“We’ll meet you downstairs in a few,” Anderson says before they slip into their respective rooms.
“Things?” Vanessa asks as we follow Mom up to the next level. The upper level houses the family bedrooms including the master suite my parents sleep in, along with my room, and what used to be Dani’s room.
“I know you had to leave the Canary Islands in a hurry,” Mom explains. “So, I went shopping to get you a few things.” She gently touches Nessa’s hand. “Any excuse, am I right?”
“That was very generous and thoughtful,” Nessa says. “Thank you so much.”
Yeah, thanks, Mom. I like seeing Nessa in my clothes, and I had zero issue if she had to wear them until we returned to Rydeville, but I can’t be mad Mom went to so much trouble to care for my girl. She’s a mom in a million, and I know I’m lucky to have her.
I open the door to my bedroom and burst out laughing. “A few things?” I arch a brow at Mom. My room is covered with bags. They are all over the bed and lining the floor.
Mom smooths a hand over her long blonde hair. “I might have gotten a little carried away.” She shrugs, smiling as she takes Nessa’s hand, pulling her into the room. “You don’t need to take all of them with you. You can leave some here for when you next come to visit. I called your mom to get your sizes, so hopefully everything fits.” She leans in close to my girl. “Don’t worry, I didn’t explain you were here or the circumstances.”
Holy fuck. Mom really went all out. She must want me to settle down pretty bad. Where she’s from, it’s not unusual to settle down at an early age, and I know she wouldn’t bat an eyelash if I told her Nessa and I were getting married.
Warmth spreads across my chest at the thought, and I’m not freaking out at the idea. Quite the opposite. Huh.
“This is amazing, Mrs. Lauder,” Nessa says, surveying the bags with wide eyes. “You really didn’t have to go to this much trouble.”
“Nonsense. A girl can never have too many clothes. Especially one as beautiful as you. And call me Laurena. Mrs. Lauder sounds ancient!” She squeezes Nessa’s hand. “You really have blossomed into a stunning beauty.” She smiles. “My son is a lucky man.”
Fuck, this is awkward. Nessa and I aren’t even together, and if Mom keeps this up, we never will be. She’ll send Nessa running for the hills before the night is out.
“You two are going to make beautiful babies,” she adds, proving my point.
Nessa gulps, looking blankly into space as she turns to me for help.
“Oh my God. Mom!” I grab her hand, escorting her to the door. “Stop! You’re going to scare Nessa away.” I kiss her cheek. “You’re the best, Mom. I love you, but you need to leave.”
She laughs, and her green eyes sparkle with mirth. “You know I need some grandchildren, Jackson.”
“Goodbye.” I close the door in her face, and her tinkling laughter follows her as she walks down the hallway. I press my brow to the door before turning around and grinning. “Sorry. She tends to get carried away.”
“I’ll say.” Nessa laughs, and it’s the first time all day that her brow is free of worry lines, so I guess that’s something else I can thank Mom for. “But she’s amazing,” she continues. “I’d forgotten how full of life your mom is.”
“Never a dull moment, but I wouldn’t change her for the world.” I shove my hands in the pockets of my jeans, glancing around. “Do you need a hand unpacking all this?”
She shakes her head. “I’ll manage.”
“Do you want something to eat now? You only had toast on the plane.”
“I’m not sure I can eat much,” she admits. “And I’d rather take a shower and get changed.”
“How about I run you a bath, and then, I’ll leave you to freshen up?”
“That sounds lovely.”
I walk to her, gently reeling her into my arms. “You doing okay?”
She looks up at me with big trusting eyes. “Did you mean what you said on the plane, Jackson?”
