Page 90 of Saving Ren

“Not happening, Ren.” I interrupt. Her head jerks back as if I’ve slapped her.

“I can’t borrow your car?” I’m not sure if it’s shock or hurt I hear in her voice.

“You don’t need to borrow my car, I’ll take you to your old place, but you’re not going there without me.”

“Jay’s not there, he’s in Tassie on a golfing trip. He’s not due home till later tonight.”

I hold out my hand and she takes it. I pull her up to stand in front of me.

“I don’t give a fuck. You’re not going back there on your own.”

She folds her arms across her chest, tilts her chin up towards me, and narrows her eyes. I brace myself for her argument.

“How do I explain who you are to my son?”

Well, fuck me. That cut a little deeper than it should.

“He’s a big boy, how about you tell him the truth?”

She lets out a huff.

“And how would you like me to introduce you exactly?”

“Sex God will do. Master also works,” I reply.

She chews on her bottom lip, head again shaking as she fights not to smile.

“I’m thinking Dick Head might be the best option right now.”

“We can go with that too. What exactly is it you need to do at your old place anyway?”

“I need my things, Gabe. My clothes, my hairdryer and straighteners. I just need some of my own stuff around me.”

“You best get your arse into gear then. If you want to do all of that, and get paint and furniture for in here, we need to get going.”

I move my hand to the back of her neck and pull her against me.

“Before we do any of that though, you need to give me a kiss.”

“I reckon I can manage that.”

Wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling herself up on her tiptoes, she does.

* * *

Less than ten minutes later,we’re driving towards Lauren’s in my truck. Her old home is just five minutes from mine, and I instantly recognise her son, who’s standing at the front door when we pull up.

I don’t know him, but I’ve seen his face around over the years. I decide it’s pointless to fuck around with who and what I am to Lauren and climb straight out and walk towards him with my hand out.

“Gabe,” I tell him with a chin lift. “Your mum’s staying at my place.”

He looks a lot like his dad with his dark hair, brows, and eyes, which are narrowed on me right now.

I hear the door of my truck slam shut behind me and realise too late I should’ve helped Lauren out. His eyes slice from me to look over my shoulder before he takes my hand and shakes.

“Ryder East,” he says, giving his own chin lift. “Thanks for looking after her,” he drops my hand and says as he moves past me.

“Not a problem,” I reply, watching him move to the front of my truck.