Page 64 of War

Orgasms? Like it or not? What the hell?

I’m still blinking, frozen in shock, when the bedroom door upstairs slams. What the fuck just happened? And is this all because of the petition to adopt Josie?

So maybe I didn’t actually read every word, but Madi and I discussed it in detail. There isn’t a single line in it that should have upset Ava like that.

I bolt out of my seat and stride for my office, determined to get to the bottom of this. But as I cross the threshold, the front door swings open, and Josie screams “Tyler, we’re home!”

And just like that, my night is consumed by the three kids I missed more than I ever could have imagined possible before I met them. Hugs and bath time take priority, followed by three stories too many. It’s after ten when I finally sit at my desk and leaf through the stack of papers on top.

Contract for Marriage

What the…?

I flip through page after page, my jaw dropping farther as I scan each one.Shit. I’ve seen this before. It’s the damn contract Hall sent to me over Christmas. I must have accidentally sent this to the printer, rather than Madi’s petition.Fuck.

My stomach sinks, and my heart goes with it when I get to the last page and see Ava’s signature scrawled below the line that readswife.

In that moment, I know I’m fucked. Looks like I’ll be sleeping on the couch tonight.

TWENTY-THREE

TYLER

Me: I had an early flight this morning, but we need to talk.

Ava: Don’t worry, master. The kids are taken care of, dishes are washed, and I locked all my toys away. I promise to behave the next time you’re home.

I grit my teeth.This fucking woman.

Me: Ava, cut the shit. I’m serious. We need to talk.

Ava: Oh, do you not like the term master? Is sir better?

Me: Bray has a game today. I know you aren’t talking to me, but if you could showup, it would mean a lot to him.

Ava: We’re already here.

Ava:

Me: I’d love a picture of you too. Maybe at home. In our bed.

Ava:

Me: There’s my vicious girl. Missed you.

Me: Maria mentioned that Scarlett needs a new jacket. There’s a credit card in the top drawer of my desk. Feel free to buy yourself something pretty too.

FreeMSG American Express Fraud Center: Reply YES or NO if you used card ending in 7777 at Bass Pro Shop, $125,769.88.

“Bass pro shop?” And over a hundred grand? Dread forms like a lead ball in my gut as I reread the text.

I’m still gaping at it when I receive another notification. This message is from my favorite redheaded villain.

Ava: Got a new jacket for Scarlett and a little something for myself too.

Me: You spent 125K on a hot tub and a jacket?

Ava: A boat too. And life jackets, of course. Safety first. Did you know they sell adult toys here too? Thanks for buying me something pretty.

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