Page 99 of Stepson

He’s rough around the edges and covered in tattoos like me. If I had to guess, he’s a felon as well, working his way through life one shovel load at a time. The thought of breaking my back day in and day out doesn't excite me, but if me getting dirty means Bentley has a warm bed to sleep in every night, then I'll do it for the rest of my life.

"Does it ever get easier?" I ask.

He snort. "You won't feel the pain as much once the calluses come in on your hands. Welcome to hell, kid. I'm Husky." He stands up and holds his hand out for me to shake.

I shake his hand and nod. "I'm Gabe. How long have you been working here?"

"Too long, brother. Once I got out of the slammer, I came right over here."

So that answers my previous thoughts about him. He’s a convicted felon after all.

He studies me for a long moment before he asks, "How long were you in for?"

"Seven years."

He whistles. "Let me guess… Langley PD liked you too, huh?"

I chuckle. "Something like that."

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, kid. Let’s get back to work before the boss cracks the whip.”

I’m glad to have met a mutual friend among the coals and get back to work, shoveling until my back aches. This is the hardest work I’ve ever done in my life, but it’s necessary. Now I can go home and tell Bentley I have a job, and that I’m not goinganywhere. I hated how I left her this morning, but I haven’t returned yet because I was ashamed to return empty-handed.

Once we’re cleared to leave after our twelve hour shift, I get in the Jeep and nearly pass out. I don’t ever remember working this hard for money and know it’ll take me a while to get used to it.

Looking over at the clock on the dash, I blow out a breath. It’s well after 3 a.m. and I know Bentley will be sleeping. All I want is a nice long shower and then to curl up into bed next to her while I go into a mini coma. I hope she’ll be able to handle my long hours away from her while also dealing with me sleeping while I’m at home. This is just a means to an end, and I’ll keep looking for another job while I continue to do this.

I could kill my father for fucking up my life. I didn’t deserve to be arrested, and I sure as hell didn’t deserve to be incarcerated for seven long years. Karma will get home, though. I’ll make sure of it.

When I pull into the driveway, every window is black, and I know she’s asleep. I shut the Jeep off and climb out like an old man. Every muscle in my body is sore and tight, making me grunt with each step. The stairs to our apartment are the worst, though. My body aches with each step I take, and once I reach our apartment, I slip in as quietly as I can.

My gaze immediately seeks out Bentley when I find her curled up on the small couch. She has no blanket, and I hate knowing she probably tried to stay up for my return that may or may not have happened. I grab the quilt from the bottom of the bed and lightly drape it over her before I grab some fresh clothes and go into the bathroom.

As I undress in front of the mirror, I see nothing but coal dust and bruises lining my bare skin. I’m a fucking mess, and feel like it too. But as I step beneath the warm water, I feel like all the stress has melted away. I blow out a breath and lean against the shower wall, letting the water cascade down my tense back.

A cool chill runs down my spine as I peer over my shoulder and straight into Bentley's gaze. She had snuck into the bathroom, got undressed, and now stands gloriously in front of me. I missed her so much and there are no words for how sorry I truly am. I acted like a complete ass, and I won't blame her if she hates me.

We stare silently into each other's gazes for what feels like forever before she smacks both hands on my chest. I move back just a bit, but let her continue to hit me. Tears stream down her face as she punches my chest before she falls into me.

I wrap her tightly in my arms and let her cry it out. She deserves this release, and I deserve the punishment. I left her alone when she needed me the most and there’s no real excuse for it. If I know her like I think I do, she probably sat here all day long worried sick about me.

"I'm so sorry," I whisper into her damp hair as she continues to cry into my chest.

She pushes away from me, wipes her tears, and smacks me again.

"Don't you ever do that to me again, Gabriel!"

I smirk, loving the fact she used my full name to scold me.

"I won't. I promise."

"Where were you?! I looked everywhere!"

My blood drains from my face at the realization of her words. She put herself in danger to look for me, and if anything had happened to her, I'd be heading back to prison for killing everyone who touched her.

"I had some things to take care of," I finally say as I stare down into her red eyes.

"I went to the Kitten's Lair."

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