Page 109 of Blinded By Hate

Even being far from him with people walking around us, I already know he is clenching his jaw.

Hayden puts on a mask and turns to Junior, asking him something. Junior looks up and smiles when he sees us.

Junior waves at Brandon making Brandon wave back.

“I never told him about you,” I admit. I look at Brandon and he’s now looking at me. “Sorry.”

Brandon sighs and nods his head lightly. “I have a feeling he’s going to threaten me or something.”

I shake my head. “I won’t let him. You’re my friend Brandon and a part of Junior’s life. Hayden will understand that.”

“I just don’t want him to think I’m taking his position.”

“He won’t. Trust me.” I look back at Hayden and Junior but instead of pointing to different fish, they are now walking up to us. I force a smile on my face. “All done playing baby?” I ask as they walk up to us.

“Yea. I’m tired and want to eat,” Junior says as he walks up to me and wraps his tiny arms around my legs.

“I did promise you cinnamon rolls, didn’t I?” I say, touching the strands of his hair once he’s close enough.

Junior smiles and jumps up and down. “Yes, yes, yes! And watch a movie! Spiderman!”

I look at Hayden and see him smiling down at Junior. But it’s not genuine. He’s just doing it so he doesn’t worry Junior.

“Okay, then we’ll head out.”

“Brandon!”

Junior runs towards Brandon and hugs his legs while Brandon hugs him back. I look at Hayden for a second but I swear in that second, I can see and almost feel how pissed off he is.

He’s glaring at Brandon and his jaw’s clenched.

“Let’s go, baby,” I say, moving away from Hayden to hold Junior's hand.

We eventually leave the aquarium in Hayden’s town car. I asked Hayden if we could give Brandon a ride since he lives in my complex.

Hayden didn’t like hearing that at all but then he looked down at Junior and said ‘yes’.

Hayden was still giving Brandon the stink eye while staying silent during the drive back to the apartment. Only talking and smiling to Junior.

“Can my papa come?” Junior asks once we get to the building.

I look at Hayden and see him staring at me. “I don’t think so, baby. Your papa has things to do for the rest of the night.”

“I’ll be here again tomorrow,” Hayden says, making Junior cheer and hug Hayden.

“You guys go inside and I’ll meet you up there,” I say to Junior and Brandon.

Junior lets go of Hayden and goes to Brandon. “Bye, papa! See you tomorrow!” Junior yells while waving goodbye.

I turn to face Hayden and see him glaring down at me.

Him glaring always reminds me of our times in college when he had a mad or serious expression on his face.

Or when he used to hate me and gave me these specific looks filled with lust but also hate.

“Brandon’s a friend. You don’t need to worry about him.”

Hayden shakes his head and walks closer to me. “I’m not worried about him.”