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But insulting Heidi like that—his own fucking daughter—is a whole other matter. I’m all for girl power. But I’m enough of a man to feel a need to defend my woman.
“You’re a bully,” I say, my voice heavy with disgust. “And I’m not scared of you. You’re Heidi’s father, and because of that I’m sure she still loves you, despite what you’ve done, which is why I’m going to walk away now. But I tell you, man to man, if you come within half a mile of her without her permission, I’ll punch your teeth so far down your throat your dentist will have to access them via your arsehole.”
He holds my gaze, clearly furious. But he doesn’t say anything.
I look at Helene. “Are you going to be okay?” I don’t want to leave her with a fuming Peter, who could take it out on her.
She’s still crying, but she looks at me and nods.
I turn and walk away. I go back to the lobby and turn toward the Churchill Lounge. Then I stand in the shadows and wait.
A few minutes later, Peter marches past. Helene follows him, head down. The two of them wait for the elevator, not talking, go inside, and the doors close.
Blowing out a breath, I head down to the lounge.
*
Heidi
Titus and Oliver still haven’t returned. I have no idea where they went. I sigh, turning my attention back to my sisters. Evie has a glow about her she didn’t have when I left. The source of it becomes clear when Victoria appears beside her and slides an arm around her waist. Tall, blonde, and beautiful, the transgender woman who has been one of Oliver’s best friends since high school has been dating Evie for a few months now, and as the normally gruff Evie—a police officer who doesn’t suffer fools gladly—actually blushes as Victoria kisses her cheek.
“I don’t know what you’ve done with Evie,” I say to Victoria. “You’ve turned her into a pussycat.”
Evie glares at me, and Victoria chuckles. “She’s like a Baked Alaska. She’s all crisp on the outside and soft in the middle.”
That makes me and Chrissie laugh, and we exchange a smile as Victoria kisses Evie’s neck, and Evie blushes again and elbows her.
“Heidi.” It’s Mack, with a tall, slender woman by his side with wild, blonde curly hair. “I’d like you to meet my wife.”
“You must be Sidnie,” I say, holding out my hand. “Oh, it’s so lovely to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Sidnie slides her hand into mine. “Mack’s told me so much about you.”
“Oh dear.”
“All good things,” she says, laughing. I can see immediately why he likes her. She’s beautiful and bubbly, and when she looks at him, she has stars in her eyes.
“How’s life with the workaholic,” I ask her, “do you get to see him at all?”
“Actually he’s home by seven most days.”
“Amazing what the power of the pussy will do,” Chrissie says. Mack glares at her, but Sidnie giggles.
“Where’s Titus?” Sidnie asks. “I was going to ask him how his trip went.”
“I have no idea. Do you?” I look at Mack, but he shakes his head.
“Hey!” I grin as Abigail appears beside him, holding a very special little parcel. It’s my nephew. “Aw, look at him! He’s gorgeous, Abi. What’s he doing here—it’s past his bedtime, isn’t it?”
“Ah, I thought you’d like to see him,” she says. “Want a cuddle?”
“Oh my God, of course.” I hold out my arms and she lifts him into them. Oh, he’s beautiful, with downy fair curls, flushed cheeks, and the brightest blue eyes. “Hello, Robin,” I murmur, nuzzling him. “You smell amazing.” I smile at Elizabeth as she joins us. “You’ll be having one of these soon.”
“I know. Difficult to believe, isn’t it?” She comes over and strokes his hair.
“Look at you, gorgeous boy,” I murmur, moving from side to side as I hum to him.
“Don’t tell Jim you’re singing Miley Cyrus to his son,” Abigail says. “He’ll never let you hold him again.”
