Chapter Twenty
Holiday music curled around her as Savannah wove through the crowds. She pushed open the doors at the French Bistro and the aroma of freshly baked baguettes tantalized her as she entered the eatery. A quick scan around the small restaurant told her Cara hadn’t arrived yet. Deciding to secure a table, Savannah rushed over to one in the corner that had just become available.
On one of the chairs, she stacked her packages then sat down with a contented sigh to finally be off her feet. The café had a warm feel to it, and amid the brightly decorated trees and dangling strings of lights, oil paintings depicting street scenes of Parisian life decorated the yellow walls.
“Would you like anything to drink?” a young waitress asked as she handed Savannah a menu.
“A friend of mine will be coming,” she said and the waitress put down another menu. “I’ll have a hot chocolate and a glass of water with extra lemon, please.”
“I’ll be right back with your drinks.” The young girl rushed away.
The restaurant filled up, and soon there were no tables available for the line of people crowding the reception area. Savannah looked out the window, watching the shoppers as they clutched shopping bags and hurried down the bustling street. She saw Cara rushing across the road and she smiled. Cara had turned out to be a great friend to Savannah, and the family law attorney she’d recommended really knew her stuff. Savannah had met with Francine Roberts that morning then she’d dashed around buying last minute items and specialty foods for the dinner she planned to make that evening.
“Sorry I’m late,” Cara said as she slipped into the chair across from Savannah. “The probation revocation hearing went on longer than I thought.”
“That’s okay—I just got here about fifteen minutes ago. I finally finished up all my Christmas shopping. Are you done with yours?”
“Pretty much. You’re all coming tomorrow for our Christmas Eve party, right?” Cara asked.
“Yes. Ryder surprised me and said he’d changed his mind.” Savannah smiled at the waitress as she placed the hot chocolate in front of her.
“Would you like anything to drink?” the young lady asked Cara.
“What’re you having?” Cara said to Savannah.
“Hot chocolate—I’m obsessed with it. This one’s to die for—so chocolatey and decadent.”
“Sounds good, but I think I’ll stick to my usual café au lait with a dusting of nutmeg. We might as well order.”
After the waitress walked away, Cara propped her elbows on the table. “How’d you like Francine?”
“She’s awesome,” Savannah replied.
“I knew you’d like her. She’s a real fighter. What did she say?”
Savannah put her mug down. “I have to file for divorce in Boston since I’m not a resident of Colorado.”
“Yeah, you have to live in the state for six months to establish residency. Did she recommend an attorney in Boston?”
“She did. I already went to see one before I left, but I wasn’t too excited about him. I’m going to check out the one Francine gave me. I wish she could practice law in Massachusetts.”
“Yeah—she’s one of the best in the whole county. She does a lot of divorce work in Aspen, even Denver sometimes. Does she think you have a good chance of getting sole custody of Timmy?” Cara picked up her coffee and brought it to her lips.
“Yes. When she heard the recordings, she clapped her hands and said I’ve got more than a ninety-five percent chance of getting sole custody in spite of Bret’s money.”
“Ham and brie baguette?” the waitress asked.
“Uh … that’s me. That was fast,” Savannah said.
The young woman set the plate in front of her then placed a Croque Madame in front of Cara.
“Do you need anything else?”
“I’m good,” Savannah said.
“Me too,” Cara added.
“Enjoy your lunch.” The fresh-faced woman smiled then hurried away.
“This sandwich is to die for. It’s as good as the ones I had in Paris. Good choice.” Savannah savored the smokiness of the ham coupled with the tangy creaminess of the brie. “And the bread is awesome. Do they sell baguettes here?”
Cara, cutting into her sandwich, nodded. “They have a full service bakery in the front. The owner chef is from Aix en Provence. I love this place. It opened a few years ago, and they do a real steady business. People stand in long lines for the croissants and baguettes in the morning.”
“I’m going to buy a loaf for dinner tonight. I’m making Irish stew.”
“Sounds good. What recordings were you talking about before our food came?”
Savannah wiped the corners of her mouth with the napkin. “The ones I’ve been taping ever since I decided to leave Bret. I’d been doing it for the past several months, but I didn’t know if it would mean anything considering the clout the Carlton family name carries. Francine said they’re a gold mine.”
