Page 39 of Paradox
“Sorry, Krueger interrupted me and I didn’t get to clean up.”
“It’s okay.” I climb into bed, watching him pick up the trash. “Speaking of Krueger, what’s going on with him?”
He sighs, tossing some plastic bags into the bin. “I offered him Mission.”
“Mission’s a good guy.”
“He is, but Krueger wants me. He’s not happy, but at least he’s hearing me out. I invited Mission up, and he should be here soon. I’m hoping the two will hit it off. At first, I wanted to give him Chopper, but I think all he wants to do now is be a grandfather.”
“I agree. What does Mission think of all this?”
“He’s all in. Let’s hope he can convince Krueger he’s the best candidate. I just didn’t know what else to do. I feel so fuckin’ helpless. I wish I could just tell Krueger to fuck off.”
“You can.” I shrug.
“No, babe. I can’t tell my national president to fuck off.”
“Sure you can.” I sit up, meeting his eyes. This is not the confident man I know and love, and I’m not about to let some fucker break his spirit.
“Raven—”
“You’re Gage motherfuckin’ Hunter. The Reaper. You can do anything.” His back straightens, eyes focusing on me. “You’re the tiger in the jungle, the lion among beasts. You. Are.Eljefe. Krueger is nobody next to you. Without his title, he’s nothing.” His chest heaves, eyes burning with the fire my words are lighting inside him. This ismyGage. “You are the king, the emperor, the….” I pause, racking my brain for another word. “Supreme Overlord. You can do this.”
In a burst of motion, he’s next to me, pressing his lips to mine. His kiss is urgent, invasive… desperate. When he breaks away, I’m left reeling.
“If I’m all those things, it’s because of you, Raven. And you’re right. We’ve all been tiptoeing around the issue when all I need to do is face it head-on. Thank you.”
“That’s why I wear the ring.” I smirk.
“Definitely.” His eyes meet mine. “You make it easy to forget I’m so much older than you. You’re wise beyond your years, Mrs. Hunter.”
“You said it yourself, Mr. Hunter; I was made for you. Had to make up for my age somehow.”
“Trust me, doll, you more than make up for it.”
“Good.”
He takes a deep breath. “Now, what are we going to do about the other stuff?”
“Where are they?”
“In—” He’s interrupted by a knock on the door. “In one of the empty rooms,” he continues as he heads to the door. “The prospect is keeping an eye on them.”
Dr. E is on the other side of the door, and he hands Gage an envelope. “Chad dropped this off for you. He said you’d want to see it right away.”
Some kind of silent communication passes between them before Gage takes it.
“Thanks, E.”
He closes the door, walking back to the bed and offering the envelope to me.
“Is that…?”
“The test results. Open it.”
I stare down at it, wondering if I need to know what’s inside. I believe Gage when he says there’s no way he could be the father of Britney’s child. Do I need proof of that?
“I don’t need to see it.” I meet his eyes as I say the words. “I believe you. I trust you.”
