Paragon

Chapter 2

"I'm not going to lie, my back is killing me," I murmur slyly, smirking against my coffee cup. Stellan grins proudly from across the table, holding the morning paper.

"Mine too."

"Worth it though."

"Every second."

I continue to stare as he goes back to reading, his toast and jam barely touched. He's shirtless so I don't really expect to look away anytime soon. I consumed my breakfast- whether it was from the strenuous exercise last night or the result from the baby growing inside of me, I don't know.

"Do you have to go see the lawyer today?"

"Yes... our old friend Marcus is definitely trying to get us."

Good ol' Marcus. Fucking asshole. "What's happened?"

"Nothing yet. He's just milking that abuse allegation for all it's worth."

"Because it's the only thing they have to go off of."

"Exactly. The thing is because she's a woman, it really doesn't matter much that she hurts men. You notice how no one's talking about that?"

I sigh, setting down my cup. "Have you got anything- an alibi for that night?"

"Well, I told you. I was with her and Vance walked in on us. We had been arguing because I was ceasing our contract... I left and the next day, I was leaving a bar- I was jumped."

"And everything was gone."

"Yes, my entire life seemed to disappear in a matter of hours. I truly don't know how he did it... He probably didn't expect me to live through the beating."

I nod, looking down. "I saw your hospital records."

He sets down the papers, looking at me quizzically. "How?"

"It was before- when you were still here... I had Charles look into it."

"Oh, well, so you know how it was then."

I nod, reaching across the table for his hand. He did make it within an inch of his life. He takes my hand, squeezing gently.

"I'm not worried. Our case is pretty solid. Thankfully, I had a legal contract with Constantine. The only thing I'm unsure of is what we're suing him for."

"You deserve it after what he's done to you."

"Three million dollars?"

I let go of his hand, taking my empty mug with me. "Yes. You're worth that and more."

I set the cup into the sink and turn, finding him smiling warmly at me. Blushing, I lean against it, crossing my arms.

"It makes me feel as if that's what everyone thinks I'm doing this for."

"After the trial, Stellan, no one will think that. This is for justice. You've had your life torn away from you and it takes a brave person to try and get it back."

"You know, you're the best ego booster."

"What ego? You don't have an egotistical bone in your body."

I watch his brow rise upwards. "Is that so?"

I press my lips together happily, nodding. He stands up and I laugh, scooting towards the cabinets.

"I'll catch you," he states, coming round the table. I sprint the other way, laughing loudly when his arm comes around my waist, twisting me towards him. I jump up onto him with a defeated sigh and kiss his lips. With a chuckle, he grins, clutching the back of my head with his one free hand.