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The next day, I wake and feel like shit. Come to think of it, I feel like shit most days and after grabbing a cup of coffee, I head outside to wake myself up.
As I sit astride my bike, I point it in the direction of the gym on fifth. They have showers there and I fancy a workout to relieve this pent-up frustration.
As I ride, my mind switches to Melissa, and I wonder if she fancies meeting up today. I need to move this on because we don’t have long. I must play my part in this for Shade to agree to help me out because it’s vital we have a plant in that transit when it leaves the docks.
I hit the gym and consider it as I work out which increases my hunger levels that end with me heading to the diner opposite. While I’m there, I pull out my cell and text Shade, who agrees to meet me in his club in town later today.
When I cut the call, Melissa’s pretty face fills my mind and for the first time, a pang of regret hits me. She doesn’t deserve this shit. She’s innocent and yet her bastard brother decided to fuck with the wrong family. She will pay the price for that, and I shouldn’t be concerned. It’s none of my business after all, but when I remember her bravery and curiosity all mixed with one of the prettiest faces I have ever seen, I wonder if somehow, I can also find a way to save her too.
CHAPTER 12
MELISSA
It’s been a hell of a day. Mom has been inconsolable for most of it, and I’m struggling. I’m not a professional who knows how to help her. One minute she’s like her old self and we laugh and chat like sisters. The next she’s talking in the past and expecting dad to walk in through the door after work. I’m getting whiplash bouncing between her two personalities and as Troy heads home late, I’m the first person he sees as he walks through the door.
“You’re late.” I run my fingers through my hair and say wearily, “Mom’s sleeping now, but it’s been a bitch of a day.”
Troy drops his briefcase and nods toward the dining room.
“Tell me over dinner. I’m so hungry I can’t think straight.”
I follow him and pour us both a brandy and then take the seat beside him as Mrs. Carlton miraculously appears with his meal.
When she leaves, I sigh heavily.
“We need a family conference about mom. She must get some help. She was asking about dad today, wondering when he will be home from his trip.”
Troy sets down his knife and fork and appears unusually emotional.
I say quickly, “I’ve been looking into places she can go to get help. There’s a great one not far from here and it’s kind of like a retreat. I mentioned it to her today, and she appeared happy to try it out.”
“She did?”
He looks surprised, and I nod. “She knows she needs help, Troy. She’s not stupid and got quite upset earlier. She wants me to run it past you and Harrison first, but I’ve booked an appointment in the morning.”
He replies with a catch in his voice. “I’ll back whatever you decide. Would you like me to come with you tomorrow?”
“Would you?” I am so relieved as he nods.
“Of course. I’ll cancel my meetings and head to the office after we’ve checked it out.”
I smile my gratitude. “I spoke to Harrison earlier. He said much the same.”
Troy’s eyes soften. “Listen. I’ll ask my assistant to meet me here tomorrow. She can assist you with whatever you need. Use her to help ease the burden.”
“Oh, yes, the poor unsuspecting Laura Kincaid. How’s it going? Has she even looked at you yet?”
He rolls his eyes. “Of course. No woman can resist me.”
“Have you bent her over your desk yet, or made her orgasm just from the sound of your voice alone?”
I giggle at the memory of our meeting in the coffee shop, and he shrugs. “How do I know? I haven’t checked her underwear.”
“Gross.” I pretend to gag. “I’ll enjoy meeting her again. The poor woman. Perhaps I can give her some pointers on how to deal with you.”
“I doubt it.”
I notice my phone light up and my heart races when I register the unknown number.