“I did. Every word. I’m done fighting my feelings. Done acting like a heartless prick. I can’t live without you, Nessa. I mean that. You’re it for me.” I don’t want to say too much or push her before she’s ready, and we still have so much to talk about. “I hope I haven’t blown it between us, but even if I have, know that I will always be here for you. I’m making it my mission to ensure no one ever hurts you again, and that is one promise you can count on.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Jackson
I LEAVE NESSA to her own devices after running her a bath. While I was filling the tub, Mom left a pitcher of water, a glass, and some fresh fruit for her. Grabbing a quick shower in the main bathroom, I towel dry my hair before pulling on a clean pair of jeans and a sweater. October in London is cold, and my balls are already freezing. I toe on my Chucks and head downstairs to find Dad, but he finds me first.
“Son.” He’s waiting at the bottom of the stairs for me. “I’m so glad you are okay.” Without hesitation, he pulls me into a hug, and for the first time in a year, I return his embrace. We cling to one another for a couple minutes, before breaking apart. “Let’s talk in my study.”
I follow him into the grand room with high ceilings and bay windows. Heavy patterned curtains frame the glass panels, creating an old-world feel. The whole room has that vibe, but it works. Both for the room and my old man. Instead of sitting behind his wide mahogany desk, he motions for me to sit with him in the high-backed leather chairs in front of the roaring fire.
He pours two whiskeys, adding ice and a thin layer of water, before handing one to me. “I think we’ll need alcohol for this conversation.”
I take a sip of the liquid, welcoming the fiery, bitter sting as it glides down my throat.
“Tell me everything that happened,” he says when he’s seated in front of me, one leg casually draped over his knee.
I could demand he talk first, but something has shifted today. Within me, and in my relationship with my father. A certain sort of peace has descended on me since I avenged Dani’s death although I’m sure that’s only temporary. I’m guessing the next few months will be the challenge, because now I’ve dealt with that murdering prick, I will finally have time to grieve, and I know that’s going to be painful.
Things have altered in our father-son dynamic too. I felt it on the phone when he cried. He’s been holding out on me. It’s clear he had his own plans, and I’m embarrassed for jumping to obvious conclusions, for the things I’ve said to him, and how I’ve treated him this past year, for not trusting him more, and for not realizing the obvious truth—my father would die for his family, and there’s no way he would ever have let Christian Montgomery get away with what he did to his daughter.
I misjudged him and the situation, but grief can do that to a person. We have both suffered in different ways as we’ve struggled in the aftermath of Dani’s death.
All of it ends now.
He listens attentively as I update him fully on everything that went down today with Montgomery and the things leading up to it. He refills our glasses, without interrupting me, and by the time I’m finished, I’m drained.
“I meant what I said on the phone, Jackson. I never wanted you to take this burden on. To carry this truth with you for the rest of your life. I’m an old man. Dani was my daughter, and she was only taken because Hunt and I made a terrible business decision.”
“You didn’t do any of those things to her, Dad. That bastard is the only one responsible. And I don’t feel burdened. I feel lighter, freer. Dani was my sister, and that man also hurt Anderson’s wife and mother-in-law, and he hurt Nessa today. It would have been a lot worse if we hadn’t been there, so if that’s your way of asking if I’m troubled over what I’ve done, the answer is no.”
“It feels a little inappropriate to say this, but I’m going to say it anyway.” He puts his drink down, leaning forward in his chair. “I’m proud of you, Jackson. I’m proud of the man you’re becoming.”
“Thanks, Dad.” A messy ball of emotion wedges in my throat. “It means a lot that you’d say that especially after the horrible way I’ve treated you recently. I misjudged the situation and you. I’m sorry.”
He waves his hands about. “I’ve already forgiven you for that. You were justified in your anger, and I wish I could’ve told you the truth, but I was trying to protect you. To keep you out of it. I knew letting you move to Rydeville was a mistake, but you were adamant about supporting Kaiden, and we thought we could trust Atticus.” He shakes his head. “He played Hunt and me for a fool. Using our resources to further his own aims when he knew our interest lay with Montgomery.”
“Atticus has paid the price for his treachery, and it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving man.”
“I agree, but I’d still like the bastard found and taken to task for his sins.”
