Page 17 of Finding Fate

The truth is, I love him, and we’ve lost enough time. Sitting in that room, locked away like a criminal, I had a lot of time to think. And in all of that thought process I never expected someone to show up like a white knight to rescue me. Once again, I was without him, and now he’s here, right in front of me. I’d rather hold on to the good than stew on the bad. I’m going to fight for my freedom to love who I want to or die trying, because he makes it worth it. You don’t have to forget that someone has wronged you or be a doormat to forgive them. This is my forgiveness. “Put it in,” I repeat.

And just like that night in the back of his truck, at thirteen, when I gave him the one thing I’ve still never given another guy to date, he pushes inside of me. “Shit.”

With one word of motivation from him, I push up with my legs and pump up and down on him. Instead of his hands going for my breasts they go for my face, already pulling me in for a kiss. Emotions high and love running deep, within ten minutes he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close, so that his body is aligned with mine when he comes inside of me. “I know I don’t deserve you,” he says, his forehead pressed against mine, and his thumb traces along the tattoo of his name behind my left ear, confirming he didn’t forget it was there. “But I swear on my life I’ll make it up to you.”

I push off of him and stand to turn off the water that’s cold, already reaching for my pile of clothes on the floor that are soaked, wringing them out. I’ll find a towel. “Yeah, you will, starting tonight. You’re going to sit here sober while you watch me drink, and then you’re going to take me to the same nightclub you were at last night and watch me dance with whoever the fuck I want while it crawls all up and down your spine and pisses you off.”

He stands in a hurry, pulling up his shorts as I walk out of the shower in search for a towel. “Over my dead body,” he says when I locate the linen closet, turning on that internal villainous side I hide so well until it’s needed, like earlier.

I pull a towel out and wrap it around my body, tucking it, and then turn around and look at him. “Watch me.”

“Gabby,” he says, his voice more of a plea this time. “I said I was sorry. I thought that was us moving on.”

“I forgive you, baby, but I believe in equality. You fell in love with a vengeful person, and as long as you have me, you could go months without sex if I asked you to. Your jealousy is your crutch, and I’m playing hardball. You still gave away something that’s mine. What’s fair is fair. Payback’s a bitch.”

His jaw locks. Getting mad already. Perfect. I turn around to walk out of the bathroom. He grabs my arm. “You’re not going out there like that. I’ll go get you some clothes.”

I press my lips to his. “Try and stop me.”

When I turn and walk out, I can hear him on my heels. “Gabby,” he barks, as I come into the kitchen where everyone is standing. Presley raises her brows. I wink at her, making her laugh out. Riggan smiles at me. “What the fuck are you looking at?” Maddox yells from behind me.

“Oh, I’m going to sit back and watch and thoroughly enjoy being on this side of it,” Riggan returns.

I stop when I hit the door, causing Maddox to grab my hips to avoid running into me. “Club night if anyone wants to join. Maddox here is going to watch me have a little fun.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Konnor says, an ever-growing smirk on his face.

“I guess it’s a good thing I’m off tonight,” Riggan adds.

I continue on my trek toward the stairs, the sound of a fist driving into a doorframe occurring behind me. And this is how you keep your man faithful—by reminding him there are always other men that want you if he doesn’t keep it zipped up. I’m not a weak bitch. I have zero tolerance for sharing.

Twelve

Maddox

Igrip the top sides of the doorframe to my room, my head falling against the closed door that’s been locked for the past two hours—since she woke up from a nap and took a shower. I sat against the door and watched her sleep, too scared to fall asleep with her this time. “Gab, let me in.”

Just like she’s done the last hour, she doesn’t answer me. “You hiding her makes so much sense now. She’s a fireball.”

I sigh, before looking over at Riggan standing on the top step of the staircase, drinking a beer. He leans his shoulder against the wall, clearly making himself comfortable. “Laugh it up, asshole. You’re welcome to stay here.”

Konnor comes up and stops on the step behind him, also holding a beer. “The groveling Maddox is much more entertaining.”

I growl, irritated. “Shouldn’t you feel like shit drinking in front of your pregnant wives? I’m a big boy. I can deal with this without an audience.”

“A, wife and fiancé. Riggan isn’t married yet. B, I have been informed I have a solid DD for nine months by the coolest fucking wife there is. Riggan doesn’t even run dry before Blondie is cracking open another one. She really likes Riggan drunk sex and is on a mission to make Maddox happy again, so we have been given the green light to drink whatever the hell we want. They are downstairs making their little pregnancy approved cocktails as we speak.” He tips his beer at me. “And this will be so much better to watch behind beer goggles.” He smirks. “I’ve partied with Gabby. I know how she rolls,” he says, goading me.

My jaw locks down. “And how does Presley feel about your little secret friendship with my girl?”

He fucking smiles. “Didn’t you hear? They’re BFFs now. Don’t fuck up again. You’ll likely be the one homeless, not her.”

“When the hell is Landon coming back? Two weeks is a long fucking time to deal with this shit. I need a level playing field. You two are dicks together.”

He laughs. “Nope, just been there and done that. Earned a nice little badge and all. When you’re done being a fuck-up like we were, you will join us and then we can all three gang up on Landon when he finds a love interest.”

“Good luck with that. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Landon put up with a girl for more than a few months at a time.”

“He just hasn’t met the right one.”

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