Page 135 of Resist

Serves them right.

I walk into the kitchen high on my victory and all at the same time more than fearful that I made a major mistake in doing that. Bracing my hands on the counter, I draw in a deep breath.

There is the sound of clapping at my back, and I jump when I turn around to see a woman standing there. Her hair is a beautiful silver, her cheekbones perfect, her eyes a light brown. She’s flawless in her linen pants and tank top, perfectly accessorized and styled.

“Bravo,” she says, her hands clasping together on the last clap. I stare at her, try to place her, but don’t say a word. “That was quite impressive what you said back there, putting those women in their arrogant, self-righteous places.”

“Thank you,” I murmur, still cautious of this woman whose presence dominates the room.

“While I don’t believe a word of what you said, they sure did, and rest assured the text chain is suddenly abuzz with your comments.”

“Do I know you?” I ask.

“No.” She crosses the distance. “I just stopped in on the way to a charity event. I thought I’d say hi and check in on my son.” A smile flirts with the corners of her mouth, but her eyes assess. “But after watching your little performance, it seems he’s doing just fine.” She extends a hand. “Vivian Lockhart.”

Oh. Jesus.

Seriously?

Ryker’s mom just heard me talk about him having a twelve-inch cock?

Her laugh floats through the room. “We both know you’re not shy after what you just said, so don’t stand there like you just saw a ghost. I like a woman with a backbone. God knows you’ll need it to put up with my son.”

I shake her hand. “Vaughn Sanders.”

“Everyone around here seems to know. Leave it to the mother to be the last to.”

I smile and take a sip of my wine as nerves assault my system.

“Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, but I’d like to find my son and say hi before I leave to fulfill other obligations.” She smiles at me one more time. “I’ll make sure to let you know how the rumor mill spins that.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“Yes, it is.” She winks. “That’s half the fun.”

And just like that, Ryker’s mom heads out the back door to the patio to find her son.

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

Ryker

She walks past but doesn’t see me.

The music floats in from outside, but her heels clicking on the hardwood floor catch my attention. Her sundress is simple and sexy and calls to me to pull it up and see what it is she’s wearing beneath it.

It doesn’t hurt that she’s fucking awesome.

In every sense of the word.

I might be buzzed, but I sure as fuck know that.

“Hey,” I call out to her.

Vaughn startles at my voice, her hand to her chest and a little yelp falling from her throat.

And without thought, I open the door to the downstairs extra bedroom and pull her into it with me. Before I can even shut the door and shove her against it, my lips are on hers.

I take from her. What I need. What I want. And the fact that she meets me match for match is sexy as hell.