Cara burst out laughing. “I love it!”
“I just knew in my gut that no one would believe me about the way Bret talked about Timmy, so that’s why I started recording him and keeping a journal. Every awful thing he said about our precious son is on tape, and every memory of what he did to me and Timmy is written down.” Savannah shook her head. “When I married him, I never thought I’d be gearing up for such a nasty battle. I still can’t believe he doesn’t love his son. How could a parent not love their child?”
“I know … it’s so hard to believe, but in the line of work I’m in, I see horrible things people to do their kids and others all the time. Timmy’s just very lucky that he has you in his life.”
“I’m the one who’s lucky.” Savannah’s voice quivered and she dabbed the corner of her eyes. “Let’s change the subject.” She sat up straighter in the chair. “Do you want me to bring anything to the party tomorrow night?”
Shaking her head no, Cara patted Savannah’s hand. “You know I’m always available if you need moral support. You’ll get through this, and with Ryder having your back, you’ll be even stronger.” Cara placed her knife and fork down on her plate. “Hawk told me that he’s never seen Ryder happier, and for him or any Insurgent to comment on something like that means it’s really surprising. I’m guessing you’re the reason for that.”
A flush of heat reddened Savannah’s cheeks. “We’re going to see how things work between us.”
“I’m so happy. You guys fit together so well, and Ryder is a great guy even if he is a bit hard to get to know.”
“Yeah—he’s so brooding and gruff, but underneath all that, he’s got the biggest heart. I’m crazy about him, and I feel like I’m doing the right thing in staying. Timmy adores him, and Ryder’s so good with him. Sometimes I think things are going too fast and that I must be out of my mind, but then when we’re watching a Disney film in front of the fire, and he tugs on my hair, I know this is right for me—for Timmy and me.”
“It is. One thing I learned from dating and marrying Hawk, is that you have to go by what you feel. My mom and so many of my relatives were against us, but I went by how I felt, and I’ve never regretted my decision for one second. Hawk’s the love of my life and I couldn’t be happier.”
“Will there be anything else?” the waitress asked interrupting the women’s conversation.
“I’d like another cup of hot chocolate,” Savannah replied.
The waitress nodded as she picked up their empty plates.
Cara glanced at her phone. “Nothing for me, thanks.” The woman walked away. “I have to go. I have an evidentiary hearing and Judge Rollins doesn’t tolerate the attorneys to be one minute late. I’m so glad we got together and you liked Francine.” Cara pushed her chair back and stood up then placed a twenty dollar bill on the tray. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“See you.” Savannah watched her friend weave through the patrons before exiting out the door and disappearing into the throng of shoppers. Savannah smiled: she liked Cara a lot. She was looking forward to meeting more of the women who loved the Insurgent men. Ryder told her that all the old ladies would be at Hawk and Cara’s party the following night, and if they were anything like Cara, Belle, and Clotille, she suspected that she’d get along well with them. My life is falling into place and I’ve never been happier. Finally… after all this time. She picked up her new cup of cocoa and licked the whipped cream before taking a sip.
“Savannah?”
She averted her eyes from the bustling street to the person standing by her table. Bret! I can’t believe he actually came here. She’d just assumed that the creep who’d been following her would try and threaten her into coming back to Boston, or maybe he would serve divorce papers on her, but she never figured Bret would trek over to Pinewood Springs.
“What’re you doing here?” she said.
“Is that any way to greet your husband?” Bret smirked. Without asking, he pulled out the chair and sat down, his gaze scanning over her. “You look good. The high altitude seems to agree with you. It looks like you lost weight.”
“What do you want?” All of a sudden the whip cream and rich chocolate were making her stomach queasy; she put down the cup and stared at him.
“I’ve come to take you and Timmy back. You’ve had your tantrum and now it’s time to come home.”
“Come home to what? A selfish bastard who’s a pathetic excuse for a husband?” She took out her wallet and placed the money on the tray; she wanted to grab all her packages and run away as fast as she could from this man whom she no longer recognized.
