“Should have killed him,” he muttered.
“No. He’s not worth it. We need you. I need you,” I told him.Linc pressed a soft kiss to my head.
“Help me stand up.” My voice was hoarse, the sound raw even to my own ears.
Gently, Linc helped me stand. I took a shaky step forward. He protested, but I shot him a look. Wrapping an arm around me to hold my weight, he helped me cross the short distance so I could say my final piece to my ex.
“Listen closely, Max. This is the last you’re gonna hear from me. I do not want you. I don’t want your love. You’re not capable of it. You’re too selfish, too self-centered to love anyone other than yourself. You had your chance, and you threw us away. I love Linc. He’s everything you aren’t and more. I kept things cordial for Lou, but you won’t get anywhere near her after this. All your sins are going to come back and haunt you. I will make sure of that.” My voice didn’t shake. My words were clear and controlled. Max groaned and turned away, a look of agony on his face.
Looking up at Linc, I gave him a weak smile. He swept me up in his arms and carried me away from it all. I hid my face in his chest, knowing he would keep me safe.
Chapter 28
Mason
Watching Linc and Lou together, I had never seen him happier. That little girl and her mom had brought him back to life in a way none of us realized was needed. I had always idolized my big brother, his quiet confidence and quick decision-making. When he moved away after high school, I was upset, but I wanted him to be happy.
After Linc came back, though, he was different. Not as sure of himself, and a little lost. It made me furious to see him so shaken. That was my first year as a cop. Even as a rookie, I was determined to keep an eye on him, on my whole family. That now extended to Sophie and Lou.
Everyone clocked the change in Lou’s demeanor as soon as the two overdressed women, each pinned and plucked within an inch of their life, stopped by our table. I didn’t understand those people. They had so much to be thankful and grateful for, but it was never enough. Dad and I watched Linc warily, waiting to see how he was going to play it. We didn’t factor my mother in, though.
With a force only Judge Lennox could pull off, she not only protected Lou, but with artful precision, cut both women down in front of everyone. Using only the truth, she shared her adoration for Eloise and her clear displeasure at their lack of care with her. Enjoying the show, I saw when Max’s mother decided to back down.
“When you’re done with dinner, please come by and spendsome time with your father. He misses you,” the old hag had the audacity to claim. I snorted, receiving startled looks from Helen and Natalia.
What did they expect? That we’d believe any of their bullshit?Impotent rage radiated off of Helen, while Natalia just looked defeated. They both left in a huff as Mom returned to the table, Lou clinging to her like a spider monkey.
“Don’t worry, beautiful girl. You’re not going anywhere without one of us tonight,” Ma whispered into Lou’s hair as the little girl hugged her tighter. Linc bent down and pressed a kiss to Mom’s cheek before kissing Lou on the head. With a nod at me, I met him at the other end of the table.
“Lindsey’s here. Lou is the one who spotted her,” he said, his voice full of anger.
“Lou? How did she know what Lindsey looked like?” I was confused.
“Pointed her out as the mean lady who told her that I was just pretending to like her.” Linc let it sink in before going on.
“She’s stalking my family. Telling my kid I don’t want her. She needs to go. Preferably before she can start whatever shit she’s planning for tonight.”
Money could hide a lot of things, but it could also strip a person bare, revealing everything. That night, it allowed us to see the people around us for who they really were.
Ugly, spoiled, and self-centered, Helen, Natalia, and Max all moved around with their personal motivations at the forefront. No care for who they took out around them or the damage left in their wake.
Lindsey was an opportunist of the highest form, able to adapt and mold herself to take advantage of any situation. Max took after his mom; entitled and manipulative. He knew the right people to push and prod to get what he wanted.
Halfway through dinner, I froze, having caught sight of Lindsey out of the corner of my eye. Looking over, I saw Linc happily distracted, cutting up Lou’s food. Sophie had stepped out to use the restroom some time ago, but the place was huge.
Excusing myself with a murmur, no one really paid attention, and I was grateful. Worried that seeing Lindsey would stress Lou out, I decided to get it over with then.
She was hovering just inside the door, looking out into the hallway, as if watching for someone. I kept my head low and brushed close to her, my hand grazing her arm until I was in position.
“Woah there, Handsome. Y-you…” she stuttered out as recognition dawned on her face. Grabbing her upper arm, I guided us both out of the ballroom and into a discreet corner in the foyer.
“What did you do?” I asked. Her eyes wouldn’t meet mine. Lindsey’s hands were fidgeting, and her lipstick was smudged from where she was nervously chewing on her lips.
“Fuck off, Mason. Your whole family are so full of yourselves. What makes you think the reason I’m here has anything to do with you?”
“Because Maxwell Townsend contacted you months ago and has been paying you since. You meet at his office or at the hotel he’s paying for. He bought that dress and got you that invitation. Max only cares about Sophie. He’s not doing all this foryou. I’m not on duty for obvious reasons, but my partner is. I could have her here in a minute, detain you for the rest of the night.”
“You’re a cop?” she asked, her eyes widening.
