Page 51 of Soldier, Tailor, Spy

“Say nothing,” Jake said with a lift of his shoulder. “Besides, there isn’t much we can do until the nerds get done recreating all the data and re-securing the base for when we’re able to go back, which hopefully will be soon.”

Ginger nodded. “That would be nice for all of you. I know how hard Asher has worked to make this group not only a highly respected team and organization, but also a family for all of you.”

“I missed the family part, in my blindness,” Jake admitted. “Hell, I missed everything.”

“We should go back downstairs,” Ginger stated, needing a little space. “Kids are probably going to be hungry soon, and you still need to order the pizzas.”

“I do, don’t I?” Jake chuckled. “I meant what I said, Ginger. No cleaning yourself up.”

Defiance snapped through her. “What?”

“I think you need a little reminder of what it’s like to be owned completely by a man.” Jake’s stare was unwavering. “You need to remember what it’s like to have cum inside your pussy by the man who is going to take care of you, as a reminder you are cherished and wanted. Fucking condoms? Really?” He shook his head. “How are you supposed to know you were fucked thoroughly and well without—”

She kissed him. His words were embarrassing and unsettling. Ejaculating into a person didn’t make a relationship, not in the long run, anyway. Especially when there wasn’t a connection, which she was quickly figuring out, she didn’t have with Oscar. “Stop Jake. You’ve made your point.”

He reached between her legs and ran his finger through her slit. “Yes, I have.” When the pad of his index finger rubbed her clit, she whimpered, overly sensitized and over stimulated. “Jesus, I can’t quit you. I shouldn’t be able to get hard again after being blown and fucked by you, yet here I am, semi-hard and ready to stay deep inside you until you’re filthy.”

Sparks of arousal snapped across her skin. “I think I’m pretty filthy now” She could feel his release coating to the tops of her thighs.

“No, you’re not, but we’ll get there later.” He cleaned his finger off with his tongue, then pressed his lips to her forehead. “Let’s get dinner for the kids sorted, then we’ll talk more about what you missed having done to you while you were with Oscar.”

Her cheeks heated and, as much as she should be angry at his arrogant tone, she was content as well. She stood, the evidence of their combined pleasure slid down her leg, as she gathered up her clothes. “How about you order the pizzas while I get dressed?”

“Sounds perfect.” He stared at her as she straightened. “I love your ass. I want to bite it. Fuck it.” He groaned, stuffing himself back into his jeans. “Being near you is almost too potent.”

She rolled her eyes as she dressed. “You don’t have to say random shit, Jake. I get it. You like having sex with me.”

“Oh, I don’t just like having sex with you, Ginger,” he said, crossing to the door. “I love it.”

Jake exited the room, closing the door behind him as he went. She sagged there, the last vestiges of her tipsy state receded, clearing her mind. Glancing at the table, she stared at the paperwork strewn about because of their frantic sexual encounter. He was right about a lot of things. Jake knew she was overthinking everything. Knew she’d been stuck in her head. He also read her the riot act when it came to Declan. She could slap herself for even thinking badly of her innocent son. She had to reevaluate everything in her life. Put the broken pieces back together. She couldn’t dwell.

She also had to remind herself, Oscar didn’t control her life anymore. As much as the news of his death hurt her, there was a sense of calm, too. No, what bothered her most of all was everything that came afterward.

Once she was dressed, she exited the office and went in search of everyone. Fawn sat on the couch watching some movie with the captions on while Jake had Declan in his arms feeding the hungry boy. They looked so good together. Like a family should. A small part of her wished Declan was Jake’s. Yes, there was still that love-hate jumble of emotions within her about him, but he was the one man who could be the best father when he loosened the stranglehold he had on his self-righteous control.

“Well, don’t you all look smug,” she said, going into the kitchen for something to drink. “Like a big, happy family.”

Fawn giggled, glancing over her shoulder at Ginger. “I’m thrilled, mom. You and dad are together in the same house.”

“It is nice,” Ginger agreed. “Are you okay with that?”

Through everything, even with seeing Dr. Joiner, she hadn’t sat down to ask Fawn what she really thought of her father practically moving back in with them. She knew Fawn missed her dad, more so after he started coming to get her all the time four years ago, but would she want them or expect them to get back together? Would she be upset at Ginger if, after Oscar only dying a few weeks ago, she got back with Jake?

“I am better than okay, mom,” she said. “Daddy’s home.”

Such a straightforward statement to make since Fawn loved Jake so much. “But that doesn’t answer the question. You’re allowed to be hurt right now and confused.”

Fawn pushed her golden locks from her face and shook her head. “It’s you and daddy. I’m not angry or hurt.”

“What about Oscar?” Ginger prodded. “Do you miss him?”

Fawn pursed her lips. “Do you think I don’t know what happened?” She pointed to her mouth then signed,I might be hard of hearing, but I can still read lips.

“Shit,” Jake grunted. “What have you heard, Fawn?”

“Everything. Oscar hurt mom. He hurt Declan. Then that guy... Ethan. I didn’t like him. He said stuff I don’t understand. He was going to take Declan from mom.” She frowned. “But Oscar hurt you too, Daddy. He got you shot. He hurt Mr. Asher and everyone. Why should I care one ounce what Oscar would want when he didn’t care about me?” She sniffed. Her eyes were red from unshed tears. “I read his lips that night. On the lawn. No one thought I saw, but I did. He said he would pay anything.Anything!He’d sell me and Declan to the Nekoma Organization. Help Uncle and Jiji get away, if it meant saving his life.”

Ginger gasped. “Fawn, why didn’t you tell us?”

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