“I didn’t come over two thousand miles to be insulted. Your fucking antics have caused me a lot of problems. You’re going to get your ass back to Boston and that’s final. I’m done with this shit.”
“I don’t need to listen to you anymore. My attorney will get in touch with you. I’m finished with you.”
“I’ll be the one to decide when it’s over,” Bret said, gripping her wrist tightly.
Savannah tried to pull away. “Let go of me.” She leaned toward him. “Do you think I’d ever go back to you? You insulted me then raped me,” she whispered.
“I fucked you. You should be thanking me for that.” He moved in real close. “A husband can’t rape his wife—she’s supposed to put out for him. Why the fuck do you think men get married?”
“I’ve nothing more to say to you. It’s over. You don’t care about me … or Timmy. You haven’t even asked about him since you sat down. He deserves a better father.”
Bret pushed her hand away so strongly that it hit the corner of the table sending jolts of pain up her arm. “Like that cripple you’re shacking up with?” Bret laughed dryly. “Don’t look so shocked—I know all about your fucking blue collar love nest. I don’t think a judge is going to take too kindly to what you’re exposing our son to.”
“Just shut the hell up. You know nothing about Ryder. He’s more of a man than you’ll ever be.”
“He’s a fucking outlaw biker, he’s fucked up in the head, he’s lives like a goddamn hermit, and he’s missing a leg. Oh … and that’s just for starters. The judge won’t like any of that.”
“I will fight you all the way, Bret. I’m not afraid of you, your mom, your family’s name, or your money. I won’t allow you to use Timmy as a pawn in your warped game.” Savannah rose to her feet and collected her packages. “We’re through—I’m done talking to you. Leave me the fuck alone.” She brushed past him, but he grabbed her hand and squeezed it so hard she thought it was going to break.
“This isn’t finished, bitch,” he hissed.
With all the strength she possessed, Savannah jerked away and a few packages dropped on the floor.
A young waiter ran over. “Let me help you with those, Miss,” he said, picking them off the floor.
“Thank you.” Without a glance backward, she stalked out of the restaurant, her heart slamming against her ribcage.
By the time Savannah arrived at the cabin, she was a bundle of nerves. The whole ride back, her gaze kept shifting to the rear view mirror expecting to see a car trailing her. He doesn’t even get what he did to me. What a fucking asshole. I can’t believe he’s in Pinewood Springs. We’re never going back to him. Never!
The first thing she noticed when she walked into the family room was the additional wrapped presents. For several minutes she looked at the twinkling tree, with its tiers of lights and the glittering packages under it. Her stomach fluttered and heat radiated through her chest melting the anger inside her.
“How did the meeting with the attorney go?” Ryder’s deep voice washed over her. Strong arms curled around her waist, and the familiar scent of the man she loved enveloped her. He nuzzled her neck and the shopping bags she held in her hands fell to the floor as she spun around and planted a passionate kiss on his delectable mouth.
Breaking away slightly, she smiled at him. “It went great.” She kissed him again. “I missed you so much.”
Ryder chuckled then jerked her closer to him, his hands cupping her ass. “I missed you too, darlin’.”
After smooching for a while, Savannah picked up the bags from the floor and put them in her room. When she came back into the family room, Ryder sat on the couch, and she noticed a steaming mug of cocoa on the coffee table. A rush of emotion flooded her, and she inhaled deeply then walked over to the couch.
“Did you make this for me?” She picked up the cup and took a sip; it was weak and watery and filled with love. “It’s the best cup of hot chocolate I’ve ever had.”
Ryder beamed and gestured her to come sit beside him. Snuggled in the crook of his arm, she ran her hand up and down his denim-clad thigh.
“Bret’s in town,” she said.
Ryder twitched. “What the fuck?”
“After Cara left to go to court, he came into the restaurant. The thug he hired must’ve been following me.”
“What the hell did the pussy want?”
“To take us back.”
Savannah felt his arm stiffen. “What did you say?” he asked in a low voice.
“Basically to fuck off.”
A booming laugh resounded through the room and he tilted her head back and crushed his mouth to hers. The muffled sound of crunching snow drew them apart, and Ryder hoisted himself up and walked to the front door and peered out. Brutus jumped up and barked.
