Page 140 of Addicted

He probably thought I was asleep, and I was gonna let him keep thinking that because I didn’t want to talk to him right now. I didn’t want to get into it. I didn’t want to risk saying something that would start a fight. We’d been through enough today.

The shower ran for about ten minutes before it turned off. I heard Stone moving around in the bathroom—brushing his teeth, probably. And then the light clicked off.

I felt the bed dip as he climbed in next to me. He moved slowly, carefully, and I heard him grunt softly. His shoulder. He was in pain from the gunshot wound. I felt his arm wrap around my waist, pulling me back against his chest. He was warm. He was solid and safe, like always, but my body tensed. I couldn’t help it.

Stone noticed immediately.

“Indigo,” he said, his voice low. “You awake?”

I didn’t respond. I just kept my eyes closed, hoping he’d leave me be. But of course, he didn’t. He turned me gently so I was facing him, his hand cupping my cheek.

“Indigo,” he said again. “You good?”

I opened my eyes, and the second I looked at him, I started crying again.

“No,” I said, my voice breaking. “I’m not good, Stone. I could’ve fuckin’ died. I could’ve lost the baby. I’m not even sure if the baby’s okay.”

Stone’s jaw tightened, and I saw the guilt flash across his face. He exhaled deeply, his thumb stroking my cheek.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” he said quietly. “Tell me what you need from me. What can I do to help you? We can gosee Dr. Roberts tomorrow and check on the baby. What else do you need? I’ll do anything you need me to do. I just need you to be okay.”

I was quiet for a long time because I wasn’t sure how he’d respond to what I needed. But I had to say it. Had to let him know where my head was at.

“I need you to tell me you won’t be living this life forever,” I said, my voice shaking. “I need to know our child will grow up without a target on their back because of their daddy.”

Stone’s thumb stopped moving on my cheek. His expression went blank. It was unreadable. For a moment, he didn’t say anything.

Then he asked, “You saying you want me to leave the game? Go legit?”

I nodded, tears streaming down my face.

“Yes,” I said. “That’s what I’m saying. That’s what I need.”

Stone was quiet for a minute. I could see him thinking, silently processing my words. And then he asked, “You gon’ leave me if I don’t?”

I didn’t respond because we both knew the answer. I wouldn’t leave him. I couldn’t leave him. And even if I tried, he wouldn’t let me.

Stone would never let me go.

He stared at me for a long moment, his dark eyes searching mine, and then he spoke.

“Aight,” he said. “If that’s what you need, then that’s what I’ma do. Before the baby is here, I’ll be out the game.”

I blinked, shocked. I hadn’t expected him to agree. Not that easily. Not without a fight.

“Do you really mean it?” I asked, my voice barely awhisper.

Stone leaned down and kissed me deeply, slowly. It seemed like he was pouring everything he felt into that kiss. When he pulled back, he pressed his forehead to mine.

“Yeah, I mean it, baby,” he said. “Nothing in this world is more important to me than you, our baby, and Ishmael. If you want me out the game, then I’m out.”

I let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through me.

“Thank you, Stone,” I whispered.

He kissed me again, softer this time.

“I love you,” he said.