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As we move toward the door, Thad’s voice cracks slightly with his parting words. “Brad, you’re a dad now. I can only hope you never experience the kind of anguish that burns deep inside of me. Glad my daughter set you on a path of straight and narrow, but here’s a reminder, Karma’s a bitch.”
We walk away, and I watch Finn’s lips twitching. Without laying a hand on Brad, we sliced him open.
Chapter 33
It’s Done
Ember
Chloe sits at the table looking over the sketch of the dress for Abbi, while Cruz cooks dinner. I nibble on my fingernails, watching the clock nervously. Dad and Robbie should have been here a while ago.
“You’re driving me crazy. Stop.” Alex slaps his hand on my bouncing knees, placing a glass of wine in front of me.
The front door opens, and both men walk in, looking tired. Robbie’s eyes pin mine with a flash of heat. In less than a second, he’s lifting me out of my chair and sealing his mouth to mine in a quick, hard kiss.
“I missed you,” he murmurs against my lips.
“Missed you, too.”
“Two nights. We were gone two nights,” my dad rumbles, kissing the top of my head and walking around us.
Cruz hands them both a beer and leans against the counter. “How’d it go?”
“Serena held up her end of the deal. Natalie listened to her. At first, she was livid, refusing any type of treatment, until Serena said she was done watching her spiral out of control. Robbie’s contact worked quickly, and within twelve hours, Natalie realized she was blackballed.
“They both have no idea the connections we have, so the word on the street is that Natalie is being watched heavily by local police. I talked to the social worker, and there’s a room for her tomorrow morning. Natalie is not classified as a junkie, but a recreational user. They’re going to tailor a plan to help her overcome the desire to use drugs. According to Serena, she’s mostly a coke user with the occasional Meth. She’ll be exposed to heavy addicts, so our hope is that it’ll help get her clean. “
“Dad, that’s great.”
“It gets better. For once, Serena’s focus isn’t solely on herself. She’s going to start looking for a place to move. Get them both out of Alabama and a fresh start.”
I go still at his words, and Robbie tucks me under his shoulder. “She’s not going to bother you, Ember. Your dad made sure of it.”
Robbie tells us all about Dad’s threat and Serena’s reaction. I’d never once in my time living without my dad in the house thought about reporting her, but hearing it back, he was smart to use threats. This move has James Hayes written all over it.
The story I hear next shakes me to the core. When Robbie tells me about his meeting with Brad, I hold my breath. The hurt and shame I’ve felt the last five years start to heal, knowing he changed his life around.
“Babe, he’s a fucking idiot, and his actions can’t be erased. But I saw the pain in his eyes. You need to know, you’re the reason he believes he’s alive,” Robbie says affectionately.
“I’ve hated him for so long, felt so badly about myself.”
“No more. He’s fine. And now it’s done.”
“It’s done,” I repeat.
“Well, shit. My dinner doesn’t seem nearly enough for this type of celebration!” Cruz huffs. “Let’s go out.”
“No!” Going to a bag hidden in the corner, I bring out the Cosmopolitan mixes. “We’re celebrating. Robbie, invite Finn. We’re starting a new chapter in our lives. My dad has a new job, my sister is finally going to rehab, and the lingering threat of my mom is gone.”
“Babe, I’m not really —”
“Robbie Hayes! If you say you’re not a Cosmo type of guy, I’ll strangle you. Tonight, you are. One martini and then back to your boring beer.”
His eyes dance with humor as he chuckles, getting his phone out of his pocket. Chloe helps make the drinks, while Cruz starts some music. I steal a look at my dad and see him secretly wiping his eyes. When he catches me, his smile brightens. He gives me a chin lift and sips his beer, knowing we’re finally on the right track.
“More,” I whimper, clutching Robbie’s shoulder blades as he pummels into me.
He moves in and out with precision as I dig my heels into his mattress, pushing my hips against him. His tongue circles my nipple, then he sucks hard as he pounds faster, grunting against the tender flesh.