“We got company.” There was a steely edge in his voice.
“Who is it?” Savannah rose to her feet and sauntered over to him.
“I think it’s your pussy and the fucker he’s hired.” Ryder turned around. “I’ll be right back. Don’t open the door.” Brutus kept growling and barking.
A shiver tiptoed up her spine as she watched Bret and the hired goon get out of the brown SUV and begin to approach the cabin.
“Move aside, darlin’, I’ll take care of this.”
Savannah stepped back and noticed the shotgun in Ryder’s hand and a handgun in his waistband. Her stomach pitched.
“What’re you going to do?”
“The fuckers are on my property. They gotta leave one way or the other.” He opened the door and stepped out on the large wrap-around porch. Brutus bolted out and stood in front of the two men, snarling and barking ferociously.
Savanna stepped into the doorway, arms folded, lips pressed together, heart pounding.
“You’re fucking trespassing,” Ryder bellowed as he leveled the shotgun at the two startled men.
Bret held up his hands and shook his head. “We don’t want any trouble. I’ve just come here to talk to my wife.”
“Call your dog off,” the other man said.
“She’s got nothing to say to you, asswipe.” Jerking his head at the private eye, Ryder bared his teeth. “And you don’t tell me what the fuck to do on my property. Now take your goddamn cell phone out and throw it on the ground.” He glared at Bret. “You too, fucker.” Both men complied. “Brutus, stay.” The dog froze, but his eyes remained fixed on the men. “Slowly open your jackets and show me what you got inside.”
“I don’t have a gun, if that’s what you’re asking,” Bret said.
“I’m not asking shit, I’m telling. Fucking do it. Now.”
Bret glanced at Savannah, but she stood resolute in the doorway, although inside she was dying, praying that the situation didn’t get out of hand. It was true that she despised Bret, but she didn’t want Ryder to kill him. He wouldn’t do that, would he?
“Toss your piece real slow toward me, and if you do something stupid I’ll blow your fucking brains out,” Ryder said to the private investigator. The man complied.
“I don’t go in for guns. I’d never have one,” Bret said as he held his jacket open widely.
Brutus growled, his bright eyes fixed on her shaking soon-to-be ex-husband.
“Why the fuck do you keep talking? I don’t give a damn what your fucking thoughts are on guns.” Ryder went over to the handgun that was on the ground and picked it up, his gaze never wavering from the two men. He tossed it behind him and it landed with a thud on the wooden porch. Savannah jumped—her frazzled nerves were sparking.
“Savannah said she already talked to you and told you to fuck off. You being on my property tells me you didn’t take her seriously.” Still holding the gun on them, Ryder took a couple of steps backward. “Darlin’, do you wanna talk with this fucker?”
She cleared her throat. “No. Bret, I told you everything I wanted to say at the restaurant. We’re finished. Please leave me alone.”
“You can’t be serious about wanting this uncouth barbarian. The guy has a gun on me. Is that how low you’ve fallen?”
“You’re on his property. You’re bothering me. He’s protecting me—something you never did.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“You never stood up for me once when your mother was so horrible to me. You tried to make me feel like white trash all the time. You threw your mistresses in my face, telling me how much better they were than me. You’re were an awful husband … and father.”
“Can’t we talk about this without having a damn shotgun pointed at me?” Bret said.
“There’s nothing more to talk about,” Savannah said. “I don’t love you anymore. I want a divorce.”
“My mother was right to say I shouldn’t have gone over to the other side of the tracks for a wife. You never fit in—you were always an embarrassment to the family.”
Savannah gripped the wood bannister. “I fit in just fine with the rich world, but you’re right about not fitting in with your family, and I’m glad I don’t. If I did that would mean I’m cruel, cold, and manipulative. I pity you, Bret.”
Bret’s nostrils flared. “You ungrateful bitch!”
In less than two heartbeats, Ryder was on him, punching and kicking him. The goon started to run over, but Brutus rushed toward him and he stopped dead in his tracks then the dog grabbed his pant leg with his teeth.
“Get him off me!” he yelled.
