Page 127 of Drowning in Darkness

My mouth gapes until I tell myself to shut it. James took precautions that mean he can’t become a father. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel about it, except with a broken condom, I guess I’m glad.

Because there’s no way I’m ready to be a mom.

FORTY-FOUR

STEPHANIE

No one likes a martyr.

I’m deliciously aching everywhere, and I can’t remember if I’ve ever felt as happy or as content as I do right now, all because my heart has finally settled with a man I trust. That’s pretty special, considering the things I’ve done to survive.

I bury my face in the pillow that still smells of James, my pulse heating just from the reminder. I’m insatiable. I could drown in him and still feel starved.

He left the bed hours ago with a chaste kiss on my forehead and a whispered order for me to rest. But I’m done lying around unless he’s naked here with me, so I crawl out and go in search of another shirt. I pull one on, making myself decent enough before slipping out of the room to search for him.

“You’ll need to be smart to take something right from under the Alderidges’ noses. It’s a bold move,” James says, his deep voice drifting out of his office.

“Makes it all the sweeter when I ruin her. I know your sister is off limits, but I need to send a message that I’m someone they should be scared of.”

I stop just beyond the open door, my breath catching in my throat at the familiar voice belonging to the devil who’s got me hiding out.

“Still, you shouldn’t underestimate the motorcycle club,” James advises.

Christopher scoffs. “I can have them gone with a snap of my fingers. They’re boys in leather playing at being men.”

Wrong. Those men are more dialed in than you could ever hope to be. My brother’s MC might be a clean organization, forgoing the drugs, firearms, and whatever else plagues many of the other clubs across the country, but if attacked, they will retaliate without prejudice.

“So the gala is set?” James checks, and I have to steady my breathing.

“I’m putting pressure on the foundation, and that bitch needs to be taken down a peg or two. Women don’t belong at the helm. In the meantime, I’ve acquired a new one to keep me entertained.”

I grit my teeth and push the door open farther. I have to know what’s happening.

“I’ll let you know when,” Christopher adds. “It would be useful to have you there, another guy in my arsenal. There’ll be eyes, and pulling them away gets me what I want.”

“Of course. Whatever you need.”

He sounds so sincere, and it messes with my mind. I know this is what James does, but…

He turns in his chair, not an ounce of surprise on his face. He offers his hand and arches a brow. My feet move unbidden toward him until I’m sitting on his lap and staring at the phone still connected to Christopher.

“I’ll be in touch.”

“Don’t worry. Everyone will get what they deserve,” James says, looking into my eyes. The meaning is clear as day, but someone like Christopher is utterly clueless. “Come what may, this chase will end.” He cuts off the call and wraps his arms around my waist. “How are you doing this morning, sweetheart?”

I’m not letting him deflect. He should know by now that I need everything spelled out. I tilt my head. “What’s the deal with Christopher?”

He presses his lips into a thin line, and the silence stretches, but I wait him out.

“I think your idea, while dangerous, will work with careful planning. I’m done making you hide away. It should be your right to walk in the light and not look over your shoulder at every turn.”

“Does Camryn know?”

He shakes his head. “She won’t approve. Plus, I’m being cognizant of the leaks in her immediate leadership. I’ve let her know we need to talk. And for the record, I also don’t approve, but I’m trying to mitigate the risk of you doing something chaotic.”

I smile. At least he’s figured out who he’s dealing with. “Hmm, I guess I can understand that. But she needs to know, right?”

James sighs, shrugging one shoulder. “We’ll get there.” He scoops me into his arms and stands. “But for now, I’m hungry. Breakfast?”