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It is easy for her to say because she’s their only living daughter and the only one to inherit and run the family company. But I don’t tell her that.
It is like I’m going to meet the executioner.
Camila is going with Dex. It was the only way we could get Dex to go without causing a fuss with the Turners. They will lose their minds if they find out that Exie and Dex are actually together.
I can’t wait to head back to the Hamptons. Kalum’s home has been a hidden sanctuary. Our own hideaway where no one can attack us or show up and demand anything.
We arrive at the over-the-top country club in Spencer. I’m a hot mess. My palms are sweaty. My shoes are too high, but I blame that on being nervous.
“Are you okay, Mommy? Your hand is sweaty and is shaking a bit,” he whispers.
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding as I walk behind Exie and Camila. “I’m okay. Just a little nervous, sweetie.”
“It’s okay, Mommy. I won’t let them get to us. I’ll protect you. If they say or do anything, I’ll tell our friend Kalum. He will help us.”
My chest tightens. They have gotten close since that day he stayed and made him breakfast.
“I know, baby, but we got this. You and me. We’re a family.”
The country club is like those you see on TV, with beige marble floors, traditional wall paneling, and jazz music playing softly in the background.
Exie lets the hostess know that we are with the Turners and that they are waiting for our arrival. We are escorted to a long table with white chairs inside a restaurant that caters to thesuper rich. Servers pass us by in their black and white uniforms making sure wine and water are topped off for each guest.
“There they are,” Lane’s mother says in a fake voice. Like she’s missed us. All fake and all lies. I notice other people are seated at the table, but I don’t recognize who they are.
“Hello, Mrs. Turner.” I give her my best smile. I glance at Lane’s father. “Mr. Turner.”
He gives me a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Hello, Aura.”
His cold eyes land on LJ. His expression softens a fraction but then hardens like he wants to accept his grandson, but something inside holds him back. It is sad not to want to embrace your own grandson when he is the spitting image of your dead son. A son you had a strained relationship with.
I sit in the far corner with LJ, Camila, and Dex. Exie greets her parents with a curt hello while their eyes follow Camila and Dex.
“I am glad you all could make it. We haven’t spent much time with LJ,” Lane’s mother says.
My face heats, but I maintain my composure. They could have tried to attend his birthday. We had a small cake and gifts at the house in North Carolina. It was the first birthday he had without his father present, and it was hard on all of us a month after Lane passed. Christmas wasn’t any better, and you would think his parents would have a soft spot for their only grandson, but instead, they sent an email from their personal assistant. What type of monsters do that?
“We have been spending time in New York. You are all more than welcome to visit,” I say.
“Oh, yes. I heard Exie mentioning something like that,” Lane’s mother says. “Where are you staying exactly? The Bronx? East Harlem? It must be hard since you are working, but at leastyou did the right thing and placed LJ’s inheritance in a trust his father left him.”
My teeth grind together. She always thinks I’m poor, and she already knows I put everything in the trust and would not touch a dime from her lawyer. She always makes a point that I wasn’t entitled to a dime Lane left me.
“Actually…” I look up, and my stomach flips. Kalum is walking to my side of the table. “If you would excuse me and pardon my interruption. Aura and LJ, along with Camila, are staying in an exquisite estate in the Hamptons right on the water,” Kalum adds, “Truly a gorgeous home. You should stop by and spend some time there with LJ.” Kalum’s voice drips with a lethal dose ofwatch what the fuck you say next, bitch.
He looks handsome in a tailored blue suit that takes my breath away. His hair is swept back and his dress shirt is open at the base of his throat, giving me a glimpse of his tattoos and hard muscle. His suit jacket stretches across his broad shoulders, making my panties soak right where I’m sitting.
His gaze finds mine, and a look of molten lust swirls in the dark depths as they caress my face.
Lane grins and whispers, “Told ya, Mommy. He’s here to save us from the evil witch.”
Mr. and Mrs. Turner have their mouths slightly open. Camila coughs. Dex grins.
Kalum gives LJ a wink and says, “Hey, kiddo.”
“Hi, Kalum,” LJ says with a beaming smile.
My heart lurches in my chest at how cute he is and how much he trusts Kalum. Kalum grabs a chair, lifts it like it weighs nothing, and places it between LJ and me.
