Page 179 of Contentious

“I think so, but what I don’t get is if he was so desperate for money, why didn’t he sell this to them himself? With Flynn, Hayden, Marlowe and the others involved, it’ll be a huge story.”

“Who knows why that motherfucker did or didn’t do anything.” She stood up straight and turned to face him. “Thank you for guiding me off the cliff.”

“I know it’s a shock to see your name splashed all over the headlines again, but people are talking about you and feeling for you after what Marlon put you through. They’ll see this latest thing for exactly what it is—a vindictive little man trying to hurt the mother of his child. I have no doubt that Flynn and his team will make Marlon sorry he was ever born.”

Knowing Flynn and Hayden as well as she did, Cresley agreed. They’d come out fighting and would protect her and anyone else whose reputation was besmirched by Marlon.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to find some calm in the midst of yet another storm caused by that vile man.

“Keep breathing,” Carson said as he massaged her shoulders.

“I’m supposed to be taking care of you.”

“We can take care of each other.”

She dropped her head to his chest. “It’s nice to have someone to lean on when things go sideways.”

He rubbed soothing circles on her back. “Yes, it is. Let’s act like this isn’t happening and allow the experts to deal with it. Your team and Flynn’s will be on it and will shut it down while we hang with Ty and relax and rest and get ourselves back on track.”

“What’ll I do when Ty goes back to school, and the other kids tease him about this?”

“We’ll talk to him before he goes and come up with a plan.” He tipped his head to study her. “Are you okay?”

“No, but I feel better than I did five minutes ago.”

“Good. I’m right here if you start to feel anxious again.”

“Thank you. I’m not used to having a partner in crime.”

“Well, now you do.”

“I keep coming back to how you didn’t want any of this, and now you’re knee-deep in it.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “I’m right where I want to be.”

“I wouldn’t blame you if⁠—”

“Do not finish that sentence.”

“Okay, I won’t, but I wouldn’t blame you.”

“Enough with that nonsense.”

“Mom! Your phone is ringing nonstop!”

“Ugh. I have to take some of those calls.”

“I’ll call Julian to see what’s being done.”

“I’ll take whatever help anyone can offer.”

“No matter what, you’re fine, we’re fine, everything is fine. This too shall pass, okay?”

She nodded. “Thank you so much. Truly.”

He kissed her softly. “I’ve got you, babe.”

“I’ve never been gotten before. It feels pretty good.”