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Not my heart. That part of me was firmly closed to her. Reinforced with walls of steel.
But my life, yeah. I’d rearranged my schedule so I could see more of her. The woman needed looking after, in my opinion. Someone to make sure she ate meals on time and got enough rest. Someone to fuck her until she had that heavy-eyed, satisfied expression...
“Two weeks?” my mom said. “So you knew the last time I saw you?”
“Yeah.”
“Jesus, Talon. I may not be much of a parent, but I’m the only mother you’ve got. I don’t care if you’ve been reborn as a vampire. I shouldn’t have to hear I’m going to be a grandma through the grapevine.”
My jaw tightened. As far as I was concerned, she’d lost the right to pull the Mom-card when she’d started accepting my money so she could drink all day instead of holding down a job.
“I was getting around to it, okay?”
Pain flickered across her face. “I’m home pretty much every damn night. You could’ve told me anytime.”
She was right. I hunched my shoulders. So why hadn’t I told her yet?
“Look, I’m sorry,” I said. “I guess I’m still getting used to the idea myself.”
Wondering what kind of father I’d make.
Mom sighed, then pulled back her shoulders. “I’d like to meet Eden, get to know her. I remember seeing her around when she was a kid, but we never really talked.”
Oh, fuck no. Eden was still under house arrest. And even if she wasn’t, my mom was…unpredictable. What if I brought Eden over and she was drunk?
“I’ll think about it,” I said. “But now’s not a good time.”
“What d’you mean it’s not a good time?”
“Just that it’s not.”
“She’s okay?”
“Yes. She’s fine. They’re both fine.” Except for the not-so-little fact that she’s not allowed to see anyone, even her parents.
Mom wrapped her arms around herself. “Gigi told me, in case you’re wondering—Eden’s mom. She drove out here just to tell me.” She paused, and when I didn’t say anything, added, “They’re worried, Talon. Gigi says you’re not even letting them talk to her, and that when Eden’s father came to the castle, you sent him away.”
So now I was the bad guy? “I spoke to Montgomery and told him Eden’s okay—that she and the baby are getting the best of care. If he chooses not to believe me, that’s his prerogative. But it’s the goddamned truth.”
“Eden’s their daughter. Of course they’re concerned. Especially after Gwen disappeared like that.”
A muscle ticked in my jaw. “This is nothing like that. Eden’s fine, and they’ll see her when I’m ready—and not before.”
“It had better be soon.” She rubbed her mittened hands up and down her arms. “I didn’t know what to say to Gigi. It doesn’t look good, Talon. An island girl, and she’s pregnant, too. And you can tell your fucking syndicate that I said that, too.”
“With all due respect, this is none of your business. But I treat her like a goddamn princess, all right?”
“Christ.” Her mouth thinned. “You sound just like your father. Always telling me things aren’t my business.”
Anger flared in me, hot and black. I just stared at her, my teeth clamped so tightly I’m surprised they didn’t crack. If anyone else had said that to me, I would’ve had them by the throat, demanding they apologize.
My mom’s gaze dropped first. “Sorry. That wasn’t fair.”
“No, it wasn’t. Because I am nothing like that prick.” I blew out a breath through my nose. “Look, I’m not telling you what happened because it’s not my story to tell, it’s Eden’s, all right? Believe it or not, I’m trying to protect her. She fucked up, and she’s paying the price—and that’s all I’m going to say.”
Frankly, I didn’t think Eden would want the whole island knowing what she’d done. She had to live here, and so did our son.
Mom hmphed. “How bad could it be?”
