Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72543 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72543 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
“The way you try and rule mine,” I demand, bitterness lacing and settling heavily in my belly, so much bitterness.
She whirls on me. “I do not, and don’t let him turn you against me.”
“Damion has never said one bad word about you. Just the opposite.”
Her spine straightens, and her neck stretches. “We need to talk.”
“It would not be in your best interest that we talk right now,” I say. “I need some space. I’ve needed it for a long time. Damion, I’m ready.”
He pushes to his feet. “Why don’t I give you a few? I’ll be outside the door.” There’s a push to his words, as if he’s compelling me to take the time and talk to my mother; a grace she doesn’t deserve, but he’s offering her.
My lips press together, and emotion wells in my chest, but I give him a short nod. He studies me a moment, as if assessing my state of mind, warmth in his eyes and a promise that he’s with me all the way. The bond between us is familiar and calming, right in ways nothing else has ever been in my life.
He tears his gaze from mine, reluctance in the act, but he moves swiftly toward the door, exiting and leaving my mother alone with me. The minute the door shuts, I pounce. “You do realize he paid off a six-figure debt for you and dad.”
“And left me indebted to his father. It’s all a game with that family, a power play.”
“You seem pretty willing and ready for his father. I think you want the comfort of his money and the prestige of being on his arm.”
“It’s not true.”
“He took you to Damion’s attorney’s office to send Damion a message. You have to know that.”
“And what message would that be?”
“That he’s close to me. That he will hurt me if Damion doesn’t back off. That he can hurt you to hurt me. You’re a target, and he will destroy you and me, and you’re just letting it happen.”
“No. No, that’s not true.”
“You’re cheating on Dad, and you’re defending the man you’re cheating with.”
“I’m protecting your father.” She breathes out a shaky breath. “We borrowed more money. Your dad told me just to do what I had to do.” She bursts into tears.
I wait for the compassion to kick in, for my need to hug her and love her to win me over, but it doesn’t happen. It’s as if a switch has flipped, and I’m simply immune to the same ol’ same ol’. And the idea that my father would excuse her sleeping with Damion’s father is illogical. He tried to ruin Damion’s father. He lost his mind over this very topic. “Why didn’t I know about this?” I ask, and even to me, my voice sounds cold and distant.
She sobs and swipes at her eyes. “Because I knew you were at your limit, and I felt like I was a horrid mother for laying this on you.”
“So, sleeping around on Dad makes you a great mother?” I demand, stunned that the woman who truly was an amazing parent as I grew up has become what she is now, and I don’t even know how to label that transition. “Dad needs to go into rehab, and I’m going to talk to him about it. I’ll pay for it, but I will not pay off any more debt.”
“He’ll never go.”
My throat is thick with the words I’ve wanted to speak for months that I dread speaking but know I must. “I looked up a rehab in France. Actually, I talked to them. They’re an amazing place that specializes in addicts and those who enable them. I’ll send you both there for a month. It will be good for you both. You have to break this cycle.”
She stares at me for several long beats and then laughs a choked laugh that sounds almost hysterical before she turns on her heels and simply walks out of the door. I’m left gaping and stunned and so very confused. My hand presses to my belly, where an uncomfortable sensation has formed. What is happening? How have I lost my family this much?
My lashes lower, and suddenly Damion is in front of me, his warm hands on my face, when I never even heard him enter the apartment. “What happened?”
“I don’t want to talk about it right now,” I say. “I mean, I will, just not this second.” My fingers catch on the silk of his shirt, and I remember so many times in my young life when he was there for me, just as he is now, and I know where I want to be and what I want to do. “Can we just…go home?”
His eyes are now as warm as his hands. “Yeah, baby. Let’s go home.”
Chapter thirty-six