Page 30 of Stepson

My phone chirps again as I read the incoming text.

GABE: I’m a very impatient man, Bentley. Don’t keep me waiting.

Then he sends me a photo of himself from a bathroom as he stands in front of a mirror, and my mouth drops. He has his shirt pulled up as he bites the hem, revealing his tattooed stomach while his jeans are unbuttoned while his hand disappears into his briefs. I can see the deep V muscle disappearing into his pants and a hint of his trimmed pubes. Fuck, he’s gorgeous.

BENTLEY: Leaving now!

And I really am. The photo was enough to kick me into overdrive, and I have to see him right now. I still have the Mercedes Keys in my purse and know I can sneak back out to the garage. At this point, I don’t give a shit if the jacket doesn’t fully cover me or not. I need him right now.

The house is quiet as I make my way back down and out the side kitchen door with the garage in view. I look back andforth, running when I don’t see anyone. Jumping back into the Mercedes, I feel like a teenager all over again, seaking out behind my parents back to meet up with a boy. Gah, only this man can make me feel this excited, and I’ve already had him. Five times.

Redd’s Bar is downtown in part of the city that’s less than honorable. A lot of the news stories about shootings, prostitution, and drugs come from this area. I don’t know why, but it fit’s Gabe’s persona perfectly. I’m afraid to park too far from the front door with this $130 thousand dollar truck and let out a sigh of relief when a spot opens right up front.

Slipping from the driver’s seat, I’m nervous as all hell to talk into the bar. It’s been years since I’ve been to a place like this. Actually, it reminds me of the bar I worked at before I was fired. That still burns my ass, but that was ages ago. I pull open the door, greeted by a poorly lit interior as neon lights and stage lights illuminate the dingy space. The smells of alcohol and stale cigarettes waft through the air as I let my eyes adjust to the dark interior. I try to spot Gabe but he’s nowhere to be found.

My heart sinks into my gut, and I have the urge to run out of here with my tail between my legs. Not seeing him and knowing what I have beneath this jacket makes me nervous. This isn’t the type of place I want to be all alone in.

Turning to leave, I slam into a hard chest before I look up into Gabe’s piercing eyes. He lets out a growl, gripping my hips hard as he holds me to him.

“I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”

I giggle, shaking my head. “Sorry, I didn't want to be seen leaving the house like this.”

“You kept it on?” I nod at his question. “Good girl. Let’s get you a drink to settle those nerves, shall we?” He leans down, nipping at my neck as I throw my head back and moan.

He’s barely touched me, and I’m ready to drop to my knees in a submissive pose for him. I would submit to this man over and over.

But before we can move to the bar, my phone rings in my jacket pocket. I pull it out and see Marcus’s name flash across the screen. The blood drains from my face as Gabe leans over and sees it, groaning out.

“Ignore him.”

I shake my head. “I can’t. He’ll lose his shit if I don’t answer.”

With shaking hands, I know why he’s calling me. I forgot to leave my phone at home, knowing Marcus has a GPS tracking app on my phone and knows exactly where I am at all times. Fuck.

“Marcus, hi,” I answer, peering up into Gabe’s hard gaze.

“Where the hell are you?” Marcus barks into the phone. “Why are you downtown? It isn’t safe for you there.”

My nerves take over again as I bite my bottom lip, trying to figure out the perfect lie.

“I ran into an old friend while out shopping this morning. We were close and she wanted to stop for a drink.”

“No, I want you out of there right now,” he growls into the phone as cold chills run down my body.

“Okay,” I reply without a fight. I know it’s no use. Marcus always gets his way one way or another, and I don’t want to make him angry.

“Is Gabe there?”

I gulp, staring back up into Gabe’s eyes. “No, why would he be here?” I lie.

“Because that’s his usual spot.” He curses under his breath. “Bentley, when I get home, we’re going to have a nice long chat. Until then I have a meeting to get back to. Leave the bar and head home or so help me…” “I’m leaving right now.”

Gabe’s jaw tenses as he lets go of me, looking angry. Marcus hangs up before he can say anything else.

“I’m sorry, but I have to go…”

“No,” Gabe cuts me off. “He isn’t your fucking master, Bentley. You can go wherever the hell you want. Here, let me see your phone.”

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