“You have her, don’t you? She’s min—”
I land a hard kick to his side, stopping him from trying to voice any claim to her. Then I lean down, getting close to him.
“You listen, and you listen good. Call the cops, but no one is going to believe your word over mine. Besides, you wouldn’t make it to pressing charges. I’d be damn sure of that. The only reason you’re breathing right now is because of her. I don’t think her heart could take knowing I killed you, something I very much want to do,” I snarl. As cold as it sounds, ending his life means nothing to me. Some animals just need to be put down.
“If you go trying to throw me in jail, taking me away from her, I’ll have a change of heart and finish what I’m itching to do. Nod if you understand me.”
He nods, keeping his mouth shut.
“Now you’re going to get your shit and get the fuck out of here. Come noon tomorrow, this house won’t be standing. You’ve got until then.” I stand up. “I’d make sure wherever you go, it isn’t inside the state of Texas.” With that, I turn and leave.
I came in wanting to get her stuff, but there isn’t anything worth taking. She doesn’t need something from here. I’ll give her everything she ever needs and wipe away all reminders of the life she had here. I want to wash away this place from her memory so it’s never a thought in her mind.
I slide into my truck and head back towards home. The anger still weighs down on me. I wanted to do more to him. The thought of him slapping her around makes me clench the steering wheel, and I hear it groan under my hold. I know there’s only one thing that is going to cool me and it’s her. I need her sweetness back on me.
“Shit,” I mutter when I see Ty’s truck parked outside the house. I park my truck and dash in the front door, stopping in my tracks when I see my baby doll holding little Ty Junior. Warmth spreads in my chest. Her face lights up when she sees me, and she hands the toddler back to MJ. Then she runs at me like she always does, jumping into my arms.
I catch her as she buries her face in my neck.
“Tell me everything’s okay,” she pleads.
“Where are you, baby doll?” I ask.
“In your arms.”
“Then yeah, everything is perfect.” She leans back to look at me. “Don’t ever think about him or that place again. We’re done with it. It’s all over.”
“Your brother and MJ are here. They brought their son. He’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Ty said I can babysit him anytime I want.” Her face lights up, thoughts of her father already out of her mind.
“I’m sure he did.” I look over her shoulder at Ty, who’s got a shit-eating grin on his face. Ty loves his son, but he also likes his alone-time with his wife. I’ve gone over and babysat for them a few times before, too.
“We can leave him tonight if you like,” Ty says.
“No,” I reply instantly, and MJ rolls her eyes.
“Leave them alone, Ty. They’re like newlyweds over here,” MJ says.
“Not yet, but what’s the waiting period in Texas?” I ask.
“Three days,” Ty answers. I knew he’d know. I’m not sure he waited even those three days. I have a feeling Ty might have bribed a judge to marry them without waiting. I would have to get the name of whoever it was.
Or maybe I could take her somewhere and marry her. I have a feeling my baby doll hasn’t seen a lot, and I’m going to make sure she sees everything her heart desires.
“You going to marry me, baby doll?”
Her eyes fill with tears as she nods. I lean in, taking her lips in a kiss. I ignore my family as I carry her up the stairs, still kissing her. I hear a faint goodbye from MJ, and Addison laughs. When I get to the bedroom, I lay her down, not taking my lips from hers.
When I finally pull my mouth from hers, I look down and see she’s a little dazed.
“This is your home now. Our home. You can come and go as you please and do any damn thing you want. Or have whatever you want. You ask me to do something and I’ll do it. The only time I’ll ever tell you no is when I think you could get hurt.” She nods and smiles up at me. “Also, I have a feeling I’m going to be a jealous bastard, so you might have to deal with that.”
“Sounds perfect to me. More than perfect.” She wraps her arms around my neck, snuggling against me.
“I’m about to show you how perfect I think you are, baby doll. How perfect you are for me.”
10
Addison
I lie back on the bed as Trace undresses me and then undresses himself. It feels like I haven’t had him in days, but it’s only been a couple of hours. My body begs for him as I spread my legs and then run my hands over my breasts, taunting him.