Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 110721 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110721 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
“Her mother, mostly.”
“What changed?”
“The bitch did more stupid shit and ended up back inside.”
Suddenly, he recalled the conversation he had with one of the screws that first day back in his “home away from home.” It just so happened to be about the woman now standing before him.
“What happened to that motherfucker who fucked up that chick?” Stone asked the guard as the wannabe pig escorted him to his cell.
“He’s not dead, if that’s what you’re worried about. It was close though. Would’ve upped your charge from ag assault to murder.”
Like he gave a fuck. “Ain’t why I’m askin’.”
“You fucked him up enough that he’s still in the hospital. But they charged him with domestic violence and ag assault, if you really want to know. But don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll be our guest as soon as he’s capable of breathing, talking, and walking again on his own.”
“Deserved more than a fuckin’ beatdown.”
The screw shrugged. “Can’t say I disagree with you, Conrad. You aren’t a man if you have to beat up women. But some random on the street can’t take justice into his own hands. Or fists.”
That “random” glanced down at his split knuckles still covered in dried blood.
Her next words pulled him free from the memory. “By inside, I assume you mean jail.”
He sucked on his teeth. “More like prison.”
“Speaking of…why didn’t you have a trial?”
Was that guilt still eating at her? “Faster and cheaper to just plead guilty and take a deal. Go in, do my time, get out. Think I wanna pay our lawyer more than I gotta and have twelve jurors who think their asses are too good to be my peers judgin’ me when we all know I did it?”
“You were protecting me, though.”
“Comes a point where the protection ends and the fuck around and find out stage begins.”
“Just so you know, I pleaded with the cops to let you go. I explained that you were only protecting me.”
He already knew that. The club attorney had let him read her statement she provided to the pigs. She also told the assistant district attorney that same thing. But it didn’t do jack since the ADA had a hard-on over him. In Stone’s opinion, twelve months was a shit deal, but the club attorney strongly suggested he take it. With his record, a jury trial, or even a bench trial, might’ve given him more time than that.
Of course, that twelve months turned into thirteen when he had to teach his dickhead cellie a lesson.
“Think they gave a fuckin’ shit why I did it?”
“Apparently not.”
“They see my cut. See my tats. To them, don’t matter why I beat the fuck outta that asshole.” He glanced at his now-healed knuckles. He would love to have another round with him. “Your ex did some time ‘cause of that, too, right?”
Her head twitched. “He did.”
“He out now?”
“Not yet. But soon. I got a PFA against him in preparation, just like you suggested.”
Stone snorted. “A PFA’s useless. Just a fuckin’ piece of paper. All that’s gonna do is give him a fuckin’ paper cut. It ain’t gonna protect you.”
She sighed softly. “I’m aware, but I had to do something.”
“He still gets your boy?”
Her lips pressed together and her expression hardened. “Once he gets out I’m sure he’ll fight to get supervised visitation.”
What the fuck. “Think he’ll get it?”
“Not if it’s up to me.”
“Good. Anyway…” He needed to get back on track before she decided to leave. “Ain’t lookin’ for a mother for my kid.”
Her face quickly went from determined to confused. “Well, that’s good since I wasn’t applying.”
“Only need someone to help me out. Can’t find a house mouse.”
She blinked up at him. “Come again?”
A grin spread across his face. “Would like to. You volunteerin’?”
“No…not…” She shook her head. “What’s a house mouse?”
“Like a housewife without the naggin’ wife part.”
Her mouth twitched, drawing his attention. “So, like a housekeeper? Or a nanny?”
“Kinda,” he murmured, distracted when her tongue darted across her lips.
She glanced around. “Does your daughter stay here when you have her?” She tipped her head toward the spot where Juicy and Grim had been only a minute ago. Grim must’ve shot his load and left in thirty seconds flat.
He probably got head to take the edge off. It helped him last longer when it came to fucking his ol’ lady.
“Nah. Got a room here but also got my own place.”
“Like a house?”
“Got a roof and some walls.”
“So does a tent.”
He pressed his lips together, dropped his head and shook it. When he lifted it, he continued. “Maybe we can make a deal.”
Her brow furrowed. “What kind of deal?”
“I protect you. You take care of my girl.”
Her mouth dropped open and hung there. He tucked a thumb under her chin and closed it for her.
“I’m sorry, but what?” she whispered.
“Makin’ you a deal. One that’ll benefit us both.”