Page 125 of Property of Stone
Right now she was her son’s sole provider. She needed to focus on her business so she could continue to keep Wren safe, happy, and healthy.
But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t worry.
With a last glance at her son, she headed back to the sink to finish cleaning up the kitchen.
When she got close to Stone, he snagged the waistband of her pants and jerked her hard enough that she slammed into him, the impact causing all the oxygen to flee her lungs.
He dipped his head down to her. “Need to know what you’re thinkin’, babe.”
She tipped her eyes up to his. “I need to thank you again. For saving me that day. In turn, saving Wren from watching his mother be murdered right in front of his eyes. And saving us again when I needed to get out from under the financial burden of that house.” Where they would’ve been sitting ducks if they had stayed. “I also appreciate the fact you explained about your brother despite it being difficult for you.”
“That explanation help you process?”
“Yes, but that still doesn’t mean I can dismiss the violence easily.” She never would, no matter the reason.
“Fair enough.” He tucked his thumb under her chin and dropped his head until his lips hovered over hers.
How could she miss his mouth this much after only three days? Prior to Stone, she went for a few years without sex. Now with him, she couldn’t get enough.
“So, guessin’ that yes also means Baby Bird’s gonna be back sleepin’ in his nest tonight?”
“It wasn’t a no.” A slow, cocky grin spread over his annoyingly handsome face. She grabbed the damp sponge sitting next to the sink and shoved it into his gut. “But first, practice what you preach. Wipe down the counters and table.”
“Asshole’s gettin’out tomorrow mornin’,” Stone grumbled, with one arm tucked under his head.
Their chests still pumped rapidly and they both had a sheen of sweat covering their naked bodies.
“You don’t need to remind me. My stomach has been in knots.” Unfortunately, every time Stone mentioned it, it caused those knots to tighten.
“Figured the best sex in your fuckin’ life helped take your mind off that shit.”
There were too many other hours in the day for the worry to eat at her. “It did. For the thirty seconds it lasted.”
Stone barked out a laugh. “Know that’s a damn lie. Get it right. Best forty seconds of your life.” He quickly sobered. “You talk to your attorney?”
“Yes. He warned Vic’s attorney that he needs to abide by the PFA or he’ll end up back in prison.” Unfortunately, a Protection From Abuse order wasn’t going to stop her ex from killing her. She’d be dead long before the cops could arrive to arrest him for a PFA violation.
“Was he always like that?” Stone rolled to his side and Taryn could feel his eyes drilling into the side of her face. “Was he a wife beater?”
She turned her head to face him. The intense look in Stone’s brown eyes made her breath catch. “No.”
“Then why the fuck did he do that shit? What the fuck changed?”
It was crazy that this man—a man she’d only known for a short time—cared more about her and Wren than the man she used to love and be married to. “Because he thought he could simply walk away from his family scot-free. He got pissed when I didn’t let him slink away like the snake he turned out to be.”
“Where was he slinkin’ to?”
“His best friend’s house.”
Stone jerked his chin into his neck. “He gay?”
“No, but his best friend has a wife. Orhada wife. Neither has a spouse now and Vic no longer has a best friend.”
“Chasin’ pussy can fuck up a man’s life.”
“I’m assuming you’re speaking from experience.” She sighed. “Of course, when I went after child support, I got it. Obviously, Vic wasn’t happy about that. He blamed me, just like when he was arrested. Despite that arrest being a consequence of his own actions.”
“Him bein’ inside means you ain’t gettin’ shit right now. Guess that was one way to avoid payin’.”
