Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Collette didn’t even have the grace to look apologetic for the behavior Nikki called her out on. “This shouldn’t come as a surprise to me. You always were needier than your brother,” she said, raising her chin as if Nikki’s words had no impact.
“Let’s make things simple. From now on, I don’t exist for you, which shouldn’t affect you given how you treated me yesterday.”
“You’re going to regret throwing away a lucrative modeling career,” her mother said, obvious disdain in her tone.
Nikki shook her head, feeling sad for this woman who put appearances and bragging rights above her own kids’ happiness. “The only thing I regret is not putting my foot down with you sooner. The only reason I became a model was to gain my financial freedom. Not to give you something to brag about when it suited you. I can take care of myself.”
Her mother let out a dry, almost mocking laugh. “Really, what else do you think you can do with your life?”
“I’m not sure, since it’s always been dictated for me, but I’m ready to figure it all out, on my own and without your influence.”
It felt good to say the words and she knew they were true. She had her whole life ahead of her, and she was excited to see what awaited her. “I came to have my say, I did, and now I’m leaving.” She turned, stunned to see her father standing in the doorway.
“Nicolette,” he said, sounding stunned. His eyes wide, he’d obviously overheard enough.
She met his gaze, hoping he’d defend her, but he remained silent. The same as always. Her mother’s word was law. Nikki had expected it, but his inability to stand up to his wife on behalf of his daughter hurt anyway. If Nikki disappointed her mother, it was her father who’d let Nikki down by letting Collette dictate his relationship with his children.
She walked past him and out the door, proud of herself for finally taking control of her life. Even if she did climb into her car, start the engine, drive around the corner, and pull over to the curb for a good, long cry.
Nikki returned to Asher’s apartment, aware of her red-rimmed eyes. She recounted the confrontation, pacing while she told Asher the story, and when she was finished, he applauded.
“I’m so damned proud of you,” he said, rising from his seat on the sofa in his main living area.
She smiled. “I’m proud of me, too. I called Derek on my way home and told him everything. He said it was about damned time.”
“How about we go out to dinner to celebrate?” Asher asked.
She shook her head. “To be honest, I’m exhausted and I’d rather just order in.”
“Whatever you want,” he said.
She nodded, grateful. What she wanted was a nap so she could decompress, food in a relaxed setting, and to crawl into bed with Asher.
One of his best qualities was that he never said what he didn’t mean. Even on the plane when he’d told her she talked too much, he hadn’t held back. If he minded staying home tonight, he’d say so.
But that was just it. This apartment wasn’t her home, but Meg and Lance hadn’t been arrested yet. She felt safer here, and if Asher wasn’t going to ask her to leave, she wouldn’t mention it yet. She still had time to be with him before she packed and moved back to her apartment. A place she associated with being violated, where she didn’t want to live any longer.
Asher held out his hand and she took it, drawing strength from his presence. “Why don’t you go take a shower and then lie down,” he said, as if reading her mind.
She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist, holding on tight. He always seemed to know what she needed and right now, she needed him.
Chapter Thirteen
A couple of days after Nikki told off her mother, Asher sat at Serenity’s favorite dessert café, waiting for his stepmother to walk in. Nikki had been acting off and he wasn’t sure what was bothering her. Maybe it was the fact that Meg and Lance hadn’t been arrested yet, but the police were talking with the district attorney and cementing their case prior to arresting the duo. Asher was sure Zach had had a lot to do with how things would play out. His brother had contacts everywhere, and he’d make sure to take care of Nikki.
Asher glanced up as the hostess led Serenity to the table. He rose to greet her. Serenity, dressed in a pair of navy slacks and heels and a soft-looking cream silk sleeveless blouse, walked over and pulled him into a hug. “I was so happy you called,” she said as she sat down, picked up the napkin, and placed it on her lap.