Chapter Twenty-Eight
Maisie
Warren sets me down on my bed and presses the ice pack to my cheek before I lean back on the propped-up pillow. He’s enraged, but I’m relieved he’s here.
I should’ve looped him in sooner, but dealing with Hayes and my parents at the same time was mentally draining.
I was ready to sign off on my trust fund to get it over with and so he’d go back to New York.
But since Hayes went and had the Save the Dates sent out early, my father wanted to negotiate now that my parents have to figure out how to announce the whole thing’s been canceled, on top of paying for a big event that’s no longer happening.
I guess I should thank my father for not letting me give in or Warren would’ve been too late on his threat to call Hayes out.
“I’m fine,” I tell him when he glares at where Hayes accidentally hit me.
“I’m gonna kill him.”
I roll my eyes although it hurts to do so. “You did kinda provoke him with that ring stunt. Not that I blame you, but he didn’t mean to hit me. He was aimin’ for you.”
He rubs his fingers along his jawline as if it’s still sore. “He meant to punch me the first time, though.”
“I know, but the last thing you need is to go to jail for assault. Not that I wouldn’t bail out my husband, but it wouldn’t be a great fresh start for us.” And would only add to the rumor mill that’s bound to happen once everyone knows we’re back together.
He tips my chin, studying where I’m sure a bruise is forming. It happened so fast, I didn’t even have time to react or get out of the way.
“I love when you call me that,” he murmurs, brushing the pad of his thumb along my other cheek.
Grinning, I set the ice pack down so I can lean in and kiss him. “Thank you for comin’. I’m sorry I didn’t respond to you but now you know why. A few minutes before you showed up, my dad threatened to shove his boot up his ass.”
Warren snorts. “Does that mean he’s finally found someone he hates more than me?”
“Daddy doesn’t play around with money or blackmail, that’s for sure. He already called his attorney several times. If you hadn’t shown up, Hayes woulda become a missing person’s case.”
“Now that’s a good idea.”
I playfully shove his arm. “Warren!”
“If there’s one thing your father and I have in common it’s doin’ whatever it takes to protect you. Hell, we could bond over diggin’ his grave. Although I can’t really see your dad gettin’ his hands dirty. He’d probably make me do it while he micromanages and scolds me for doin’ a shitty job. ”
“Jesus Christ.” I shake my head. “You’re more insane than I realized.”
“Only when it comes to you, my love.” He tips my chin, softly pressing his lips to mine.
“And I’m afraid to say it runs in the family. Bodie offered to kick his ass if I needed him to.”
That makes him laugh for the first time. “Bodie woulda throat-chopped him and then kneed him in the balls. He’s a dirty fighter like Posey.”
“So you’re all unhinged? Bless whoever makes an honest man outta Bodie.”
“I doubt it’ll be anytime soon.”
Warren glances at my dresser and notices the lid with our names on it. “Is that the box with our notes and photos?”
“Mm-hmm. I was goin’ through it again last night.”
Rereading all our notes, reminiscing over the photos, and overall wishing he were with me.
“To make sure you were makin’ the right decision?”
I can’t tell if he’s being serious or if he really thinks I was having second thoughts.
“No, ’cause I missed you.” I frown, grabbing his hand. “I’m sorry if I made you doubt my feelings.”
“It’s not that, Maze. I’ve been goin’ stir-crazy for two days, not knowin’ what was goin’ on. Not hearin’ from you or gettin’ to see you made me fear the worst, like he was sweet-talkin’ you into stayin’ together or somethin’. I dunno.”
He hangs his head, and I hate that I’m the reason he was so stressed.
I bring my hand to his face, forcing him to look at me. “I apologize for not lettin’ you know sooner. I wanted to handle this on my own. I got myself into this mess and it was my responsibility to take care of it, so I didn’t wanna involve you when things were going so well between us.”
He takes my hand and kisses across the knuckles. “But that’s my job. We’re a team. Let me help, or hell, fight your battles for you.”
“Well, you kinda did without permission.” I snicker, but I’m not mad about it.
“You left me no choice,” he quips. “And now you know—ignore me and I’ll burn down the world lookin’ for you.”
My erratic heartbeat pounds even harder at the—although probably unintentional—sexiest thing I’ve ever heard him say.
