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“Good morning, how’s my favorite niece?”
The baby shrieks in the background, and I have to move the phone away from my ears.
Leif tries to calm his baby girl, but she’s in the mood to torture him. I laugh, amused with Leif’s little princess.
“Remind me, why do I let Aisha go to work and I stay at home?” His gruff tone makes my heart burst with happiness, knowing my best buddy’s terrific with kids. Helping me with my twins was a great practice.
“Because you’re devoted to my sister, and you adore this little human you’ve made together,” I tell him, and he chuckles as I hear him coo to his beloved daughter with so much affection it grips my soul. God, this man is a pure contradiction.
“Why am I the last to know you actually found a job?” His accusing tone booms in my ear.
“You need to concentrate on your family instead of worrying about mine,” I reprimand him.
“Oh, come on, Night.” He uses my old nickname, terse with irritation. “That isn’t why.”
No, it isn’t.
I exhale my frustration. “I can’t work at the bank, and I made my choice a long time ago to try new things. Just accept it and let’s move on.”
“You’re part of this family and Logan’s legacy. Don’t let them push you around.”
My throat aches, raw from the anguish that’s never far behind.
“You can’t walk away from your children’s future.”
“I need space to breathe, Leif. Your family’s legacy is choking me. I don’t believe in their cause.” I pause, trying to find the right argument so he would understand. “Look, I’m not the same person I was, and with the change comes new life aspirations. You’ll have to deal with my choices because, for the first time, I feel like I’m on the right path.”
It’s exhausting to live in a power-hungry world that my marriage to Logan threw me in. At least I know now, I’m driven by different things. Wealth and power games aren’t my way of life.
“As long as you’re happy. But this conversation isn’t over. You can’t let my parents do this to you. Stand up for yourself.”
This job is the best way I’m standing up for myself.
“I have to go. My boss is waiting for me. Give a kiss to your warrior princess and take care, my friend.”
“You too and stay safe. The Middle East isn’t Europe.”
“Would you keep an eye on my kids while I’m away?”
“You know I will.”
“See you in five days.”
When I disconnect the call, I knock on Mr. Greer’s door, ready to make headway at Fading Ink before Helen and Darren Cade figure out my plan.
And they will.
6
Price of Loyalty
~Mark~
Cassandra and I met at the airport to leave for the Middle East with my private jet an hour ago. My coffee got cold after Higgins and his right hand joined me. I’m briefed about the situation and arrangements while we’re still in the air.
“Your transportation—and the security team—will be waiting at the airport. I handpicked them personally. We’ll make sure you’re both safe, but it would be great if you’d give us time to plan your trips in advance. Also, Mrs. Cade shouldn’t leave the tourist resort without protection.”
I nod at him, knowing he’s right. It’s quite dangerous for a woman to travel alone.
