Page 24 of Stepson

When I wake the next morning, Gabe isn’t next to me, and I hate it. I’d give literally anything to wake up to that handsome face every single morning for the rest of my life. Memories from our night before will forever be burned into my mind. His tattooed arms looming over me before he grabbed my throat as I watched the veins pop in his forearms makes my mouth water even now. There’s something about him now that’s different from seven years ago. He seems stronger, manlier, and definitely more domineering.

Sure, I had only been with him for one night before he was taken to prison, but I felt like I knew his soul. He gave everything to me in his kisses, touches, and deep penetrations. It’s as if he wanted me to know the real him, and I’m pretty sure I did.

As I slide out of bed, Gabe’s scent fills my nose, and I miss him. I know he probably got out of bed and returned to his before the staff came back early this morning, but part of me wished he hadn’t. I can’t wait for the day when we no longer have to hide.

My phone rings on the bedside table as I shrug on my silk robe and walk over to it. Marcus’ face lights up the screen as my heart plummets into my gut.

“Marcus, hi!” I answer, hoping my voice doesn’t give away my disappointment. Ialmostforgot I was married again. This is getting too dangerous.

“You were alone all night with my son. Did he behave himself?”

There’s no warm greeting from my husband, making my heart ache. I gave up everything for this? But as I chew on my bottom lip, I recall all the juicy details from the night before as I lie to my husband.

“I forgot he was even here. I think he went out with some friends.”Please, believe me.

“Hmm, I should only be a few more days beautiful. I miss you.”

My brow arches. He misses me? He rarely says those words when he goes on a trip, butnowhe misses me?

“I miss you, too,” I lie again.

“Let Maggie know I’ll be home late in the afternoon on Thursday. I’d like my favorite meal prepared,” he pauses, taking a deep breath. “Are you okay? I feel like I threw you into this situation without asking how you’d feel about it. I kind of left you with my criminal son without explaining anything.”

I hate how he called Gabe his criminal son. He’s far from a criminal, but I’ll keep that thought to myself. I don’t need my husband thinking I’m getting involved with Gabe in any form while he’s gone. Marcus is a jealous man, and I know what he’scapable of when he doesn’t get his way. The ring on my finger proves it.

“I’m fine, Marcus. I honestly haven’t seen much of him since you left. It doesn’t even feel like he’s here.” I chew on my bottom lip. “But um, how much longer will he be here?”

He sighs. “I don’t know, love. I promised him a place to stay until he got back on his feet. When I get home, I’ll make sure to help him find a job and his own place to stay. Then things can go back to normal.”

I nod, swallowing the bile in my throat. “O-okay. Call me later?” I don’t want him to, but I don’t want him to be suspicious about anything.

“I will. Love you.”

He hangs up before I can reply, thankful I don’t have to say I love him back because that’s the biggest lie of them all, isn’t it? And just like that, my consciousness takes over, and I know that even though I want Gabe more than anything, we have to stop this. I’m married to Marcus whether I want to be or not.

After taking a quick shower, I head down for breakfast and coffee, finding Maggie cleaning up in the kitchen.

“Good morning, Maggie,” I greet the moment I enter the room. The scent of coffee and bacon fill the air, making my stomach grumble.

“Oh, good morning, Mrs. Price. I have everything for your breakfast set out on the table. I’m just filling up the coffee carafe. Can I help you with something?” She nervously looks up at me, almost studying my face before she goes back to her business.

“I spoke with Marcus this morning. He said he’ll be home Thursday afternoon and would like his favorite meal prepared. I assume you know what he wants.”

A warm smile lifts her lips as she nods at me. “I do, indeed, ma’am. Is there anything else?”

I shake my head, wondering why she keeps asking me that. “Um, no, I’m fine.” I didn’t see Gabe when I walked through the dining room and wondered where he was. “Where is Gabe this morning?”

She pouts her bottom lip in thought. “I’m not sure. I haven’t seen him yet this morning. He’s probably still in bed.”

Nodding, I spin and leave the kitchen while hiding the smirk on my lips. If he’s still sleeping, I know it’s because he’s exhausted from what we did last night.

As I sit down at the dining table, a grin spreads across my lips at the idea I have. The first night we were together, I wore a light purple, almost lavender shaded lingerie set, and I want to get another one. I might not be able to tell Gabe with my own words I know who he is, but I know the lingerie set will do all the talking for me. I know I shouldn’t let him remember who I am, but I just can’t help it. I want him to remember. I want him to take me back. After all, he had my heart first. Oh, who the hell am I kidding? He’s the only man I’ve given my heart to, and I don’t want to lose him.

Married or not, I will be with Gabe if it's the last thing I do.

“Can I get you anything else, Mrs. Price?” Maggie asks as she sets the coffee carafe down in front of me.

“There is one little thing. I need to run an errand, so I’m wondering if you can let me into Marcus’s office?” All the keys for the several vehicles we own are in there. I never have access to them since I have my own driver, but today, I want to do this on my own.

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