“Duly noted.” I smirk.
When there’s a knock on the door, my mother enters, looking more cautious than usual.
“You okay, honey?”
“I’ll live.” My eyes track her suspicious movements. She’s been more worried about their reputations than listening to what I want.
“I was hopin’ we could talk…” Her gaze shifts to Warren for a split second. “Alone.”
Warren abruptly stands, facing her. “From now on, you’ll speak to her through me.”
“Pardon me?”
“You think you can slap my wife and get away with it?”
Oh fuck. Fuckfuckfuck.
“I’ve already apologized for that.”
Actually…her direct quote was, “I didn’t mean to slap you.”
That’s as much of an apology she’ll ever give me.
Warren crosses his arms, widening his stance. “Say whatever you came to say. I’m not leavin’ her with you.”
My mother clears her throat, looking more uncomfortable than I’ve ever seen her.
“Fine,” she bites out, folding her hands in front of her.
“The lawyers are on their way with the paperwork you and Hayes need to sign. With that, if you and Warren are gettin’ back together, your father and I would like y’all to sign a postnuptial agreement to protect your trust fund so this doesn’t happen again. ”
That has me jumping to my feet. “No.”
“If he loves you the way he claims, there shouldn’t be an issue. Plus, it protects him, too. He owns property on his family’s ranch I’m sure he wouldn’t want our family going after.”
Of course they dug into his business.
I’m not surprised considering he reminded them we didn’t have a prenup and he’s entitled to half of it. Warren would never go after it anyway.
“I’m not askin’ my husband to sign anything. That’s absurd.”
“I’ll do it,” Warren blurts before my mother can open her mouth to argue with me. “If that’s what it’ll take for you to leave us alone and let us be happy, I’ll sign.”
“You don’t have to!” I yank his arm to turn him toward me and find his hardened gaze. “They can’t force us.”
“I trust you a hundred percent, baby. One piece of paper agreein’ I won’t go after your money is no sweat off my back.
Before I started buildin’ the cabin, I bought the land from my parents so it was in my name, but the minute I can, I’m addin’ yours too.
If somethin’ happens between us, I’d gladly give it to you.
Take it. It’s yours. I built it for you. ”
“You built it for us , remember?”
He cups my face with both palms and leans down until he’s a breath away. “Yes, and if you’re not there with me, it has no value anyway.”
Warren’s words from a week ago still play on a loop in my mind.
Truthfully, I resent my parents for guilting him into agreeing to it, especially since they think they won some kind of one-sided game. But Warren doesn’t seem one bit fazed by it. I should’ve known he wouldn’t. He’s never cared about their money or the entitlement it gives them.
As soon as I signed both agreements, I packed up and left. Kissed my parents on the cheek and told them not to contact me until I reached out to them.
Their priorities don’t align with mine and there’s no reason to pretend we’re on good terms when we aren’t. They’ll have to get a complete personality facelift if they want to be in my life again.
Fortunately, Warren’s family has welcomed me back with open arms and have proved once again why I’ve always loved being around them.
In the agreement that Hayes signed, he had to ship all my belongings here, and it’s due to arrive this weekend.
Once Bodie overheard me telling Warren, he let their sibling group chat know it was all hands on deck to help me unpack.
Considering all my books from my parents’ house were delivered yesterday, I appreciate the extra help.
I’m most excited about putting books on my new shelves and organizing them. Hell, that part might take me the longest.
I’m officially going back to work full-time on Monday. I’ll get my office set up and decorated before then so I can focus on reading and finding a couple more employees to help grow the business.
It’s been a nice break, even with Warren at work during the day, because I never took the time to relax and read for fun. I think I’ve read five books this week and am in the middle of an audiobook that I listen to while I’m in the bath.
Hayes texted me the day he shipped out my boxes to let me know when to expect them, but then he actually gave me an apology for sending out the Save the Dates and going after my trust fund.
I apologized too for how things ended and not being truthful, or faithful for that matter, then I wished him the best in his career and finding a partner more suitable for him.
Though I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d be content living alone and staying single. His work came first and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
But overall, things could’ve ended worse.
Assuming he didn’t cover my belongings in hot wax or something before shipping them to me.
“Hey, Maisie!” Bodie greets me when I enter the barn. “Warren’s in his office.”
