Page 87 of Stepson

"It's nothing. I'm just tired and want this all to be over with." She looks at me with a smile on her perfect lips. "I'm really okay, babe."

I don't believe that for one second, but I'll let her slide for now. She's been under a lot of stress lately, and I don't want to push her. We'll get to the bottom of it soon though.

We drive the rest of the way to Maggie's place in silence, noting the now familiar vehicles in the driveway. When we enter, Mom and Maggie are sitting at the kitchen table with two men who listen to them and write as they go. Kurt smiles at us as we enter.

"They're just about finished and then you two can give your statements." He looks between us with concern on his face. "Everything okay?"

Bentley lets out a small laugh. "Everything is fine. I'm allowed to be stressed out during this, aren't I?" She releases my hand and steps away.

Kurt and I exchange a glance but say nothing more. I know there is something else bothering her, but as I said, I'll leave it alone for now.

Mom and Maggie finish up while Bentley takes a seat and starts speaking to the men. I can't hear her from over here, but I'd give anything to be able to hear what she has to say about my bastard father.

"I'll be heading back home tonight, Gabriel. Is there anything I can do for you and Bentley?" Mom asks.

I smile down at her, pulling my gaze from Bentley and the two men. "Nah, we're good, Mom. We'll figure something out."

"I have a garage apartment if you two need a place to stay," Maggie offers. "It's definitely not fancy, but it has four walls and a roof. It could use some TLC up there. But it's yours if you need it."

I could kiss this woman. "Yes, we'll take it."

I don't think Bentley will appreciate sleeping in the Jeep again. It was nice last night, but not something I want her to get used to.

Bentley walks up to me then and places her hand on the small of my back.

“It’s your turn, babe.”

I lean over and kiss her temple before I make my way to the table. The things I have to say about my father and the evidence to go along with it will put his ass away for a long time. It’s finally time someone listened to me, and I can’t wait to destroy this prick.

Chapter forty-five

Bentley

As Gabe hammers away on replacing some sheetrock in the garage apartment, I work on clearing the space of all the dirt and dust. Maggie had an old queen bed, couch, and a table set up here, and I’m in the process of cleaning those as well. It might not be much, but I don't mind at all. Home is wherever Gabe is.

I’m starting a new life with Gabe, and I couldn't be happier. The only thing that makes me nervous right now is how I don't know if I’m pregnant or not. He had mentioned to me he didn't want children, and I knew it had to do with his own father, but I hope he knows he’s nothing like Marcus. Gabe will make an amazing father, but I'm terrified to tell him if I really am pregnant. It probably doesn't help that we're living in a garageapartment with no jobs to support ourselves, let alone another mouth, but we'll figure that out too.

"What do you think about moving the bed over here? I think it would make the room feel bigger," Gabe suggests as he stands back and eyes the space he’s referring to.

I stop cleaning to stand next to him, eyeing the space myself. It’s right in front of the large window that overlooks the street as I scrunch up my nose.

"It's not very private," I state.

He chuckles as his arm wraps around my waist and pulls me toward him. Our eyes connect before his other hand slides down my hip and grips my thigh before he picks me up. My legs wrap around his hips as I giggle down at him.

"We can give whoever is walking by a damn good show. Or we can find some curtains."

One of his hands leaves my thigh and grabs my ass, cupping me roughly. A spike of arousal shoots through me, and I instinctively grind my hips into him.

A wicked gleam flashes through his gaze before his raspy tone asks, "Why don't we break in the new bed now?"

As much as I want that, the small voice in the back of my consciousness nudges me to stop him before he can move this any further. I have no idea if I’m pregnant or not, and the thought makes me nervous. I can’t focus on making love to Gabe while I wonder if I’m carrying his kid or not.

"Calm down, big boy, there will be plenty of time for that. Besides, I need to run to the store before it closes."

He lets out a playful growl before he puts me back down on my feet.

"You're killing me, babe." He bites his knuckle and rolls his eyes into the back of his head. "Hurry back so I can fuck you until morning."

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