No one’s hands were clean—misappropriation of corporate funds, blackmailing employees, affairs, and secret meetings were just daily tasks they included on their checklists. After the night, we wouldn’t have to play by their rules anymore. Armed with all of their secrets, debts, and liabilities, we had what we needed to put an end to all of their attacks and manipulations. To do it right, though, took time, proper channels, and checks and balances, until the legal system got its ass in gear. I wasn’t letting Sophie or Lou too far out of my sight.
“Not yet. Lincoln, be a dear and grab me a glass of champagne? Give you a chance to scope out the room.” Mother batted her lashes innocently as Dad snorted. Ma was enjoying herself a bit too much, the intrigue and whispered strategies sucking her in.
“Drink some water first, Abby. I’ll take a scotch, neat, while you’re at it, son.” Dad gave me a nod, and I made my way toward the bar, my eyes scanning every corner of the room.
Waiting for the drinks, I pulled at the collar of my shirt. It washard to find a suit in my size. I had two that I used for weddings and work functions. Never felt comfortable in them. The fabric was both flimsy and stifling at the same time. I felt like I couldn’t move, or the jacket would shred at the seams, no matter the fit.
“What are you doing here?” Turning my head, I found myself faced with an irate Max. He wasn’t looking too hot. Even his expensive tuxedo and expertly slicked-back hair couldn’t hide a marked change in Max’s demeanor. He was pale and sallow-looking, with heavy bags visible under his eyes.
“Are you feeling alright, there, Mr. Townsend?” I asked, surprised by his appearance.
“I’m fine! Don’t ignore my question,” Max replied. His tone was harsh but controlled.
“I’m here with my family. My mother, Judge Lennox, has a table,” I told him, and his eyes widened with recognition and anger as he scanned the room.
“You have no idea how this looks. If you cared for Sophie and Eloise at all, you wouldn’t embarrass them like this,” he told me, and I straightened.
“Don’t,” I told him, towering over him now that I wasn’t leaning against the bar. In a low voice, I continued, unable to put up with the little fuck’s entitled delusion anymore. “Don’t for a second question my feelings for my girls. We both know who would win if it came down to it. You haven’t given two shits about your kid since the beginning. Before she even had a chance in this world, you ruined it. Not even a year old, and you destroyed her world, took away the opportunity to have a safe and secure family to grow up in. You’ve never loved her, never tried to spend any time with her unless it helped your public image. You can play the doting father all you want, but it’s all a lie, and we both know it.”
“You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.” His voice rose, and heads started to turn.
“Oh, I think I do. But if you want to get into specifics, let’s do it. I know you make Lou feel unsafe. She’s waiting for you to throw her away. I’m the one holding her when she cries, fixing her boo-boos, and telling her she’s loved and wanted.” Max looked away, a shutter of guilt flashing in his eyes. I stepped closer and lowered my voice so I was speaking directly in his ear. “And let’s talk about Sophie, yeah? Now, I’m the one who spends every night sleeping next to her, the one who gets to spend the rest of my life worshiping every part of her. Nat must have some magic pussy to persuade you to downgrade. But I can’t complain because it gave me Sophie. And fuck, do I feel like a lucky man. Couldn’t imagine doing anything to ruin the love we have. I would feel bad about the ice queen you have waiting at home, but it was your choice. At least be a man and stand by it.”
“I’m sure you’ve been more than happy to play hero these last months, but don’t get too comfortable. At the end of the day, family is everything, and they’re mine.” Max was all bluster, but before either one of us could say more, a high-pitched shriek rang out across the room.
“Linc!” Lou came running toward me as fast as she could in the dress and shoes they had her in. Once she was within arm’s reach, she lunged at me, and in a practiced move, I caught her, lifting her into my arms. Pressing a kiss to her hair, I held Lou close, the smell of her strawberry shampoo calming me.
“What are you doing here? Are you staying? Do you like my party dress?” she asked in rapid succession, and I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face. I had been worried about Lou, what would happen once she got around these people. So far, she seemed fine.
“You look beautiful, Lulu. Your dress is the coolest! I especially like it because it matches your cast,” I told her, and she smiled widely before the moment was interrupted. Max audibly cleared his throat, and Lou tensed in my arms. Wrapping my other arm around her so my palm was resting on her back, I wanted to make sure she felt safe before we dealt with Max. She relaxed against me, laying her head on my shoulder as we faced her father.
“Hi, Dad,” Lou said quietly, and Max frowned.
“Eloise.” He hesitated and then lost himself in something overour shoulder. His eyes got huge before his entire face was thundering, rage clearly visible. A small hand touched my shoulder before Sophie wrapped herself around my other side, reaching across my chest to check on Lou.
“You doing alright, Lou? How’s your arm?” she asked, brushing a curl out of her face as she checked her temperature. Sophie was a natural caregiver. Every movement and gesture showed her constant concern and love for those around her.
“It’s fine, Mommy,” Lou replied, her voice sounding small, which pissed me off. Both Sophie and I glared at Max, who held his arms up in mock surrender.
“Well, I’ve got some news that might cheer you up. Guess who else is here tonight?” Sophie pretended to whisper until Lou popped her head up, looking around curiously.
“Who?” she whispered back.
“Gary, Mimi, and Quinn. Even Mason is here!” Sophie told her, and Lou’s entire countenance changed.
“Really? Can we see them?” she asked, looking up at me. Before I agreed to take her over, I wanted to make sure Sophie was okay.
“You good?” I asked, and Sophie nodded, standing up on her toes to press a kiss to my mouth.
“I’ll be fine. Just going to say hello to Pops. I’ll feel better when she’s with your family, though,” she whispered softly, looking at Lou with concern. With a disgusted sigh, Max turned on his heel, dismissing us. Grateful that I wasn’t leaving Sophie alone with him, I pulled her in closer for a proper kiss.
There was a tangible discomfort that wrapped around Lou when she was near her father. Carrying her away, I felt her relax as we gained distance from him. As we walked by, we received plenty of looks and murmurs. I clocked the evident surprise on people’s faces, seeing Lou and me together, the comfort and ease between us.
“I’m happy you’re here, Linc. I wish we could go everywhere together,” she murmured.
“Me too, baby girl,” I told her honestly as I closed the last few steps to my parents’ table.
“Linc?” Lou’s voice had gotten small, barely a whisper as her hand started to tremble on my shoulder. I paused, alarm spiking through me as I met her wide eyes.