“I came to visit someone else today,” I tell him, grinning.
“Is it me? I know I’m irresistible, but I think you’re too old for me.”
“You idiot.” Warren’s voice comes from behind and the distinct sound of him hitting Bodie over the head.
Warren meets me in front of Lilith’s stall.
“How’s she doin’ today?” I ask, petting her nose.
“Much better. The meds are finally workin’ and she’s been eatin’ and drinkin’ normal.”
I smile wide, brushing my fingers over her mane. Although she tried to kill me a few weeks ago, we’ve bonded and moved past the near-death experience.
“Hopefully she’ll be up for ridin’ again soon.”
“You?” He chuckles. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
I arch my back, pressing my ass into his groin. “Excuse me, cowboy? You implyin’ I dunno how to ride?”
He grabs my hips, stopping me from rubbing against him. “No, I’m sayin’ unless you have a death wish, you’re not allowed to ride her. She needs more trainin’ and it’ll be a while before she’s up for that.”
I frown. “As long as she’s healin’, though.”
Warren reaches around me and pats her nose. “She’s a fighter.”
“So how’s your day goin’ so far?” I ask, wiggling my ass against him once more.
“It’s a whole lot better now.” He wraps a hand around my waist, pulling me into his thickening erection.
“Feels like it’s really better.”
“Maze…” He growls in my ear. “I’m not finished with work for another three hours, so you better stop that.”
But where’s the fun in that?
“Or you could take me into your office and you could finish right now.”
Expecting him to say no, I’m taken off guard when he grabs my hand and pulls me into a different room. By the time he locks the door, I’m pressed against it with Warren’s tongue in my mouth.
He works the buttons of his shirt until he frees it from his body. My palms slide up his rock-hard stomach and I dig my nails in his chest before scratching them back down .
“Fuck, Maze. We have to be fast. Be a good girl and bend over the saddle stand.”
He doesn’t have to tell me twice.
I do as he says and wait for him to position himself behind me.
“Good thing you’re wearin’ a skirt.”
“Yeah…what a coincidence,” I drawl, snickering over my shoulder.
“You’re a naughty girl, Mrs. Langston.” He smacks my bare ass when he realizes I’m wearing a thong.
I shake my hips, impatiently waiting as I watch him lower his jeans and boxer briefs.
He slides up my shirt so my back’s exposed and then holds out his palm in front of me. “Spit.”
I do as he says and then he strokes his cock a few times before sliding inside me. Sighing with relief, I arch into him as he sinks deeper.
Since I’m on birth control and I didn’t want us to have to use condoms, I had STI testing done to be reassured we were safe going bare. It’s always been explosive between us, but it’s even better with nothing between us. When he reaches around to rub my clit piercing, I gasp at the friction.
Wrapping his other fist around my hair, he pounds harder and goes so deep, I nearly fall to my knees.
“Such a perfect, tight cunt. Fuck, I’m not gonna last if you keep squeezin’ me like that.”
I purposely squeeze harder.
A crack on my ass is my reward, and I yelp at the pleasant burn.
“Holy shit…” I try to keep my voice down just in case, but he ma kes it nearly impossible when he’s so good at finding my sweet spot.
“Come on my cock, baby.” He grunts in between thrusts, trying to control his breathing so he doesn’t finish before me. “I’m so close.”
When he grips my hip, I slide my hand between my thighs and continue circling my clit.
“I’m right there. Don’t stop,” I beg.
One more thrust and I’m done for.
I moan into my palm, trying to hold back, and then he grunts, spilling inside me.
“Christ,” he huffs out a laugh when he starts sliding out. “You’re a mess.”
“You wrecked me.” I collapse against the saddle.
“Don’t move,” he demands before shoving two fingers back in. “Gonna make you walk outta here still filled with my cum.”
“Warren,” I whisper-hiss over my shoulder. “The fabric barely covers anythin’. It’s not gonna stay inside.”
“Shoulda thought about that before comin’ in here to tempt me.”
When he’s satisfied with his handiwork, he puts my thong back in place, lowers my shirt, and turns me around to face him.
“There.” He winks, tilting my chin to press his lips to mine. “Now you’ll have no choice but to think about me the rest of the afternoon.”