Page 27 of Hades

Instead, the sharp edge of guilt settled between my ribs like a knife. I couldn’t stop replaying the memory of Simon in my mind while he stood there on the lawn, alone, in the dark, while the rest of us took shelter in the golden glow of the home we used to share together. He just looked so lonely…

“I’m surprised you’re not running away as fast as possible after what happened tonight,” I said.

Greyson shook his head.

“You warned me, remember? The first time we talked, you told me everything. I knew what I was getting into. And it doesn’t scare me, Jenny. You’re worth fighting for—you, the kids, and the future we can build together.”

I gazed up into Greyson’s face, waiting for his words to sink in. I was free and clear to marry again, to grow old with a new husband, and there would be no threat of club business to tear us apart.

Now that I was finally getting exactly what I wanted, why did I feel so terrible about it?

“Are you busy this week?” I asked, juggling the phone while I deposited the kids’ dirty laundry in the washing machine. “I was thinking I could make lunch and bring it to you. As an apology, after the dinner from hell.”

Greyson hummed as he deliberated. In the background, I heard the drone of voices and the rustle of paper.

“That’s a long drive just for lunch, Jenny. And I have several high profile cases on the books…”

He trailed off with a groan.

“Wait, that’s the wrong answer. I’m supposed to be a family man now, not a bachelor workaholic. I’ll move things around. Would tomorrow at noon work for you?”

I perked up.

“Really? That’s perfect. But if it’s too much trouble—”

“No, no, I’d love to see you again,” Greyson said. He paused, then added, “Will the kids be joining us? Or do they still intend to murder me in my sleep?”

I snorted with amusement.

“They would never do anything like that.”

“Easy for you to say. You weren’t the one targeted by a little boy full of rage and armed with a foam sword.”

I laughed and leaned back against the washing machine.

“Are you scared of my five-year-old son?”

“Scared isn’t the term I would use,” Greyson countered. “More like…wary. I’ll watch my back when he’s around.”

“Well, then, you can relax, because Mia and Casey will be in school tomorrow. It’s just the two of us.”

“Good. I’ll hire a car to pick you up, so you don’t have to make that long drive all by yourself.”

“Greyson, no, that’s too much,” I protested.

“My assistant is already making a reservation. Besides, you and the kids will be living in the city with me some day. I want you to get accustomed to the lifestyle you can expect here.”

I went silent at the sudden pang of his comment. It had never occurred to me that I might have to leave Juniper Creek. But it made sense. Staying in this little town was too risky. I could cross paths with Simon at any moment.

It didn’t matter that my babies were born in this little town. It didn’t matter how many lifelong friends and memories I would be leaving behind.

If I truly intended to have a fresh start, I couldn’t cling to my old life and grab for my new life at the same time. I had to choose—one or the other.

The next day, I found myself nestled in the back seat of the town car Greyson had sent for me. The pristine interior and buttery smooth black leather seats were luxurious and nerve wracking at the same time. I clutched the basket of food I’d packed, praying I didn’t spill anything.

When the driver pulled up to the curb of Greyson’s law firm in Aurora, I blew out a breath of amazement at the sleek, modern architecture, all steel and glass. I was moving up in the world.

Standing by the front door was Greyson, wearing a crisp dark blue suit, with a phone pressed to his ear. He took my hand, ushering me out of the car.