Page 163 of Scandalous Contract

“No. It was helpful.”

“I’ll keep monitoring his credit and debit cards. And if his cell phone pings anywhere and if his license plate is pinged on any cameras, I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks, Rashad.”

“No problem.”

Ending the call, I tossed the phone onto the bed and sighed. What the hell was Hudson up to? I knew it couldn’t be good, and I knew it had to involve Stefanie. Instead of warning him to stay away from her, I should’ve just killed the bastard.

This was on me. I hadn’t done what I was supposed to do. But I was going to fix it. I wanted to pack up and drive to Hattiesburg to be near Stefanie. However, I knew she wouldn’t want that.

She’d be happy to see me. But my presence would make her feel crowded, nervous, and pressured. I wasn’t going to do that to her. Instead, I made a quick call to the guy I had tailing her and India to let him know to be extra alert.

I also asked if he’d noticed anyone suspicious around them. So far, nothing suspicious had happened. I ended the call still feeling anxious. I was trying my best not to bother her during her time with her daughter, but if I didn’t hear her voice soon, I’d do something fucked up.

Like drive down to where she was, snatch her ass up and bring her home where I could keep my eyes on her. Sighing, I grabbed the phone again, needing to hear her voice. I pressed call and waited. She answered on the second ring.

STEFANIE: I miss you.

Her sweet voice filled the line and I closed my eyes, so damn happy to hear her. I never fucking thought I could love someone outside my family this damn much. Then she showed up and showed me that a man doesn’t truly begin to love until he meets the woman who was made for him.

I love my family because we’re blood. I was born into their lives. We love each other by default. But when you find the right woman, the woman that’s made for you, ain’t no default setting for that. That love is on an entirely different level.

STEFANIE: Hello. You there?

JULIAN: Yeah, yeah. I’m here, baby.

STEFANIE: I thought we’d gotten disconnected.

JULIAN: No. I’m here. Just savoring the sound of your voice.

Her sweet laughter filled the line, and my chest ached. I missed that sound in the house.

JULIAN:How’s things going there?

STEFANIE:Good. I’m still worn out from India’s birthday party. Today, we played board games and hung out. Tomorrow, Ronnie is barbecuing and we’re going to spend the day in the pool. Right now, India’s knocked out in her room. And I’m lying in bed, watching Asian Dramas on my phone.

JULIAN: Did I interrupt your Drama?

STEFANIE: Of course, not. What about you? What are you doing?

JULIAN:Missing you. It’s too damn quiet here. The bed feels cold. My cock feels lonely.

She chuckled.

STEFANIE:Poor thing. Maybe you should let me say goodnight to him.

I burst out laughing as I lay back down on the bed, feeling like I was back in high school, talking on the phone with a girl I had a crush on.

STEFANIE: Why are you laughing? I’m serious. Put him on the phone.

JULIAN: You want me to put my dick on the phone?

STEFANIE: Yes, I want to say goodnight to him.

I laughed again. She was silly as hell. I loved that about her. I slid my hand into the slit in my boxers and freed my semi-hard cock. I put the phone on speaker phone, then tapped my cock against it.

JULIAN: You hear that?