Page 29 of Love to Stay

She hits me, and I pretend it hurts, falling to the floor. “Oh no. I’m out for the count.”

“You jerk. Why didn’t you say something?”

I prop myself up on my elbow and gaze at her. This is a nice view. I can see the notch of her legs, the underside of her juicy tits, the bottom of her pert chin jutting out in indignation.

“Because I knew it would pass. I just had to wait him out. I’m just that good, babe. Come down here and I’ll prove it to you.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

JOSIE

“Baby.” Mick kisses my jaw. “I’m heading out,” he whispers into my ear. “If you’re tired, stay put.” My eyes flutter open to see his handsome face.

“I’m not tired.” I yawn, making him smirk. God, I love waking up to it each morning. I reach up and cup his cheek. The simple gold band on my finger catches the light coming in through the curtains of the window. Mick keeps talking about replacing my ring. I told him that wasn't a fight he was going to win.

I love this ring. Our wedding took place spontaneously. At least that’s what Mick's sister Lauren says when she huffs about it. I promised her that the next time we come out to visit, she can plan something small. I, however, don’t think our wedding was last-second. Mick and I have been years in the making.

So after a growly, jealous moment when I’d gotten off a live stream and people had made a few comments about me, Mick was talking about how he needed to wife me. That I needed a ring on my finger so everyone would know I was his. I think he was talking to himself more in a huff. I always found it adorable. I simply said, “Okay. Wife me, then.” The rest is history.

Less than an hour later, I’d been wifed-up and thoroughly fucked. Our wedding bands were bought at the little wedding chapel, and I adore mine. It suits me. Besides, I’m not a diamond girl.

“You were up late.” I had been.

Between the video of Mick going viral and the news of what had happened to me, my identity was out there. Except the mood had changed. Instead of people coming at me for being a female, a whole movement started for females in the gaming industry and protecting them.

With Mick at my side, and us moving to a new condo that has top-notch security, I have felt very safe. Now, I have been putting my face out there, and deals have been rolling in like crazy. I am getting to do what I’ve always wanted. What I’m good at.

“What time is it?”

“Three.”

“Oh shit. You gotta get out of here.”

“I know, but kiss me first.” I press my mouth to his. He tries to deepen the kiss, but I pull away. “Don’t even think about it. I do not need Pedro's wrath because you’re late to your first big fight. Get going.”

“Fine,” he grumbles.

"Win, and you can do all the dirty things you want to me."

“You always let me do all the dirty things I want to you.” That handsome, devilish smirk crosses his face.

“True.” I laugh. “I love you.”

“Love you too.” He kisses me again.

“I’m not going to bed.”

“I know. Lauren and Griff will be here in an hour to pick you up.”

“I—”

“Don’t start,” he orders. My nipples tighten. This is just not the time for me to be getting turned on. But damn do I love how my man can go from sweet and charming to bossy.

“All right, I’ll ride with them.” I give. I know when to pick my battles, and this isn’t one I’m going to win. I just don't want Lauren to have to go out of her way, even though I know she won't really mind.

He gives me one last kiss before he's heading out the door. I wait until I hear the door lock behind him and the alarm re-engage before hastily getting out of bed and rushing toward the bathroom.

I dig under the sink and find the box. I’ve had the pregnancy test for two days now. I was able to order it with a grocery delivery while Mick was at the gym, but I wanted to wait to take it. He didn’t need anything else on his mind, so there was no way I was telling him about it until after his fight. I also didn’t trust myself with the news. I knew there was no way I’d be able to hold it in if I knew. That’s why I’ve waited to take it. Mick is way too adept at reading my moods. He would have been on to me.

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