Page 112 of Luci’s Lullaby

“I hate that we didn’t get more time together before we had to leave.” I hold Charlee’s hand on my thigh.

She half shrugs. “I’m okay, I’m happy we’re here for you.”

We pull into the underground parking, and the SUV is swarmed with women. Charlee’s eyes widen as we circle around, and the line circles the building.

“Wow, this is amazing,” she says.

“All to see me. I have to admit, I love it.”

She scans the crowd. “I can see why, it’s awe-inspiring.”

We come to a sudden stop, and the door swings open. Security guards flank us as we exit the car and hurry inside. Charlee holds Luci tightly as we get pushed by the crowd.

“Hey! Watch the baby!” he yells when someone yanks me back into them.

I put my arm around her, shielding them from the fray. Once in the building, things go downhill quickly. There’s a room for Charlee and Luci and a room full of women and booze for me.

“So we wait in here until you’re finished in there?” Charlee’s eyes dart across the hall to the loud, waiting fans.

I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “Not for long. I guess Sam thought this might be better for Luci. Let’s make it work this time, and I’ll change it later.”

She shifts her stance and forces a smile. “We’re fine, do what you need to do.”

I take her in my arms and kiss her deeply. “None of this matters without you two.”

“Go be a star.” She pushes on my chest.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” I hold onto her hand as I move toward the door, stretching it as far as we can until she slips free.

In the other room, I watch the clock as Aksel watches me. He knows I’m over this shit and about to bolt. Sam did this to keep me away from Charlee, just like the jab about the sitter. She’s evil.

“I know you’re ready to go, but she sold these promising you’d stay an hour with the fans.” Aksel’s jaw sets.

I shove my hands in my pockets. “She was such a bitch to Charlee. I know that’s what this is about.”

“I can’t apologize enough.” Aksel hangs his head.

I pat him on the back as the group of women begins to get louder. “Hey, you’re not to blame. Sam did this, you only work for her. You know as well as I do, she’d do the same to you.”

“Do you see Emerson?” Aksel growls.

I scan the room, he’s right. “Why is she not here?”

“It doesn’t look good for my wife to be hanging around.” He uses air quotes. “She’s with Charlee and Luci.”

“Speak of the devil herself.” I nod in her direction.

Sam slinks up to us with a smirk. “Aksel, I need you to go check security and round the band up.”

He glances at me and sighs. “I’ll be right back.”

Sam slides her arm around mine, and I cringe. “We have an interview after this. I know you wanted to keep the little one under wraps, but it was leaked, and they’ll be asking you about her.”

“Her name is Luci, and how in the hell was it leaked?”

“Alden, you can’t meet people at airports and keep them in your room without others noticing.” She blinks as if I’m insane.

I fold my arms to get away from hers. “What else, Sam?”