Page 82 of Christmas Wish
“I fucked you. You should be thanking me for that.” He moved in real close. “A husband can’t rape his wife—she’s supposed to put out for him. Why the fuck do you think men get married?”
“I’ve nothing more to say to you. It’s over. You don’t care about me … or Timmy. You haven’t even asked about him since you sat down. He deserves a better father.”
Bret pushed her hand away so strongly that it hit the corner of the table sending jolts of pain up her arm. “Like that cripple you’re shacking up with?” Bret laughed dryly. “Don’t look so shocked—I know all about your fucking blue collar love nest. I don’t think a judge is going to take too kindly to what you’re exposing our son to.”
“Just shut the hell up. You know nothing about Ryder. He’s more of a man than you’ll ever be.”
“He’s a fucking outlaw biker, he’s fucked up in the head, he’s lives like a goddamn hermit, and he’s missing a leg. Oh … and that’s just for starters. The judge won’t like any of that.”
“Iwillfight you all the way, Bret. I’m not afraid of you, your mom, your family’s name, or your money. I won’t allow you to use Timmy as a pawn in your warped game.” Savannah rose to her feet and collected her packages. “We’re through—I’m done talking to you. Leave me the fuck alone.” She brushed past him, but he grabbed her hand and squeezed it so hard she thought it was going to break.
“This isn’t finished, bitch,” he hissed.
With all the strength she possessed, Savannah jerked away and a few packages dropped on the floor.
A young waiter ran over. “Let me help you with those, Miss,” he said, picking them off the floor.
“Thank you.” Without a glance backward, she stalked out of the restaurant, her heart slamming against her ribcage.
By the time Savannah arrived at the cabin, she was a bundle of nerves. The whole ride back, her gaze kept shifting to the rear view mirror expecting to see a car trailing her.He doesn’t even get what he did to me. What a fucking asshole. I can’t believe he’s in Pinewood Springs. We’re never going back to him. Never!
The first thing she noticed when she walked into the family room was the additional wrapped presents. For several minutes she looked at the twinkling tree, with its tiers of lights and the glittering packages under it. Her stomach fluttered and heat radiated through her chest melting the anger inside her.
“How did the meeting with the attorney go?” Ryder’s deep voice washed over her. Strong arms curled around her waist, and the familiar scent of the man she loved enveloped her. He nuzzled her neck and the shopping bags she held in her hands fell to the floor as she spun around and planted a passionate kiss on his delectable mouth.
Breaking away slightly, she smiled at him. “It went great.” She kissed him again. “I missed you so much.”
Ryder chuckled then jerked her closer to him, his hands cupping her ass. “I missed you too, darlin’.”
After smooching for a while, Savannah picked up the bags from the floor and put them in her room. When she came back into the family room, Ryder sat on the couch, and she noticed a steaming mug of cocoa on the coffee table. A rush of emotion flooded her, and she inhaled deeply then walked over to the couch.
“Did you make this for me?” She picked up the cup and took a sip; it was weak and watery and filled with love. “It’s the best cup of hot chocolate I’ve ever had.”
Ryder beamed and gestured her to come sit beside him. Snuggled in the crook of his arm, she ran her hand up and down his denim-clad thigh.
“Bret’s in town,” she said.
Ryder twitched. “What the fuck?”
“After Cara left to go to court, he came into the restaurant. The thug he hired must’ve been following me.”
“What the hell did the pussy want?”
“To take us back.”
Savannah felt his arm stiffen. “What did you say?” he asked in a low voice.
“Basically to fuck off.”
A booming laugh resounded through the room and he tilted her head back and crushed his mouth to hers. The muffled sound of crunching snow drew them apart, and Ryder hoisted himself up and walked to the front door and peered out. Brutus jumped up and barked.
“We got company.” There was a steely edge in his voice.
“Who is it?” Savannah rose to her feet and sauntered over to him.
“I think it’s your pussy and the fucker he’s hired.” Ryder turned around. “I’ll be right back. Don’t open the door.” Brutus kept growling and barking.
A shiver tiptoed up her spine as she watched Bret and the hired goon get out of the brown SUV and begin to approach the cabin.
