AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What just happened? Why is Robbie’s best friend here meeting with Chloe?”
“We’re looking at some additional security measures, and he comes highly recommended.”
“We are? How come I didn’t know?”
“It came up recently, Mom and I decided last night. You were occupied, if you remember.” He uses air quotes on the word ‘occupied’, which instantly makes me blush.
“But I’ve been here all day, you guys didn’t mention it before now?”
“You’ve been on a cloud. We didn’t want to interrupt your head space,” Alex tells me.
I open my mouth to argue, but nothing comes out so I smile.
“How was last night?” Alex asks.
I tell them about the pleasure party turned into lingerie shower. When I get to the part about Robbie having to carry me to bed because I was passed out, both men shake their heads.
“You are really a dead weight when you sleep. Poor guy,” Cruz says.
“Who’s a poor guy?” Robbie’s voice interrupts, and I jump. He comes in from the back and walks directly to my side. His lips brush across mine as he hugs me to him.
“You are. We were discussing how Ember is dead to the world when she falls asleep. Especially if she’s drinking.”
“I didn’t mind.”
“What are you doing here?” my voice finally returns.
A look passes between all three men, and the pit in my stomach resurfaces.
“Let’s talk in the back.” Alex walks to the door and locks it.
Robbie links his fingers through mine and leads me. Chloe and Finn are deep in conversation, leaning over the computer, and he’s explaining something.
Fifteen seconds is all I can wait before I finally break. “Okay, what’s going on?”
“I’ve decided it’s a good idea to put new security on the building,” Chloe responds.
“Has something happened?”
Silence fills the room; no one will look directly at me.
“Yes, something’s happened. But I don’t want you to worry. I’m handling it.” Chloe waves her hand flippantly.
“Worry about what? Can someone please quit beating around the bush and spit it out? What the hell’s going on?” my voice cracks at the possibilities. “Is this about Dad?”
Robbie pulls me in front of him and wraps his arms around my waist protectively. His lips come to my ear. “Your dad is fine.”
“Ember, sit down.” Chloe motions for a chair, but I refuse. She sighs and looks around at all the men in the room before her eyes settle on me. “Serena’s back. She’s looking for you.”
I regret not sitting when my knees start to wobble and I sway slightly. Strong arms hold me up and squeeze.
“Why?” I barely whisper. The thought that my mother has resurfaced after all these years rocks me to the core. She never called after I left, never acknowledged the lengths I went to for Natalie, never even reached out to me when she remarried. I was non-existent. So why is she calling now?
“I don’t know the specifics, but there’s no doubt in my mind it’s about money.”
“Money? Why would she reach out to me? I don’t have any money.”
If I wasn’t staring so intently, I’d miss the slight flinch. But I see it as Chloe’s face pales. “Yes, you do. We never told you about it.”