“It will happen, Dad. Kai and Rick won’t stop looking for him. He needs to make this right.”
“It’s a miracle those boys turned out as solid as they did. They must have more of their mother in them.”
“They do.”
We stare into the fire as a comfortable silence envelops us. Flames lick the top of the open fireplace, wafting and weaving, sending blasts of heat in our direction, warming my chilled bones.
“I have wanted that man to pay from the moment he took Dani,” Dad admits, staring into the flames as he begins opening up. “I was frantic with worry. I hired a ton of different private investigators to scour the world looking for her, only for them to turn up empty-handed.”
His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat. “I even went to Montgomery’s office, got down on my knees, and begged him to return her.” A muscle clenches in his jaw. “The sick bastard got off on that, and he taunted me about…” He grabs his whiskey, draining the rest of the amber liquid in one go. “I was broken, son.” He glances at me. “A shell of a man. The only way I managed to drag my ass out of bed every day was my fear of anything happening to you and your mom. He threatened you both too.”
“Why did he come after you and not Hunt?”
“Oh, he threatened Hunt too, but that’s something for Ethan to discuss with Sawyer.” He stands, pouring more whiskey into his glass. I place my hand over my drink, declining more. I don’t want to get drunk. Nessa’s had a horrific day, and she needs me—I can’t support her properly if I’m drunk.
“He went after me first because I had a daughter. Those perverts get off on hurting women and children. I’m sure you’re seen that by now.” I nod, because I have. “He took Dani, and it destroyed all of us. It almost ruined my marriage, and you almost threw away your future.”
“Is that why you were insisting I attend RU?”
“In part,” he admits, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “You were already going off the rails, and I needed to try to keep you on the right path. But I also believe it’s important to get a strong education behind you. I would like you to take over from me at some point, but I won’t force you, Jackson. Either to stay at RU or to take over the reins with the business. It’s your life. Your future. Your choice.”
Wow. This is huge. If he’d said this to me a couple of months ago, I would’ve bailed on RU instantly. Without a second thought.
Now, things are different.
“I’d like to think it over, but I have no plans to drop out of college.”
A genuine smile graces his lips. “Would this have anything to do with the beautiful young lady up in your room?”
I tilt my head to the side, smirking. “It has everything to do with Nessa.”
“Ah, I see.” His smile grows wider. “You have found your soul mate.”
“I have.”
“I’m happy for you son, and I hope you both are as happy as your mother and me.”
My skepticism shows on my face.
“Out with it. There will be no more secrets in this family.”
“How can you say she’s your soul mate when you asked her for an open marriage?”
His features soften as he stares at me for a few beats. His silence tells me he’s contemplating admitting something. He clears his throat, eyeballing me. “It’s because she is my soul mate that I agreed when she asked me.”
“Wait! What?” I splutter. “Are you saying Mom is the one who asked for an open marriage?”
His answering smile holds a tinge of amusement. “Is it really any surprise, Jackson? Your mother is a free spirit. A beautiful, vibrant, energetic butterfly who needs to spread her wings. I never want to clip those.” He sips his whiskey, looking thoughtful as I slump in my chair, flabbergasted. “I will admit it took some time for me to come around to the idea because sharing her didn’t appeal to me.”
“So why did you agree?”
“It was share her or lose her,” he quietly says. “And existing in a world without your mother is not existing.”
“I don’t know what to say,” I blurt.
“When you get married, and you start a family, you will realize that rarely are things black-and-white. It’s only when you are in that situation you fully appreciate what it means to truly love someone. To properly compromise. Don’t feel bad for me, son. I am happy. I love your mother, and I’ve never wanted any other woman. I’ve had the odd fleeting dalliance, but I have done nothing to earn the reputation the media presents of me. Your mother is discreet in her affairs and respectful to me. I always know who she’s seeing and where she’s going. They never last long, and it’s been a lot less frequent than I expected. We’ve made it work.”
