Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“Aunt Evelyn, that’s Wade’s mom.”
“Yeah.”
I don’t miss that he rolls his eyes. I picked up on some tension between Wade and Clay as well as Gregor. I’ve met Wade once at the firm. He had douchebag written all over him.
My questions are cut short as we arrive in front of our building. I glance out the window and something catches my eye immediately. I squint to try to make sure I’m not seeing things.
She looks a bit different, but I think it’s her. Lita, one of the girls from the old neighborhood. She’s one of the girls I wanted to get Ally away from. This chick has always been nothing but trouble.
I climb out of the car after Gregor steps out. I start for Lita, wondering what the hell she’s doing here. However, she turns and locks eyes with me before taking off.
“Hey,” I call out.
It’s too late, she’s sprinting to get away and turns the corner quickly. I’m not dressed to run after her. I ball my fist and purse my lips.
“You know her?” Gregor asks at my side.
“I think that was one of Ally’s old friends, but why the hell is she hanging around here?”
Clay’s Phantom and Cane’s SUV pull up right as the words fall out of my mouth. I scowl hard as Ally steps from the car. Gregor places a hand on the small of my back and kisses my forehead.
“Come on. Everyone’s tired and it’s chilly out.”
I look up at him, then at Chloe. She starts to snuggle into her father as if she’s cold. I tighten my fists but remind myself I’m going to allow Ally to bump her head. I’m too old to run around beating up gang members, especially if Ally insists on being involved with them.
At least that’s what I try to tell myself.
Chapter 46
Brotherly Love
Gregor
Five months later…
This night has been so far beyond a success. I couldn’t be more proud of Chlo. I’m watching her live her dream.
I look down at her. Her face is glowing. The tight black dress she has on is showing off her tight body and gives her a classy, sexy look. She’s commanding the room tonight.
“You did your thing,” Sid says and pulls Cee into a hug as she and Clayton come over to the painting we’re standing in front of.
This is the one I purchased for my home office. It’s one of the ones inspired by the hot-air balloon ride. This painting fills my chest with so much joy and peace. I had to have it.
“This is all so amazing,” Marnita says as she rushes over and wraps her arms around Sid and Chlo.
She rocks the other two women in her arms. I don’t miss the rosy tint to her cheeks. I’ve come to learn how much Marnita is another part of this close-knit friendship. Something I couldn’t understand from a distance.
“God, I’m so proud of you,” Sid gushes.
“I am too,” Marnita adds.
“This was a great turnout,” Clay says, placing a hand on Sid’s back as the three women separate.
I don’t miss my brother isn’t giving Sid more than a few inches of space. I can’t say I blame him. It’s only been a month since she was attacked.
A lot has changed within four weeks. With Dupont and Fran out of the way, deals haven’t been falling through as much and I’ve been able to focus more on helping with the Cane and Ally situation.
I look across the room and my gaze lands on Cane. Yeah, I’m going to have to address that before we leave for the night. Ally has been giving Chloe a wide berth all evening and I don’t think it’s out of respect for how important the night is.
“Congratulations,” my friend Stew, the gallery owner, says to Cee as he joins us. “This has been the best turnout I’ve ever seen for a debut artist. You’re officially sold out. Every piece has gone and for nothing less than half a million. Thanks to Mr. Claremont driving the pieces into bidding wars.”
“Are you serious?” Chlo breathes.
“It was my pleasure to do my part,” Wade says as he joins our little group.
“You’re good for something,” I say as I look my brother in his blue eyes.
I’m still working out how I feel about him being my younger brother and not the cousin I’ve thought him to be all my life. Wade has been a pain in my ass for years. However, I never knew my father’s secret.
The old man is full of them, I’m learning. We’ve yet to have a conversation about all he’s been hiding. I haven’t been in a forgiving mood when it comes to him. Let him stew in the mess he has made.
“Where’s the love?” Wade croons.
Sid shakes her head. “I’m still getting used to the fact that you’re their brother.”