Page 8 of Puma's Pride

“The image you showed me. That’s Juan Gutierrez.” Puma says.

“No. That’s John Spada. My father’s head of security.” I say as the fear takes over. “Or that’s what he called himself. Oh, my god. That’s Juan. Are you certain?” I’m shaking and I can’t stop the panic from rolling over me. The man who is so obsessed with me he killed my husband is the same man my father trusted with our safety. There is no way my father could have known.

“Alisa.” Puma’s voice reaches me from far away, but I can’t find him. I’m lost in the land of what if’s. He drove Elina and me from Yuma to San Diego., he could have disappeared with us. No one would have known.

“Mommy.” I hear the fear in Elina’s little voice, so I struggle to resurface. When I do, I see Puma’s soft brown eyes and feel his calloused thumbs stroking my cheeks. Only then do I realize I’m crying. I feel Elina’s body pressing against mine.

“I’m sorry, I’m ok.” I tell them as I stroke Elina’s hair with one hand while placing my other hand against Puma’s. I hear a cough and see Puma shoot a hateful look over my head. Trouble stands with Corinne near the window. She’s clutching Mal to her side. His beautiful eyes, so much like Puma’s, are wide in fear. I berate myself for falling apart. I’m safe. Elina’s safe. This isn’t about me, it’s about Puma, Corinne, and their adorable son. Backing away from Puma, I turn to face Trouble and Corinne. “I’m sorry.” I repeat. “Let’s sit down. Corinne has a story to tell you, Puma. You need to hear her out. Please?” I offer him my hand and he takes it. I lead him to the recliner and push him into it. Or, more accurately, he drops into it.

Now that I know Puma is calm enough to listen, I turn to Corinne. “I think the kids could use some lunch.” I suggest.

She nods at me, so I offer a hand to both kids. “How does a grilled cheese sandwich sound?”

Mal looks at his mother for guidance, so she gives him a nod. He takes my hand and I lead them to the kitchen where I find my father and Lilly, one of the bunnies. Since Elina and I moved into the clubhouse with Puma, all the bunnies dress in more kid-friendly attire during the day. I don’t know if Puma ordered the change or if the girls just decided on their own. Either way, I’m grateful. Like most of the bunnies, Lilly has a life outside the clubhouse. She lives here while she attends UNLV. I’ve seen a few of her software engineering text books lying around and all I can say is better her than me.

“I have two takers for grilled cheese sandwiches.” I say.

“Well, hello. You’re just in time. I was just thinking about how a grilled cheese sandwich would hit the spot.” Lilly says, grinning at me.

I mouth a thank you before locking eyes with my father. With a nod to the hall, he follows me.

“Puma just told me that John Spada is Juan Gutierrez.” I tell him. His eyes widen with alarm before narrowing in anger.

“That son of a bitch.” Diego explodes. “Is he certain?”

I nod. “Can you let Spark know? He needs to dig up everything he can.”

Diego agrees. “How’s Puma?”

“I need to go find out.”

CHAPTER FIVE: PUMA

When Alisa takes the kids out of the room, I watch Trouble coax Corinne onto the couch before he takes the seat next to her. I frown when he takes her hand and I have to stop myself from going off on him, too. Not from jealousy, but from suspicion. Just how well do they know each other?

“We just met today.” Trouble says, as if reading my mind. “So whatever has you considering my demise, can it.”

I smirk at him before turning my attention to Corinne. She looks between us before glancing at their joined hands. She glares at me. “We had sex the first night we met.” She reminds me and I chuckle as she continues. “Trouble has been a tremendous help.”

“I can’t leave you alone for two minutes before you rile everyone up.” Alisa says as she comes back through the door. She passes by me to sit on the couch, but I need her closer. Snagging her hand, I pull her onto the arm of the recliner. I want her on my lap, but I know she’ll protest. I have to pick my battles with her. So I also ignore her comment.

“How are the kids?” I ask her.

“Lilly is making them sandwiches. I asked Diego to get with Spark about Juan.” Alisa tells me. I nod in agreement. “But she can’t keep them occupied for long, so…”

I turn to Corinne. “He’s mine. Right?” When she nods, I continue. “Want to tell me why you kept him from me?”

Corinne takes a deep breath. “When I realized I was pregnant, I knew it was yours. Prior to meeting you, my sex life was barren, and it didn’t change much after that night. I tried to contact you. But I couldn’t get past your guard dog.” She states. When I frown, she continues. “I didn’t have your phone number, but I finally reached your agent. Brick or Brock, something like that.”

“Brock.” I say and I can see the scenario play out. “He turned you away?” I ask.

Corinne nods. “He asked me if I knew how many women called every week claiming to be pregnant with your child.”

When Alisa glares at me, I roll my eyes. “He was exaggerating.” I tell her.

“Right.” Alisa says, not hiding her doubt. I want to be pissed, but I understand. Being a professional athlete gave me access to unlimited pussy. Being the President of an MC meant more of the same until I met Alisa. Now my dick doesn’t react to anyone but her.

“Anyway.” Corinne interrupts nervously. “I couldn’t even get him to take my number.”

---