“Brutus!” Savannah yelled. The dog backed away a bit, but he stood erect with eyes fixed on the trespasser, ready to pounce at the slightest provocation. She bent down and picked up the handgun then pointed it at the man who’d scared the hell out of her for the past week. “Stay where you are. It’s their fight, not yours.”
Savannah watched as Ryder kicked Bret’s ass good, happy that her man stopped when it was obvious that Bret was defeated. Ryder picked up the cell phones and it seemed like he was checking them out, and then he lifted the shotgun and waved it at the hired hand.
“Pick that piece of shit up and get the fuck off my land. If you come back, I won’t be talking, just shooting.” Ryder tossed the phones at him.
The man glared at him and then at her before he bent down and helped Bret to his feet then to the car. Bret didn’t even glance at her, and a thread of relief wove through her. It’s finally over. She and Ryder stood on the porch until long after the SUV disappeared from sight.
“I don’t think they’ll be coming back,” Savannah said.
“They better not. Are you okay?” He draped his arm around her shoulder and kissed her.
“More than better—it’s finally over.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “Why were you so interested in their cell phones?”
“I wanted to make sure they weren’t filming anything to use against you in the divorce.” He whistled for Brutus and the dog came bounding up the road.
“I love you,” she said. “Thank you for being my rock.”
“I love you too, baby.” He spun her around and kissed her deeply.
Then she saw the redness forming under his right eye. “You’re hurt,” she said, running her fingers over the place where Bret landed a punch.
Ryder chuckled. “A lucky shot. Damn, that pussy couldn’t fight for shit.”
“I don’t think he’s ever been in a fight. Thanks for not overdoing it.”
They walked into the house and the warmth from the fire surrounded them.
“I’ve gotta admit it was hard to stop. I kept thinking of what he did to you, and I wanted to kill him. But then I thought of Timmy and how the fuck’s still his dad, and that’s what made me stop.”
Savannah hugged him and his arms folded around her, and she never wanted to let go. “You’re the best,” she whispered.
They walked into the kitchen, and Savannah took out two dog treats and Brutus went wild with excitement. “You did a good job watching over us,” she said as Brutus took the treats from her palm and crunched them while looking at her.
“I want to show you something,” Ryder said as he handed her an envelope.
She opened it up and took out a piece of paper then looked up at him. “What’s this?”
“I got tested. I’m clean. I just wanted to share that with you because I’d like to really feel you, baby.”
She giggled then poked him playfully. “That’s good to know. I started on the pill. Clotille told me about this clinic in town, and I went to it last week.”
A frown creased his brows. “You weren’t on it before?”
“No. There wasn’t any reason to be.” When his eyes widened, she patted his forearm. “I know … I was scared about STDs and getting pregnant when Bret forced himself on me. I got tested as soon as I could while Timmy and I were on the road, and I’m good. The week after we left, I got my period—I was never so happy to get it in my life.”
He chuckled and pivoted her into his arms. “You’re really something special, darlin’.” He pressed his lips on hers. “I want to be inside you and fill you up,” he said.
“I want to really feel you,” she replied as she looped her arms around his neck and tugged him closer to her.
Ryder kissed her again—hard and hungry, then pulled her sweater above her head, and tossed it on the floor. He stepped back and his gaze lingered on her ivory sheer bra. “Fuck, you look beautiful. I’ll never get enough of your tits, baby.” He grabbed her hand and led her over to the table then reached behind her and undid the hooks. The straps slipped down and he pushed them off and flung the bra off then bent down and swiped his tongue over her nipples.
Arousal flashed hot through her system and she sank her fingers into his hair and pulled it hard. The way he played with her breasts drove her crazy with wanton desire, and she threw her head back, pushing her breasts into his face.
“Oh, darlin’,” he rasped.
Then Ryder slowly turned her around so that she was facing the table, and his hands slid over her back, around her waist, to her belly, and into the waistband of her leggings. She held her breath, her body trembling, as he pushed aside the crotch of her panties and buried one finger between her folds.
“So damn wet,” he murmured.
Savannah leaned across the table, her hands gripping the edges of it to steady herself. She heard the familiar sound of Ryder unbuckling his belt and unzipping his jeans and heat pulsed between her legs. She felt his weight as he bent over her then the warmth of his hand as he swept her hair to one side. His mouth was on her ear, her neck. “You drive me fucking crazy, woman,” he rasped.