I imagine a scenario where Nessa asks me for an open marriage, and my stupid brain instantly flashes back to the night of the party and the rage I felt watching her with another man. “I could never do that. I could never share Nessa.”
“I don’t think you will have to. Something tells me that woman will cherish you for life.”
“Well,” I admit, rubbing the back of my neck. “I have a lot of groveling to do before we get to the cherishing part, but I’m determined.”
Dad cracks up laughing, and I join him. It’s been a long time since we’ve just sat down and talked without harsh words or angry looks.
“I just ask one thing, Jackson. Please don’t treat your mother any differently. She adores you, and it would break her heart if you thought ill of her.”
“I’m not gonna lie, Dad. It freaks me out a little, and I’ll need to process it, but I don’t want to hurt Mom.”
“Good boy.” He slaps my shoulder. “Is there anything else you need to know?”
“Why didn’t you retaliate? What were you waiting for?”
“When Montgomery let Dani go, he did so on one condition. That we never disclosed what we had discovered about him, his company, and the elite and that we never reported what had happened to her. He promised to kill you and your mother if I made one move against him. I couldn’t risk it, Jackson. You saw how broken your sister was. I couldn’t risk anything happening to you or Laurena. And Montgomery was watching. He had people shadowing us. He sent spies into my businesses.”
“That’s why you went crazy with a new security system and additional bodyguards.” I run my hands along the arms of the chair, seeing a lot of things in a new light.
“Yes, and it’s also why I didn’t openly retaliate after Dani died. The threat against you and your mom was still very real. As much as I wanted that bastard dead, I wouldn’t jeopardize your safety. It’s why we let Atticus and Wes go after Hearst while we stayed in the shadows. The plan was to take down Hearst and then take Montgomery down next, but everything changed after things went to shit at Parkhurst.”
“Me killing Trent changed things.”
He nods. “He renewed his threat, and he has made several attempts in the past few months on your life and your mother’s life.”
“What?!” I roar, jumping up. “What do you mean?”
Dad stands, and he’s remarkably cool considering the bomb he just dropped. “Calm down, son.
Sit.” He pushes me into the chair. “I’ve had a team of men protecting you and your mother. I didn’t want to worry you, so I said nothing. It also worked better that you weren’t aware. Christian tried several times, but I hired a group of ex-mercenaries this time, and these men know what they are doing. None of the thugs he sent even got close to you or your mom. Then word got out that his hitmen were turning up in body bags, and no one wanted to take the gig. While this was happening, I sent PIs out around the world, trying to find him. My guy followed you to Lanzarote and reported that Christian was there. I had a PI on the ground in Europe, so I reassigned him. The plan was for them to take Christian out, but you beat them to it.”
I drop to my knees on the floor in front of him. “I’m so sorry, Dad. For not believing you. For not trusting you.”
“Stand up, son.”
I climb to my feet. “I appreciate your apology, but it’s not necessary. Like I said, I have already forgiven you.” He places his empty glass down, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “Now, what do you say we join your friends and your lady love for dinner? I think it’s high time we celebrated.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Vanessa
I HAVE ALWAYS been fond of Jackson’s parents, and their warm welcome today reinforces that sentiment. Laurena has gone out of her way to ensure I’m comfortable and I have everything I need. Travis has been charming and friendly over dinner, politely inquiring into my wellbeing without intruding. It’s clear Kaiden and Sawyer are comfortable around Jackson’s parents, laughing and joking and appearing relaxed.
I wish I could do the same, but I’m exhausted, and quite frankly, it’s an effort to smile. I eat, purely because I don’t want to offend Laurena. The spicy chicken and couscous dish is delicious, but my stomach revolts at each swallowed mouthful, still tender after being drugged.
Jackson squeezes my hand under the table. “You okay?” he whispers. He’s asked me a bunch of times already, and it’s obvious his concern is genuine. So were his heartfelt words earlier, but there is much I don’t know and a lot to forgive him for.
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