"That's why you hid Sterling's kitten?"
Parker nodded. "Looking back, I keep asking myself why I didn't get out sooner. But it all happened so slowly. Once I realized it was bad, it had been going on for so long, and I just didn't know how to fix it."
"You're fixing it now," I said.
A slow nod. "I am. Better late than never, I guess." She moved back to the bed, straightening the mattress, then the coverlet, trying to remove the evidence of her scavenger hunt. I helped, going to the other side of the bed to tug at the sheets we'd rumpled when we'd moved the mattress on that side.
Not the most innocent scene for Tyler to walk in on, I'll admit. Parker's suitcase in the corner, both of us making the bed. I wasn't surprised he immediately launched into an attack. I was surprised by Parker's cool response.
ChapterSix
NASH
"Iknew it," Tyler shouted, jabbing a finger at Parker in accusation. "I knew you two were fucking! Wait until I tell mother about this. She won't be on your side when she finds out you're fucking Nash, you little whore." Tyler's eyes shone with fury, his face twisted in rage, all directed at Parker.
I didn't like that at all, but I wasn't going to miss an opportunity. While Tyler glared at Parker, I slipped my phone from my pocket, set it to record, and propped it up on the end table beside me.
Parker faced Tyler, arms crossed over her chest once more, her shoulders straight. She may have been wrestling with divorce, but she was definitely done taking Tyler's shit. "Tell Claudia whatever you want, Tyler. There's nothing going on with Nash. I asked him to accompany me while I picked up the last of my clothes, in case you showed up to pitch a fit. And here you are. Pitching a fit. Quelle surprise." Dropping her arms, she propped one on her hip and raised her chin. "Who's tipping you off?"
Tyler sent her a smug grin. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Parker sighed. "Yes, I would, because Claudia should know if her staff is feeding you information. Or is it someone in the building?"
"I'll find out who it is," I cut in. And I would. Parker was right. If someone on my mother's staff was feeding Tyler information behind her back, my mother had a right to know. "For now, let's get you to the airport. You have a flight to catch."
Tyler pinned those furious, dangerous eyes on me. "You son of a bitch. You fucking kiss-ass, interfering son of a bitch. Do you think you can take my wife away from me? Not a fucking chance. She's not going anywhere."
I was expecting a tantrum. I wasn't expecting this. Tyler wasn't just pitching a fit. He was furious. In a rage. A chill hit my gut at the thought of him alone with Parker while he was like this.
I'm here, I reminded myself. No one is going to touch Parker, least of all Tyler.
I'm used to rolling with the punches. I'd had a plan for Tyler's inevitable tantrum, and it still applied. Calmly, I said, "I've discussed this with Mom, and if you agree to a simple divorce, if you make this easy on Parker, I'll sign one of the family trusts over to you."
Tyler stared at me, uncomprehending. "You're bribing me with my own inheritance just so you can fuck my wife? Not happening. Stick your dick in her if you want, but you're not going to pay me off to get me out of the way. Parker belongs to me. I'll never let her go–"
"She isn't a thing you own, you asshole–"
"Nash–" Parker cut me off, the concerned surprise in her expression snapping my mouth shut. I never let Tyler get under my skin. Grinding my teeth together, I forced my temper under control.
"You can drag out this divorce," I said tightly, "but no decent attorney will take on Angie Watson for free and you don't have any cash of your own. If you plan on stonewalling Parker, I suggest you find a way to pay because in situations like this, only the lawyers win."
"No one is winning here, but me," Tyler said, oblivious as always to the practicalities of life.
Making one last effort to simplify the situation, I explained, "Mom is not going to foot the bill for you to make Parker miserable. Not a chance."
"It doesn't matter," Tyler said, trying to stare Parker down. "Parker's going to drop the whole divorce idea. We can live apart while this will of her father's plays out, and then she can come home."
"Are you serious?" Parker asked with a huff of exasperation. "You just got the divorce papers after weeks of dodging service. What about that makes you think I want to work things out?"
"Call off your bitch. There isn't going to be a divorce." Tyler's fingers curled into a fist at his side.
A low growl rumbled in my throat. Tyler shot me a wary but resentful glare before loosening his fingers. His attention back on Parker, he whined, "I can't believe you had me served at Phillip's house. All of my friends were there. I came back to the city to get away from all the pitying looks. You didn't have to be such a cunt about it."
"You didn't leave me another choice,Tyler." She let out a short sigh. "I'm asking you, please, let's just make this simple."
"Simple?" Tyler sneered. "You want this to be simple? I'll give you simple–Your dad dies, you come into millions, and now you're trying to scrape me off. Good fucking luck. You're my wife. Mine. For better or worse, remember? Well, this is worse. And you're not going anywhere."
Parker flinched at the malice in his voice. I expected her to back away, but she raised her chin and glared back at him. "Yes, I am. I'm done with you. I'm done with our marriage. You can drag this out, rack up tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, and when it's all over, I'll still be free of you. Don't put us through that. I know you don't care about me, but think of your mother. Just sign the papers and let's both move on."