“Ryder,” she moaned.
He pulled her leggings and panties down, spread her legs wide, and slid his finger between her folds. She knew she was sopping wet; she could feel it, hear it as his finger moved back and forth slowly. Then he pressed another finger into her, and his low, hungry grunt drove her arousal higher.
Ryder reached down between her open thighs and cupped his hand over her sex. “This is mine. Only mine,” he said, as his other hand smoothed over her butt.
There was something incredibly sexy about the way that sounded. “Only yours,” she breathed as she parted her legs wider and ground into his hand. “Please…Please take me,” she said in a thick voice.
“Fuck, woman,” he growled. His fingers dug into her fleshy behind as he thrust into her.
Savannah let out a long, breathy sigh, and then groaned, grasping at the table as he began to move in her, his dick pushing in and out, his finger stroking her clit.
It was rough, deep, and quick—Ryder was soon thrusting harder, smacking her ass, rubbing her sweet spot—and she bucked against him, urging him, barely able to contain herself.
“You feel amazing, woman,” he grunted.
A tidal wave of pleasure overtook her as she spasmed her release. She felt him bucking into her and heard him grunt as he found his pleasure, the warm rush filling her.
They stayed bent over the kitchen table for a moment, spent and gasping. Savannah turned her head to smile at him. “What the hell did you just do to me?”
Ryder pressed his face in her hair then trailed his lips to her mouth and kissed her softly. “I could ask you the same thing.” His hands were warm and tight around her until he patted her ass and moved away, letting her get up.
When she stood up, he handed her clothing to her and she gave him a quick kiss and dashed off to her room to wash up and get dressed before Rock brought Timmy back; she’d dropped him off earlier that morning at Rock and Clotille’s house to play with James.
Savannah walked backed into the family room and sat down next to Ryder on the couch. “I hope you like lamb stew—that’s what I’m making for dinner.”
He kissed the side of her head. “I love it. You’ll find I’m not a picky eater.” He pulled away and took her hands in his. “I want to make sure you understand what you’re getting into.”
Savannah cocked her head to the side. “What do you mean?”
“My disability is an added responsibility I have to consider every day, and I’ll never be as carefree as if I was able-bodied. Sometimes I’m gonna be pissed as hell and my patience is gonna be shit because my muscles burn or I got sores on my stump from wearing the prosthesis too damn long.” He scrubbed his face. “All I’m saying is that it can be fucking challenging to live with an amputee. I just want to make sure you get that.”
She tucked his hand in hers and rubbed it gently. “Thank you for sharing that with me. I’m sure there will be challenges for both of us. I’m not always on the upswing, and can be a downright crazy bitch sometimes during my period. If I don’t understand for whatever reason, remind me what you’re feeling, okay? The best thing is for us to be open and communicate so if you’re in pain or feeling shitty because you hate not having your leg, tell me. I promise not to analyze you. I’ll give you your space—I know you like alone time. We’re both starting on level ground and there will be some adjustment period, but we have to be open about what we’re feeling and what we want and need.”
“I agree.” He leaned over and kissed her.
A car door slammed and Savannah ran her hand down his rugged face and smiled. “I think Timmy’s home.” She stood up and ambled to the window and saw Timmy running up the porch steps and swung open the door.
“Mommy!” Timmy hugged her legs then rushed into the house, the sound of his laughter wrapping around her heart.
Rock lifted his chin at her as he walked inside, the chains hanging down from his pockets jingling. He bumped fists with Ryder then sat on the chair across from him. Savannah scampered into the kitchen and took out two tumblers and the bottle of Jack and brought them into the room, setting them on the table. Ryder tilted his head at her as he brushed his fingers across hers, and then he reached over and picked up the bottle.
“Timmy, come into the kitchen and tell me all about your day while I make dinner,” she said.
And as her son knelt next to Brutus, excitedly telling her all the things he did, she heard Ryder’s deep, steady voice as he visited with Rock and she knew that she’d finally found the man she was supposed to be with and the home in which she was supposed to be.