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The fact was the charity is a tax write-off. It looked good for them to be seen supporting such a righteous cause, but God forbid if that cause asked anything more.
“Prez,” a low growl startled me, as I looked up to find Malice glaring menacingly into the crowd. Turning to see what was bothering Malice, I saw nothing out of the ordinary as Montana cursed, “Son of a bitch. Linsey, please excuse me. Vicious, come with me.”
“Baby, stay right here,” he quickly said, as I nodded.
I didn’t know what was happening, but I wasn’t going anywhere. I didn’t want to be here and the quicker I could leave, the happier I would be. Turing towards the bar, I just asked the bartender for a bottle of water when I heard, “You think that false paternity claim is going to hold in court spare? When my attorneys get done with you, you’ll be living in the gutters where you belong.”
And so it begins. I sighed, knowing that tonight had only just begun as Mrs. Blackwell stood next to me. Of all the people I would meet or see again, I didn’t think it would be her. I thought she was back home in Denver with her son.
Narrowing my eyes, I asked, “What are you doing here, Mrs. Blackwell?”
“I am a major benefactor to this charity. I’m always invited, just never had a reason to come until tonight. Who’s watching my granddaughters?”
“They are not yours and you know that. The DNA submitted by my attorney proved your son did not father the girls. You have no claim to them.”
“Lies. I know you paid for those results and if it’s the last thing I do, I will prove it.”
“I’m tired of this fight, Mrs. Blackwell. If you must, then by all means, have your attorney contact mine. Until then, please leave me alone.”
Ignoring the woman, I turned my back on her.
God, this night wasn’t going to get any better. I knew it. My feet were already killing me and all I wanted was to go home and soak in a hot bath. I was so done with this crap. How my sister dealt with it daily, I would never know. I wasn’t made for this shit.
“It gets better, I promise.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I’m sorry for intruding, but you looked so lost. If it makes you feel better, I hate it here, too.” A beautiful woman with long straight blonde hair that hung down to her waist smiled kindly at me. “I only came to see my grandfather. My husband is around here somewhere. He likes these parties. Not me.”
“I’m sorry. Have we met?”
“Oh. Forgive my manners. I’m Kaliope Leanna Vanderveer, well Stevens now. My grandfather is Albert Vanderveer.”
Smiling, I shook the woman’s hand. “Oh yes. My sister Davina told me all about him. Your grandfather’s investments in stem cell research have opened many new doors. Whatever possessed him to branch out into the field?”
“My mother. She died of leukemia shortly after I was born. My grandfather has been a major supporter in cancer research.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“It saddened me to hear about Davina. My condolences, Linsey. Losing a sibling is hard. I haven’t seen my brother since I was eight years old. I don’t know if he’s dead or alive.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, well, well,” Montana chuckled, coming up behind the pretty young woman, hugging her. “If it isn’t little Kali-pop. What are you doing here, sweetheart?”
She smiled, snuggling deeper into Montana’s powerful arms. “John wanted to come. Plus, I get to see grandfather.”
Montana growled. “You just had a baby. You should be at home resting.”
“I’m resting and taking it easy. I have met a wonderful new friend, and she is an amazing conversationalist.” Kali smiled warmly at me. Returning the smile, I nodded. “She’s right. She hasn’t moved. She sat down and now that I know she needs to take it easy, we will park our butts here for the night.”
“Agreed,” Kali smiled.
“I’m gonna kill that motherfucker for bringing you out here tonight. He should know better.”
“Oh, no.” Kali gasped, shaking her head. “Please Montana. Don’t interfere.”
Montana narrowed his eyes before stepping around her, removing the shawl she had around her shoulders. He growled loudly before placing the cashmere pashmina back over her shoulders. “I’m gonna kill him, Kali.”
