Page 232 of Toxic Kiss

She opens her mouth, and I growl.

“Shut up. I’m not finished. You’ve never listened to what I want or need. You ignored my suffering. My addiction and stint rehab were just something else for you to garner attention and sympathy. My failing health was used for sales and publicity. Then, to top it all off, when I put my foot down, you threw a tantrum and had me locked up. Was that a threat? Are you trying to prove that you’re willing to do anything to get your way?”

The fake tears are back. There was a point in my life when I would’ve let her off the hook because she is my only living relative. But that won’t persuade me today. Never again.

“I’m done.”

She huffs and rolls her eyes as if I’m the one being dramatic.

“Please, Cyrus, we both know you are…incapable of making it on your own.”

“I really don’t give a fuck what you think anymore. I fired you when you caused issues with my band. Now…I never want to see you again. You’re no longer my mother. I just wish I could easily divorce you like Auguste is able to do.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Cyrus. I will always be your mother.”

I step into her personal space, forcing Anita to look up at me.

“No. You’re not. Not anymore. I’ve filed a restraining order since you refuse to listen and stay away.” I haven’t as of yet, but I will, and the little lie is worth it as her eyes go wide. “I’m also writing you out of my will, and you will no longer receive that generous allowance you love to take from me.”

She steps back as if I’ve physically hit her.

“No.”

“Yes.” Anita clutches at her chest as she gulps for air. “And let me uninvite you to my wedding with Haven. From this day forward, I don’t know you. I don’t want to see your face or hear your voice. I want nothing to do with you.”

Her face goes ashen as all the blood drains away.

“You will never meet any children we have because I don’t want to subject them to someone as heartless and vile as you.”

I grip the door hard to keep from following her and throwing her into the elevator.

“When I close this door, I’ll be calling hotel security. If you’re smart, you’ll leave and never contact Haven or me, ever again. If you do…I’ll make your life a living hell. You’ve been my puppet master for long enough, and I’m done dancing for your amusement. Goodbye, Anita.”

The wall shakes as I slam the door closed in her face and then lock it. I grab the landline off the fancy entrance table and dial downstairs.

She bangs on the door. “You’ll see me in court, Cyrus. You can’t do this to me.” She bangs again. “Do you hear me?”

“I’m calling the police,” I yell, and the banging stops.

“Hello, this is the front desk. How may I assist you?”

“This is Cyrus Vale in the penthouse suite. I just had a very unwelcome visitor. She is stalking me and pretending to be my mother, and I want her removed from the premises immediately. She is wearing a pink-and-white skirt with a matching blouse. She has long dark hair, dark glasses, and a white purse. If she gives you any trouble…call the police.”

I hang up the receiver, and the sound of it hitting the cradle is far more satisfying than pressing end on my cell. I take a deep breath and try to steady myself as the adrenaline causes me to shake.

It shouldn’t hurt to cut my mother off after all she’s done, but it does. I know I’m doing the right thing, not just for me, but for Haven. I refuse to let my mother treat Haven like shit anymore.

A hand touches my back, and I know it’s Haven.

“Are you okay,” she asks softly, her voice as sweet as a songbird.

“Yes. That was a long time coming.”

When I turn around, the guys have left, giving us privacy.

“I should’ve done that years ago.”

Haven casually lifts a shoulder.