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“Christ.”

“I’m torn. On one hand, I understand that his parents want the house. It’s an inherited asset from his side of the family. Jeff had inherited it from an uncle who’d never had children. We moved in right after high school. It had been perfect because we’d started our family.

“My lawyer says because the house was in both our names, that when Jeff died, it became mine. Of course, their lawyer claims inherited assets aren’t marital assets.”

Jaymi shifted onto her side until we were face to face. “Every memory is tainted now. I hate the house, but it’s mine. With Jeff’s lies, he robbed me of my best memories, and if his parents win in court, I’ll lose the only home Matti ever knew. I’ll lose everything.”

“I’m sorry.” I traced her brow.

“I don’t know why they’re doing this. It can’t be about the money. They’re rich. I know they were angry about us in the beginning, but they’d come around. They were good to Matti. But after Jeff and Matti died, they cut me out. I was grieving, and I needed them.” Her voice lowered. “It’s because of her, the other woman. Astrid. She has something they want.”

“The baby?”

She nodded, and tears filled her eyes. “It’s like they don’t even want to remember Matti.”

I banded my arms around her. Her body trembled as tears seeped into my chest. “Sometimes people don’t know how to deal with grief. The baby gives them something to focus on.”

“I understand that she’s a part of Jeff, but so was Matti.” She wiped her cheeks with her fingertips.

I couldn’t remember a time I’d held a naked woman and had a meaningful conversation at the same time. I combed my fingers through her hair and listened.

“I’m hurt by his parents, but I’m angry with Astrid. She can’t have my life. Jeff’s parents can’t take my house to give it to her. I didn’t kill him. With his lies, he killed me.”

“Nah, baby. You gotta live for your little girl.”

“I’m trying. I had a mediation meeting today. I had to sit in the same room with Astrid. Both of our attorneys were there. Her father was also there. I assumed for moral support, but he looks like the type that could order one of his underlings to have me killed.” She smiled. “Not the way some of the Hellers look like they could have someone killed.”

I chuckled. “Hellers wouldn’t order a hit. They’d do it themselves.”

She snapped her gaze at me.

“I’m teasing.” There was truth to my words, but I wasn’t going to send her running. Hellers were all about the club, family, and the brotherhood. No one was looking for a fight. We didn’t want any trouble. I directed the conversation back to the lawsuits. “What does Astrid want?”

“The list is long, and her idea of compromise is me giving into her demands. She’ll allow me to keep spousal social security benefits. My attorney tried to explain to her that her daughter will max out Jeff’s lifetime benefit before I ever reach the age of eligibility. But I’m not fighting her on that. She should claim his death benefits for her daughter. She’s also suing me for a portion of his life insurance policy and money from his estate for child support.”

“Fuck.”

“I know. Her family has money, but she doesn’t work.” Her hand stilled on my chest. “She has evidence that Jeff was planning a future with her. Paying for an apartment for them, buying stuff for the baby, and they even went on a trip to Punta Cana together. How did I not know?”

“Because you were happy.”

“I was stupid.”

“You trusted your husband.”

“I did, and he’d been lying to me. He lied to her, too.”

“Sugar and salt look the same, but they aren’t.” Christ, I sounded like Jazzy giving advice. “He lied to you, but she knew he was married. You were deceived by him, but she was his accomplice. She shouldn’t get a payout.”

“But she’s going to. A big one. That’s why I was at The Bearded Goat. I wanted him to see me enjoying his beer and pizza. I wanted him to see that I wasn’t going to let his girlfriend break me.” She smiled at me. “And you were there, looking all dangerously sexy and broody.”

“Glad you saw me that way. I was having a bad night.”

“We both were.” She pressed her lips to my chest.

“My mood has improved.” A gravelly laugh slipped from my lips. Her hair tickled my skin, and my cock began a slow stretch toward my navel.

“I’m not feeling angry anymore either.” Her palm slid beneath the blanket and encircled my thickening cock. “Maybe slightly drunk. And I’m definitely feeling a bit turned-on.”