Page 97 of Line Change

The next morning when I wake up, Bash’s side of the bed is empty. I know he doesn’t have practice today, so where is he?

Stretching, I rub my eyes, which feel swollen and raw from all the crying I did yesterday. I get out of bed and make my way into the bathroom to do my business, wash my face, and brush my teeth before shuffling out of the room in search of breakfast and my husband. I find him in the kitchen.

“Morning.”

At the sound of my voice, Bash spins around, a frying pan in one hand and a spatula in the other.

“Damn it. I was trying to make you breakfast in bed.”

I swoon at his words. Is it possible to fall even more in love? Because I think I just did. I go over to him and give him a quick peck on the cheek.

He drops the spatula and frying pan and wraps one arm around me—the other he shoves up under my shirt until he’s touching my belly—and gives me a searing kiss. I moan, and he uses that as an opportunity to dart his tongue into my mouth. I tear my lips from his as an ache settles between my legs. As much as I’m stressed out with all the shit going on with my father, I also really need my husband right now.

“I know what I’d like for breakfast, and it’s not food.” I tip my chin toward his cock tenting his apron.

He chuckles, letting go of me, and I whine at the loss of his touch.

“Sutton.” His voice is gravelly. “Let me feed you.”

“I’m starving.” I lick my lips, meeting his gaze. “But not for food.”

He rakes his hand through his hair, taking a half step back.

“While I’d very much enjoy you sucking my dick, we can’t right now.”

I sigh because he’s right. I hate it, but he’s right. We need to attempt to solve this whole thing with my father, fuck him, first.

“Fine. Later though?”

He nods, turning back to the stove. “Of course. You can have as much as you want.”

I force myself to think about anything but sucking Bash’s dick and take a seat at the counter. “What’re you cooking for me?”

“Pancakes. Unless you want something else?”

“Chocolate chip?”

“Of course. Do you want tea or coffee?”

“Tea, please.”

He brings me a glass of ice water before boiling water in the kettle.

How did I get so lucky? This man takes care of me beyond what I ever imagined a partner would. Silly as that sounds. I hate to even think about it, but I’m kind of glad my grandmother forced me to get married to get my inheritance. As much as it pains me to think that, if she hadn’t, Sebastian and I wouldn’t be here. Together. Married. I wouldn’t have found the perfect partner. My person.

I sip my drink and watch him work, happy to pretend things are normal and that my father’s threats and demands aren’t hanging over us. I know I need to deal with it, with him. Although how, I’m still not sure, except to give him what he wants, but right now, I’ll enjoy watching the love of my life cook for me. Pretend the only worry we have is whether the team is going to make the playoffs or not.

Eventually, Bash sets a plate of chocolate chip pancakes in front of me, along with the peanut butter he knows I like on them and the syrup. He makes himself a plate of eggs and some fruit before taking the seat next to me.

We eat in silence for a few minutes before I set my fork down. “I wish all of this shit with my father would go away.”

“Me too, love. Me too.”

“Since that isn’t likely to happen, I think we should see if Alex is around this morning. You’re right. He needs to know what’s going on, even if there’s nothing he can do.” I drop my head in my hands. “Maybe I should give my father the hotels so I never have to deal with him again.”

“I’ll support whatever you decide. But for what it’s worth, I think if you do that, you’ll never be free of him. He’ll be hanging over you. Over us.” I turn to him. He shrugs. “He’ll know he can get what he wants when he has the right power, and he’ll do it again when he wants something you have.”

I blow out a breath. “You’re right.” I shake my head, fiddling with my fork. “Maybe saying I want revenge makes me a bad person, but that’s how I feel.”