Bad Girl by Goode, Ella (chrysanthemum read aloud .txt) 📕

“You have no proof of that,” Chris hisses back, but I notice he doesn’t deny it. How is this happening?

“I’m sure you thought it would be simple until Leila showed up and threw a wrench into your plans. Then you got greedy. So you used her to try and get even more money. Trying to set yourself up for years to come.”

“No clue what you’re talking about. I’m leaving.” He tries to head out again, but War keeps going.

“We have proof. You didn’t think about the cameras that are set up around the building. They’re really everywhere. Not to mention your cell phone pinged you there too.”

Chris's hands start to shake in fear. I’m speechless at War’s revelations. I feel sick to my stomach thinking about how naïve I’ve been.

“I’ll give you the Park Hill deal back,” he offers as panic sets in. War lets out a deep laugh.

“There is no amount of money you could ever give me that I would take. I have no doubt you had plans to kill my Leila too.” I wrap my arm around War’s to give me strength. I’m on the brink of tears and need whatever support I can get at this moment. “You’re lucky I don’t have my hands wrapped around your neck.”

Chris tries to run out of the room, knowing he’s been caught. Three FBI agents block him from going anywhere.

“I want my lawyer.” I enjoy seeing the panic that’s written all over his face.

“Good luck finding a good one in this city that will help you.” I watch as the FBI agents cuff him and read him his rights. Chris starts to cry. “You really should be thanking me. Borrowing money from the Espositos was a terrible idea. They’re going to want you dead once they realize you didn’t get your hands on that money. You’ll be safer in prison. Maybe.”

The agents start to pull him away. Chris pleads as they drag him along. Finally, I let a few tears fall when he’s gone.

“How?” I think I’m in a little bit of shock but also relieved in a way.

“I went digging. I wasn't going to let that man have his claws in you.”

“Only you can have claws in me.” I’m actually relaxed right now. War lets out a chuckle.

“You’re catching on.” He pulls me into him.

“I’m sorry I got you into this mess.” I rest my hands on his chest.

“I’m not. This is what brought you into my life. I’ll forever be grateful for that.” My heart melts at his words. My tears escape. “Don’t cry. You know that kills me.” He reaches his hand up to wipe my tears away.

“They’re happy tears, War. I came here because I was so lost. I needed something. I thought revenge would heal me, but I was wrong. You healed me.”

“I told you. I’ll always take care of you.”

I stand on my tiptoes to kiss him. “How much was the life insurance policy worth?” Curiosity gets the best of me.

“Ten million.” My mouth falls open. “Not that you need it.” I’m guessing he means because I’ll never want for anything as long as he has a say in it.

“Put it in a trust or something for our children. You want a whole football team, after all.” He lifts me off my feet.

“I love you so damn much.” I don’t know how I got so lucky. Fate brought me to him when I needed him the most.

“I love you too. Now take me home so we can work on that football team.” I don’t have to ask him twice.

I know I’ll always be a bad girl. War’s punishments are too tempting for me not to be. Only now he owns every part of me. I’m his bad girl.

Epilogue Warren

“It’s gonna hail, sweetheart. You need to sit that sweet ass down and make plans for tomorrow when the weather’s better.”

“Dottie has a new puppy and needs some sleep.”

“Dottie wouldn’t be able to live with herself if you got into an accident on the way to her house.” I sign the last title document and shove it into my briefcase for work on Monday.

Leila peeks out the window. “It’s only a little cloudy. If I leave now, I could beat the hail back.”

“No.”

“You’re being difficult.” She screws up her pretty nose. “What if Dottie and I meet halfway at a park?”

“Why can’t it wait until tomorrow?”

Leila lets out a frustrated sigh. “I’m bored. The kids are gone to summer camp and I thought I would enjoy this time alone, but I have too much time on my hands.” She splays her fingers wide. “I should be doing something.”

“Something should not include danger.” I lean back in my chair and run my eyes over her curvy frame. It’s been nearly twenty years, but she’s still beautiful, still sexy as hell. Her hips are rounder after the two kids, but they emphasize her small waist. The sunlight filters through her golden strands like fairy dust. The angels set one of their own amongst us, and I got lucky enough to capture her heart.

“If you wanted someone who just sat home all the time, you should’ve married someone else.”

She turns and tries to flounce from the room, but I grab her waist and drag her down on my lap. “You trying to leave me? That’s not allowed.”

“I can if I want.” She juts her chin out.

“You’re sounding kinda bratty, Leila. You know what happens to little bratty girls, don’t you?” I push my thumb under her chin.

She pulls her head away from my touch. “I’m not five, War. You can’t punish me for having my own thoughts.”

“I can if they’re wrong-headed. We both know that if I wasn’t going to marry you, I’d be single this very moment. I don’t want anyone else. I won’t ever want anyone else. That said, you do need to keep this pretty ass right in this house.”

“Or else what? You’re going to lock me