Exposed (Let Me Love You #3)

Chapter 36

36

WE’RE FIGHTERS

JASMINE“PEPPER”

A WEEK LATER

I used Matt’s camera, took photos of a ton of things in the house, Matt, his parents and grandparents and Shani. Then, Matt and I got them printed today and I’m making a book for Simon to teach him about his world.

Matt had a short engagement session tonight, then he’s headed home to hang with us.

“Okay, Simon, who is this?” He kicks in his rocker as I show him the photo of Matt smiling.

“It’s your dad. Say, dada.” Simon waves his arms happily. I can’t wait til he talks. Over the last week, he giggles more and more when Matt plays with him, and my heart doubles in size every time I hear them laugh together.

“Your daddy is the best daddy in the whole world, Simon. You’re the luckiest kid to have him.” I show him a few more photos while Shani nuzzles Simon’s feet.

“It’s about time for bed, buddy. Let’s get you a bath, then we can sing before you sleep.”

The phone Matt bought me rings, and Matt’s name flashes across the screen.

I quickly answer it, excited Matt will be home soon. “Matt, you headed home?”

“I’m on my way to the hospital. I’m okay, but I was mugged,” Matt’s steady voice comes through.

“Matt, what happened?” I ask, internally freaking out.

“I have to get a few stitches, nothing major. I’ll be home soon. Take care of Simon, and I’ll be home before you know it.”

My fake husband could be bleeding out as he drives to the hospital, and he’s telling me to “just take care of Simon.”

“Want me to call your dad to meet you at the hospital? Are you sure you don’t want me to meet you there?”

“Ah, wifey, I’m glad you care, but I’m seriously okay. I’ll be home soon. Jared and Raul are still there, right?”

“They are.” I look out the window to see Jared posted out front. It must be costing him a fortune to have two armed guards outside the house 24/7, and I feel guilty for costing Matt so much money.

“Pepper?” Matt asks.

“What?” I say softly. I’d do anything he asks right now.

“Stay safe for me, wife. I’ll see you soon.”

With that, he hangs up.

My hands are shaky with fear as I look at Simon. I hope whoever framed me isn’t targeting Simon and Matt now. I school my features and smile for Simon, because babies are perceptive.

“Come on, little man. Let’s get your bath ready.”

An hour later, Simon is asleep while Shani watches over him. The two security guards are outside the house while I pace the living room, waiting for Matt to come home.

It’s obvious what needs to happen. If whoever framed me is targeting Matt now, I need to leave. I’ve packed my backpack and left the clothes and shoes Matt bought for me.

I’ve never really allowed myself to feel angry at life, but tonight, I let it boil inside of me.

In a different world, Matt and I could be together. I’m falling in love with him and Simon, with his family and his friends. Matt is the most caring man, and it’s easy to love him. I’m not Simon’s biological mom, but I love him like my own. In another dimension where I’m not on the run, I would completely want this life with Matt.

A peek out the window reveals Matt’s car finally pulling into the driveway. It’s raining, but I don’t care. Flinging open the door, I run outside to meet him.

When he sees me, he runs to meet me and picks me up. He grunts, I assume in pain, but still holds me tight. “Pepper. I’m here. I’m okay.” He kisses me as raindrops pelt our clothes and hair. “Inside,” he murmurs, and I nod in agreement.

He lets go of me long enough to lock the front door, then wraps his arms around my waist again and pulls me close.

“What happened?” I ask.

“Two thugs jumped me when I was walking to my car. I fought back, and one pulled a knife and tried to stab me. I was able to kick myself free, got my gun out, and they both bolted.” He shakes his hair and rain droplets fly everywhere.

I run my hands up and down his shoulders. “Where are you hurt?”

“Here.” He steps back and lifts his shirt to show white gauze covering a few inches of his upper abdomen.

“How bad does it hurt?” I ask.

“It’s mostly a shallow wound. I’m fine,” he shrugs one shoulder. “The whole time, you and Simon were all I could think about. I wanted to get home to you both,” he whispers as he cups my face, and his bright blue eyes focus on mine. “Is Simon asleep?”

“Yeah. He’s good,” I assure him.

He nods satisfactorily, then cuffs my throat with his hand and pulls me close to him. “Get over here, Mrs. Galloway. I need you.” He tugs my ponytail with his free hand, angling my head so he can kiss me the way he wants.

His kiss is lustful, hungry and demanding. He pulls off my rain dampened t-shirt and picks me up, but he grunts in pain.

“Matt, you’re hurt.”

“Don’t care. Having you is worth far more than a little pain.” He carries me to his couch and lays me on it.

“You’re my wife, Jasmine. I love you,” he says with conviction as he trails a hand down between my breasts.

“Are you on pain medicine?” I sit up on my elbows, taken aback by his declaration.

“Only Tylenol. I’m fine. I love you, Jasmine: you and your warrior heart. You’ve fought since you were a little girl to overcome all that life threw at you.”

How is he so sweet?

“We fit together, princess. We’re both stubborn fighters. I fought with everything I had to come back to you tonight. I’m fighting to keep my son. You’ve fought for happiness and, now, you’re fighting for your freedom. I love that you never give up.”

“How are you so…you?” I ask. Does he know I’m thinking about leaving? Because he’s making it damn hard when he says all those flowery things to me.

“I'm just stating facts, little fighter.” He smirks as he grabs the back of his shirt and tugs it off, then positions himself between my legs.

I give his fresh wound the side eye. “You sure we’re okay to do this with your injury?”

“Yep. I feel perfect in between your legs. Let me eat you out, princess. I want to make you come as many times as I can tonight. I need to see you come.”

Who could say no to that? It’s selfish, but I want one more time with him before I leave. One more time being one with him, to remember what it was like to have a husband who seemingly adores me.

“I’m yours, husband,” I whisper.

“That’s my pretty girl,” he praises. “Put your arms above your head and take a deep breath.”

We breathe in sync, taking a deep breath in, then out together. He kisses me from my collar bone, then down my stomach, his hands and mouth exploring my skin. Then, he cups my sex and lets his mouth trail closer to my clit.

“You want me to kiss you here?” He whispers, his lips hovering over my pussy.

“Yes, please.”

That’s all the permission he needs. He gives me delicious attention down there with his mouth while his hands worship my body.