Page 86 of Riot

He stands, kissing me chastely. “Better get outta here before I undress you.”

“Promises, promises.”

I lean down to pat Cookie, telling him I’ll see him soon and that Daddy’s going to look after him today. When I rise, Riot has that look in his eyes that makes my insides turn to jelly.

“I know what you’re thinking, and I don’t have time,” I warn him.

He smirks. “What am I thinkin’?”

“With your dick.”

“Can a man help it with you lookin’ good enough to do over the kitchen table?”

“Ooh, save that thought.” I kiss him on the lips and he fondles my ass. “Riot!”

He smirks against my mouth and reluctantly lets me go. I’ve had so much sex this weekend, I’m barely able to remember what it’s like to feel unsatisfied. Riot ticks every single box, every single time.

“Bye!”

“Be good,Kitten.We’ll see you later.”

I wave as I leave the apartment, my heart tugging just a little. Having him in my house, and Cookie too, it’s a new sensation for me. Missing someone. Someone missing me.

I smile to myself. I think I like it.

Star never arrives early on a Monday, but it gives me time to catch up on emails and any enquiries that have come through over the weekend.

We run a tight ship here, and I make sure that Star has everything she needs so she can go off and do all her detective work smoothly.

My phone buzzes on my desk and I’m shocked when I see a text from my mom.

Mom:

Halo, we need to talk.

I sigh. I’m not having this conversation at work, it can wait. Especially because I know exactly what it’ll be about. Ian and his big, giant mouth.

I take a deep breath.

You’re happy.

You’re whole.

You’re complete.

I recite my mantra and click my phone off. I never called my parents back because I have nothing to say to them. The last thing I need is a damn lecture from either of them.

I’m a grown ass woman, and if they can’t accept my life choices, then that’s on them.

I spent too many years fighting to feel good about myself to just throw it all to the wind.

I know that I’m not going to crack under the pressure, either. They can either apologize and we can try to move past it, or I just won’t be in their life. Just like I haven’t been for the last six months.

“Well hello, Tiger,” Star sing-songs as I glance up from my screen. I was so engrossed in the calendar that I didn’t even hear her come in.

“Hey, babes. How was your weekend?”

She takes her jacket off and hangs it on the hook, giving me a look over her shoulder. “Not as fun as yours, I’ll bet. I’ve barely had a text in two days.”

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