Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 77775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
The breakfast sandwich I inhaled sours in my gut. I’m still reeling from how this could be happening. I didn’t even know Baker liked men. Plus, he’s happily married. How did he end up with Tate?
An overwhelming sense of frustration anchors me, turning every muscle in my body to leaden weights. I don’t know what to do. Sure, I can dig and dig into Baker’s life, but that won’t do shit to stop him. I need proof.
I could invite him here.
Take him up on his offer…
Picking up my phone, I respond to him.
Me: Come over tonight. Alone. We’ll do some much needed catching up.
Fiery hatred toward someone I used to care deeply about consumes me. I want to send him some knife emojis, too, but don’t.
He responds quickly.
Baker: I’ll be there. Tell your little boy toy I said hi.
Fuck. He knows I know it’s him.
Me: He’s mine. Leave him the fuck alone.
Baker: He was mine first.
I’m vibrating with uncontrolled anger as I text Callum. I may not be able to hunt Baker down and destroy him in a murderous rage, but Callum is smart. He’ll help me figure out what to do and how to handle this situation.
One thing’s for damn sure.
This ends tonight.
Tate will be safe once and for all.
That’s a motherfucking promise.
Tate
Oh my God.
Every muscle in my entire body feels achy and used. I haven’t had this much of a workout in, well, forever. A smile tugs at my lips as I think about Jude’s and my sexfest last night.
It. Was. Amazing.
For someone who’s lacking sexual experience, Jude’s a quick learner. I’ve never come so many times in one night.
He’s more than great at setting me off like a bomb. He’s gentle and kind. Best of all, he respects my boundaries and is clear about getting my consent. I’m uncovering new, wonderful things about him that I love.
We’re going to have to work on his escaping in the early hours of the morning, though. I don’t care if he wears his mask. I’d like to wake up with him.
My head is in the clouds as I crawl out of bed and start gathering my clothes for a shower. Not only is Jude a sweet lover, but he’s great at aftercare. After each romp, he would clean me up as though he enjoyed doing it and then would hold me tight in his arms until I’d fall asleep again.
I could get used to this.
It’s almost as if I have nothing to worry about.
Dread makes an appearance as I hurry through my shower. This thing with Sean is unresolved. I ended up telling the nice policewoman Sean’s name, but I definitely did not want her doing anything about it. Sean’s vindictive. If the cops showed up at his house or work, not only would he be mortified, but he’d be beyond pissed. I don’t even want to imagine what sort of payback I’d receive for that stunt.
At some point, I’m going to have to do something to protect myself from him.
Running away can’t always be the answer.
Eventually, Sean won’t just try to ruin or hurt me, but something far worse.
So how can I stop him?
Jude’s strong, intense presence fills my mind. For once, I don’t feel completely alone. He promised to protect me and I believe him. I’d wanted to lump him in the same category as Sean, but he’s completely different. Maybe, just maybe, we can figure out a plan together. It would mean revealing my abuser, but if anyone can help, it would be Jude Park.
Once out of the shower, I stop to give Funky a hug.
“I’m going to tell him,” I say to my cat. “It’s about time we call in reinforcements, huh?”
Funky purrs, leaning into my hand as I stroke his head. That’s kitty-speak for, “Duh, dude.”
I give him a kiss and then set him back down on the bed, but when I open the bedroom door and the aroma of fresh-cooked bacon makes its way inside, Funky bolts to go see his true love. Violet.
As much as I’d love to follow and see what she might have for me too, I make a detour to Jude’s office. I’m going to tell him who Sean is, everything he’s done to me, and ask for help. This feels like a huge milestone for me.
It’s terrifying to put trust in another man, especially one I haven’t known for long, but it also feels right. Peace has settled over me ever since I came to Jude’s place to stay. It’s felt safe, warm, and homey. The last time I felt that way was when I was a small boy when Mom was still alive. I have a distinct memory of sitting on the counter, helping her bake cookies and feeling so damn loved.
I miss you, Mom.
Since me and Jude both lost our mothers, I feel a certain kinship to him because of it. If anyone understands losing such a huge piece of your heart, it’s him. Maybe, with each other, we can both fill up the empty spaces left by our losses. I can’t wait to try.