Chapter 11

After their eventful swim and full day of love making, the two decided to just relax together. They laid out a blanket on the floor of the cabin living room. The sun was still shining strong throughout the room and keeping them warm and there was a nice warm breeze washing over their still naked bodies.

Stef laid on stomach with her head resting on her crossed arms and Lena laid on top of her lightly playing with Stef's short blond tendrils.

"Lena?"

"Yes?"

Stef paused, staring at nothing in particular trying to decide if she could continue with what she is saying. Lena patiently waited, closing her eyes listening to the pattern of Stef's breathing.

"I love you, Lena".

Lena smiled, because every time Stef says those words it's like the first time all over again. But she could tell that there was some weight behind it this time.

"I love you too".

Stef closed her eyes and counted to ten in her head to prevent herself from crying and causing Lena to panic even though it probably was unnecessary.

"Lena, I'm afraid".

Lena was not expecting that, especially from Stef. She's never scene or known her to be afraid of anything and couldn't think of what could cause such a strong woman to feel that way. But not wanting to make Stef feel more uncomfortable and back pedal she tried her best to hide her worry.

"Why are you afraid?"

Stef continued to stare off as she felt the tears drop down her face and to her ears. "I'm afraid that this is all my fault. Because I couldn't help falling in love with you. That everything happened because of our relationship. I'm afraid at the very slim possibility of someone hurting you or having the opportunity to hurt you. I've never loved anyone to the intensity that I love you. I never want anything else to ever happen to you. God forbid if something ever did, I'm afraid of what I would do to whomever hurt you"

"Nothing will happen to me because I am strong too. And because I have two of the best cops in the world in my life. I'm going to be fine. And none of this is your fault. We made these decisions together. We are in this together. And honey you aren't a violent person. You wouldn't hurt anyone".

"But I can. And I'm sure that I will. The things I have thought about doing to Tess and Dean and Gretchen…But then I see your face and your smile and I feel your touch and I am calm again. But Lena if they ever…"

"They won't love. You won't. Retaliation isn't worth it. I thought about it a couple times. But the fact that I have you is more than enough for me".

Stef sat up and kissed Lena who sat up and rested her head against Stef's shoulder as Stef rubbed her back.

"So Gretchen is involved in this too?"

Stef could kick herself. She has yet to mention that little detail and didn't realize that she slipped up and said anything.

"I didn't want to say anything and ruin your weekend".

"We promised that we wouldn't keep secrets"

"I know, Love. I know".

Lena sat up and grabbed Stef's discarded shirt and buttoned it up passing her her bra and pajama pants. They moved over to the sofa a bit more serious now.

"We are pretty certain that Gretchen, Tess, and Dean are all working together. Dean isn't Tess's cousin. They're a thing of some sort. But the problem is that there's not enough evidence for anything to happen to them. As you know we already got those restraining orders. But we can't have them charged or put away with anything".

Lena sat there taking in everything the Stef said; not sure how to think nor what to say. She did feel extremely safe with Stef and her brother. But she didn't want to feel like she still had to always look over her shoulder. And she didn't want anything to happen to them while they were trying to protect her.

"Why are they doing this? What is it that they want?"

"I'm not exactly sure what Gretchen wants out of all of this. But my theory with Tess and Dean is that they've been trying to hustle me."

"What are you talking about? Hustle how?"

"It might be a reach but I've been thinking about it more and more since I've met you actually. I have a lot of money that I inherited from my father. He made some wise choices and investments that left me set for the remainder of me and our kids' lives".

Lena couldn't help but blush at the thought as Stef quickly kissed her.

"But I've never told Tess exactly how much she just knew that I had a lot. But I never thought her to be a gold digging type because she knew I wouldn't ever dig into it so I didn't think that it mattered. But maybe that's why she was so desperate about a marriage. Her and Dean have known each other for a while so I have no doubt that he was after it too. I think that she figured that something was going on with you and I. I mean looking back we weren't that discreet love. So destroying the office would've been a way to eliminate a reason for seeing you. Then her moving up the wedding. They are either still angry and want revenge or may actually think that there's a chance".

"I know money can bring out the worst and people and cause them to do some terrible things. But is all this really worth it for them?"

"I'm not sure love. But what I do know is no matter what, even if I did marry Tess she would never get her hands on it. He even left me some live stocks that are still growing to ensure that I'm never left without anything let alone under six figures. I've only touched that money a few times; for her ring because I was young and dumb and to do some remodeling because I am in love with the most amazing woman on this planet".

"Stef, tell me you didn't spend your inheritance on my office. That money was for you".

"And it's not going anywhere. He left me that money for my and the people that I love enough to share it with. I never thought that I would use it again because I never thought that I would be in love. But I am and now I can't stop thinking of all he things I want to do with it for you".

"Honey, I don't care how much money you have. I don't want any of it. All I want in life is you…and for Gretchen and Tess to kick rocks!"

Stef laughed as she pulled Lena onto her lap again and kissed along the buttons going down her chest.

"My, my Dr. Adams you have a dirty mouth tonight"

Lena giggled as she wrapped her arms around Stef.

"What if I talked to Gretchen and got her to confess to stuff. I could wear a wire or something".

Stef stopped unbuttoning Lena's shirt and looked up at her with seriousness and fear in her eyes.

"You want to go talk to the person who has made you life hell and tried to get someone to break into your home and harm you? No. No! Lena I can't have you do that. I don't want you to do that".

"You can be close by with my brother. You said you can protect me".

'Yes Lena, I can and I will but I'm not using you as bate. Things can happen so quickly."

Lena could see the seriousness in her eyes and knew she wouldn't be changing her mind. She didn't really want to start an argument about it either. But she was determined to end all of this once and for all.