SevenThe night stretched long and restless. I pulled the blankets higher, unable to sleep. The apartment felt too quiet. Eve had gone to her boyfriend's place, so it was just me and the boys.I had locked every door, checked every window twice. Still, I felt exposed, like Xavier was creeping into my space and pressing against the walls.A whimper broke through the silence. Jermaine was calling for me. My heart clenched as I scrambled out of bed and rushed to his side. He was curled up under the covers, struggling to breathe."Oh no, not now," I groaned, my heart banging against my rib cage."Baby," I knelt, brushing curls from his forehead. His skin burned under my palms. His eyes cracked open."Mommy," he said weakly.I scooped him into my arms, cradling him against my chest and rocking him. I reached for the bottle of medicine on the nightstand and pressed it to his lips."Here, sweetheart, just a little sip."He swallowed sluggishly. His breathing still sounded rough, but after a
Last Updated : 2025-03-19 Read more