Page 47 of The Jester and His Outlaw: Part 2

“Should we worry?” Foxy asks, and I almost forgot that she was even here, she’s been so quiet. Mr. Tucker dismisses her question with a wave of his large hand.

“No need to worry, just be cautious,” he says, and I can’t get a read on any deeper meaning to that statement. It’s frustrating.

“Talk to me, babe.”I sit beside Riggs on one of the guest beds in Jensen’s estate. Riggs hasn’t said much and he’s a little pale. Not like he’s about to climb off his rocker or anything, more like he’s in shock. Today was a rough one, even if it started out amazing.

“I’m good, Outlaw. Weirdly.”

“You don’t look so good.” I reach out and palm his cheek. He turns his chin in and presses his soft lips to my flesh as he exhales. Air from his nose whispers over my hand, tickling the fine hairs there.

“I’m just tired is all. Want to lie down with me?”

“Only if you tell me what you’re thinking.” His frustration grows for a second before he reels it in and sighs. This is part of us talking to one another, not keeping things in, and letting the other help. He doesn’t want to talk about it. Who would? But I don’t want to go the night without at least mentioning it.

We sat around and talked about other things after Mr. Tucker’s weird visit, everyone interested in keeping our minds off what happened. Riggs made arrangements to have an insurance adjuster come out and look at the damage. If he was upset, he didn’t make it known. Once he took a couple hits of the joint he rolled, he was fine, and a few times throughout the evening, Jensen pulled up pictures of used bikes for sale that they could go check out. Riggs surprisingly entertained the idea.

What is happening to my boyfriend?

“So I have to share my feelings in order to eat your pussy?” he teases, his long fingers spanning over my lower belly.

I raise a brow, smirking while my pussy clenches in anticipation. This is not where I saw the night ending. “I thought you were tired?”

“Never too tired for that, Outlaw.” He opens his thighs and guides me to stand in between them, so close he has to break his neck to see me. “But if you must know, I’m a little stressed.”

I place my hands on his shoulders and kiss his forehead. “Just a little?”

“A lot,” he sighs with the admission. I hate that he is stressed. Stress has been a part of my life, especially before my parents adopted us, but my life has been pretty easy. Sure, school is stressful, but never world ending shit like Riggs has been through. “I’m managing, though. I’m not optimistic, but I’m trying to accept the fact that I won’t make it through this without help.”

“Well that’s good. I’m sorry you’re out of your comfort zone.” And I am, despite feeling like he needs this push.

“Don’t be, okay? Don’t feel sorry for me.”

“Alright. I won’t. I just want you to be happy,” I announce and peer into his eyes. They’re so kind, so much good behind them, and they have the ability to suck my soul in and never let it go.

“I’m getting there.” He nudges my shirt up over my head and brings his lips to my stomach. “But I’m more scared of what Jonas is capable of. He destroyed my bike and I’m fine if he comes after me, but if he comes after you…” The thought dangles. “I feel so out of control, helpless. I don’t know what to do.”

“I wasn’t scared at first, but now I am,” I admit and he frowns.

“I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe.” I have no doubt that he will, but Jonas is above the law, that much is clear. We may not have any choice in the matter. Right now, we have to rely on Mr. Tucker because so far, he is our only real hope.

“I know.”

Unease settles in my stomach but I push it to the side. I’m going to focus on being here in the moment with Riggs and whatever he has planned for us.

CHAPTER21

RIGGS

“My boy,”Mommy said, rubbing her hand over my belly. “Hey, sweet boy, can you wake up for me?” I was already awake. I just hadn’t opened my eyes yet so I could make sure that it was her and not Daddy coming in my room. I always had to be prepared when it might be him.

“Mommy?” I yawned and stretched my arms up over my head, a smile tugging at my lips. Mommy was grinning at me from where she knelt by my bedside. “You look so pretty, Mommy.” I reached out and cupped her cheek with my little hand. Mommy covered it with hers.

“I have a surprise for you,” she whispered. “But we have to get up and get dressed as quick as we can, okay? I already have breakfast waiting for you. Let’s go, baby.”

She whipped the covers off of me, her eyes immediately latching onto the bruises on my legs. They were not bruises from playing with my friends. Well, maybe some of my imaginary friends. Her eyes flicked back to mine, remorse dancing in them along with unshed tears.

“Don’t cry, Mommy, I’m okay. They don’t even hurt.” Just to prove to her I was okay, I pressed my finger into the middle of the biggest one. It really hurt, but I couldn’t show her that. Don’t show the pain… ever. No matter who is looking. Her brows crinkled and her nostrils flared.

“Stop that, stop that right now.” She swatted my hand away, swallowing hard. “Now let’s get up and get dressed so we can go outside.”

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