Page 53

“No, I won’t take your son, because no matter what, I think he needs a mother. But I’m going after full custody and limited visitation until you get your life straight and settled. He will not be exposed to your whoring around.”

The weight of his words sinks in, and her shoulders sag as she starts to tremble. “You can’t take my son.” Her voice cracks.

“I gave you everything in my power, Cyndi, a beautiful home, high-end cars, expensive trips—anything you wanted. All I asked for in return was for you to love me and take care of our family. That’s all I ever wanted. If you couldn’t do that, you should have come to me.”

“Rob, please don’t do this.”

“It’s done. Have your lawyer contact mine.” He turns to leave but stops mid-twist and snaps his fingers, returning to face her. “I like that robe, Cyndi. Liked it when I found it hidden in your car as well. Hope your new boyfriend got a kick out of fucking you endlessly in the lingerie I paid for. That’s the last luxury you’ll ever get out of me.”

On that, he spins and walks away, leaving Cyndi to fall into a wailing heap on the floor. Her boyfriend appears at her side, tryin

g to console her.

Quietly, we back away and shut our door.

“That was… intense.” Maren stands, looking a little pale herself.

“You okay?”

“Yes, but I think I may have just fallen in love with Rob Trek. Did you see him? Dominant, powerful, no-nonsense, and unforgiving. It was totally hot.”

“Are you still drunk?”

“Maybe, but Cyndi’s a dumbass.”

“Oh, yeah, she’s stupid.”

“This is going to sound morbid, because in less than two weeks, we’ve torn apart two marriages, but we’re kinda good at this.”

I nod in agreement. It may be morbid, but we are good at this.

Chapter 11

Walker

I barely have time to brace before Emi leaps on me, legs linking around my waist, arms around my shoulders, fingers fisting my hair. Her lips pepper my face with kisses before landing on mine.

“Hi,” she says between kisses.

“Hi yourself.”

“I’m sorry I got an attitude with you yesterday.”

“If that was your attitude, I think I’ll live through life amused.”

“I’d rather you be amused than annoyed.”

“This how you’re gonna apologize every time you sling attitude?” I squeeze her ass firmly. “Because, if so, I’ll try my best to piss you off often.”

She leans back and grins, skimming her nails on my scalp. “I may have gotten a little excited to see you.”

“Excited is good. Can we get out of your doorway so your neighbors don’t get a show when I kiss you properly?”

Her eyes light up as she nods.

I carry her inside, kicking the door shut, and stop in her foyer. “Did you have a good time?”

She hesitates for a short second, her grin slipping before she nods again. “Yes, it was relaxing.” Something’s off in her tone, but I don’t question it because there are more important things to discuss.