Page 81 of Hot Momosa

“No, baby. We’re playing a game. If we do what Stuart says, we’ll win a prize.” I held him tight and followed the bodyguard through the backdoor, down the narrow hall, and into the elevator.

The doors slid open on the fourth floor, but Stuart signaled for me to wait while he scanned the area outside Leo’s condo. “It’s clear.”

My heart pounded and my mouth went dry. In all the years I’d spent around the Marchionnis, I’d never experienced anything like this. The closest I’d come was watching action movies with Leo.

Stuart jammed the key into the door, pushed inside, and raised his hand to enter the security code. His finger hovering over the panel, he turned to me. “Did you set this when we left?”

Wasn’t making sure the alarm was set his job?

“I think so.” In all honesty, I couldn’t remember if I had or hadn’t. “Maybe?”

Fifi, Cupcake, and Eugene came out of the bathroom and circled my feet.

His shoulders tensed. “I know I put them in their crates.”

“I let the dogs out.” Gunnar sung the song, complete with woofs.

Between the tension and the pint-sized comedian, I giggled.

Stuart gave me a look that had me feeling like a scolded child. “Wait here.”

“Sure. No problem.”

Gunnar turned and watched the huge man stalk further inside. “I gotta pee.”

“Hold it one more minute. Remember, we have to do what Stuart says.” The mention of peeing made me all too aware of my full bladder. If the bodyguard didn’t hurry, Gunnar and I would both need a change of clothes.

Stuart moved from kitchen to the master.

“It’s bad. Really bad.” Gunnar squirmed in my arms.

I hear ya, baby. Loud and clear.

“Hey Stuart? We have an emergency potty situation out here. Almost done?” To save time, I removed Gunnar’s miniature Chuck Taylor high-tops.

He continued stomping around without bothering to respond.

Screw this.

I hurried down the hall to the guest bath, stripped Gunnar from the waist down, and set him on the little potty chair. The wonderful sound of urine hitting plastic filled the room. I would have jumped for joy, but I had to pee too bad to risk it.

I locked the door, lifted my skirt, and followed Gunnar’s lead.

The toddler burst out laughing. “You peed, too?”

“Uh huh.” I’d read every book on potty training ever written, but I couldn’t recall any advice for this particular situation. “When you gotta go, you gotta go.”

He cocked his head to the side and stared. “Let me see.”

Thankfully, Stuart chose that moment to knock. “The condo is clear. I’m going downstairs to move the SUV. Stay inside.”

“Okay.” I wanted to tell him to take the rest of the day off. The idea of having a babysitter, especially a grouchy one, made me antsy. However, the idea of being alone with a roof-hopping stalker on the loose was worse.

“Move, Mamma. I see?” Gunnar nudged my thigh.

Standing to give him a view of the bowl, I took advantage of his momentary distraction to pull up my panties. “Wash your hands.”

My child rolled his eyes and climbed onto the stool Leo had placed in front of the sink.

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