When they finished, she wrapped a towel around herself and walked into the bedroom, where she found a pair of joggers and a tank to put on.
"I'll be right back, okay?" She kissed him as he stretched out on the bed naked.
"Where are you going?"
"Downstairs for a few minutes." She hurried out of the room, down the steps, and into the kitchen.
She grabbed a tub of ice cream out of the freezer and filled two bowls. She returned to the bedroom, handed him the dish, and then climbed over him to sit cross-legged on the bed.
"What's this for?" he asked.
"A treat." She shrugged. "At one time, ice cream always made me feel better."
He grunted. "I didn't know that."
"You don't know everything about me." She raked her teeth over her bottom lip. "But you'll learn."
Cold from the shower, she wiggled until her legs were under the blanket. The ice cream only made her shiver. Meanwhile, Kingsley lay there naked, unbothered by his nudity or the temperature in the room.
He concentrated on scooping bite after bite until he scraped the edge of the bowl with his spoon. "I went to Zora's cabin today."
She concentrated on her next bite of ice cream to hide her surprise. After the truth came out, he hadn't said much about Zora being his mom.
"Sounds like Dad tried to get her some help." He set the bowl to the side. "I couldn't tell if he kept her away from the club while trying to build the membership and start the businesses on Gem Haven or if she chose to stay away. Whichever way it was, Zora permitted him."
"How could she stay away from her kids?" She clamped her mouth shut, not meaning to blurt out the obvious. "I'm sorry. It's none of my—"
"Her mom committed suicide when she was seventeen. She was afraid of repeating the cycle. I didn't ask anymore. That says enough." He sighed.
"Yeah," she whispered, knowing that losing a parent changed her whole life.
Kingsley ran his hands over his face. "I talked to Zane afterward. There's not much we can do, considering Dad's the one who set Zora up in the cabin, and she likes living there. Big John will continue supplying her with food and helping her sell her flowers in town."
"It seems like a lonely life," she whispered.
"No, shit," he muttered. "Told her she was welcome at the house. But I'd like you and River to call me or Zane if she shows up until we know it's safe."
"You think she'll hurt someone?" she asked.
"I'd hope not, but now that I know she's our mom, I'll watch over her."
She leaned over and kissed him. "You're a good person, King."
He grunted. The darkness had left his eyes, and he seemed more relaxed than when he arrived home. She cuddled against him, wrapping her leg over his hip. It felt good to be able to help him when he needed her.
Chapter Nineteen
Kingsley
––––––––
Big John walked into the bar. Kingsley motioned the V.P. to the back booth and scooted over, giving him room.
He pointed at the pitcher. "Grab a beer and knock the road dust off."
"Thanks." Big John filled the mug. "Rough ride. Traffic was stacked up on one another with all the fucking road construction going on, clogging everything up."
Zane planted his elbows on the table and steepled his hands together. "What did you find out about Valdones?"