Page 115 of With Wine Comes War

“Like what?” Maybe she’s going to give me a hint about whatever it is she’s planning. I took hold of her hands, gently. Caressing them with my thumbs to let her know she’s safe with me.

“Well, like when they start asking me questions about before we met.” I almost started laughing because I know I’ve heard stories and as much as I don’t want to hear any of it coming from her, it doesn’t really mean shit to me.

“Do you want me to tell you stories about me before we met so you can feel awkward and then we’ll be even?” She laughed and jerked her head from side to side, shoving my shoulder.

“But I’m serious. What if you hear something that bothers you?”Too late.

“Look, nothing in there is going to bother me more than what’s already happened so, don’t worry about me.” She snuggled up next to me, caging me in her arms as she nuzzled into my chest.

“Thank you. I’m sorry.” I wish she would quit saying that.

“Babe, you have nothing to be sorry for. I’m a grown man and you’re a grown woman. We weren’t lucky enough to find each other before we found a bunch of useless relationships.” She clutched me tighter and burrowed her face further into my shoulder.

“For getting you and everyone involved in this,” she mumbled.

“Look, it will work itself out. You’re going to have a lot of support in that courtroom. I hope that it’s over tomorrow, but whatever happens I’m going to be there for you.”

“I hope so.” I cuddled her tightly to me, and we watched a movie as she fell soundlessly asleep on my lap.

I managed to carry her to bed then I went out to the kitchen to clean up. We were going to have leftovers for weeks.

I wonder if you can freeze this food.

I’m glad she went to sleep, now if only I could. I’m so worried about what’s going to happen in this court fiasco. She’s being so cryptic. Going to sleep would probably be the best thing to do so she doesn’t wake up and think I’m gone. I have a feeling we’re all going to need to be on our A game for this event.

Chapter 31

ALEX

That was a restful night’s sleep, but how did I get to bed? Must’ve been the angel next to me. I had that great dream on the beach again too. His eyes fluttered open and a smile followed.

“Hi. Thanks for the lift to bed.” I murmured.

“You’re welcome. How did you sleep?” He mumbled through the most beautiful sleepy brown eyes then yawned.

“It was perfect. Just what the doctor ordered. How about you?” I stretched over and rubbed my hand lazily up and down his arm.

“It took me a while to go to sleep because I was perfectly content watching you sleep so soundly. Did you want to go to the gym?”

I nodded in agreement, “But I just want to sit in the sauna and meditate after I do a little yoga. I need to get my mind in a calm state. I’ve been so hyped up and today is game time.” He inched closer to me, hooking his arms around my waist, closing the distance between us.

“I have something that will calm your mind.” There was a hot, searing look coming out of those eyes now. He kissed my lips and my jawline, working his way down. He was right— this was definitely calming.

After a lovemaking session we went to the gym for some yoga and meditation.

Breakfast was quiet until the phone rang. Matt’s name scrolled across the screen.

“Hi Matt. I have you on speaker, Roman’s here.”

“Hey you two, good morning. Jack’s here as well. We’re heading to the courthouse. Just wanted to let you know that we’ll meet you outside and walk in together.”

Roman asked, “Is that usual practice? Is something wrong?”

I scrunched my brows together and looked at Roman, who now looked somewhat nervous. It had me wondering why he would think that was a big deal or that something might be wrong.

Jack said, “It's not a big deal at all. We just got wind that there’s a bunch of reporters waiting there to make this a zoo and thought it would be better if we all walked in together.” I could feel the anxiety welling up in my chest.

“What the hell for?” I sounded panicky and agitated.

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