing to get better. He’s shown me I deserve happiness.”

One corner of Pop’s mouth turns up into a slight smile. It takes a lot to pull that facial expression out of him these days because it requires a lot of effort on his part to get his muscles to cooperate. “Good. Happy for you both.”

Relief washes over me, and for the first time in a very long time, I feel at peace with myself and the choices I’ve made.

Maybe I’m not meant to fuck up my entire life, after all, because it sure as hell feels like I’ve finally gotten something right.