“I don’t want you to think badly about your mother,” Grant said sincerely. “She was a great woman. All she ever wanted was to give you kids a better life.”
“Did she pay Zoe to go away?” Byron asked hesitantly.
Byron knew his mother had been a great woman, but he also knew she’d been just as stubborn and ruthless as Grant. She’d taught him the importance of giving back to the community, how a charming personality got a lot more than an arrogant one, and how to cut your enemies with a touch so soft they didn’t realize how far you’d sliced until they bled out on the floor. She’d been beautiful, bold and brilliant, which meant she wouldn’t have hesitated to write a check to make Zoe disappear.
“She tried,” Grant admitted. “Zoe refused the money.”
The knot in Byron’s chest eased. He’d never thought Zoe had been interested in his family’s wealth. If anything, she’d seemed to accept his being rich as just another character trait and not something extraordinary. As if his having money was no different than someone else liking cereal for breakfast.
Byron pulled his thoughts from the past and met his dad’s eyes. He looked up to Grant more than anyone else in the world. Unlike his older sister Elaina, he didn’t want to fight their dad on everything, nor did he believe their dad was on a mission to run their lives the way India believed. Byron accepted his father for who he was: a smart businessman who would do anything to protect his company and family legacy. He wanted his dad to be proud of him.
“You don’t think I should go through with this, do you?” he asked.
Grant took another sip of his drink. “No. I don’t.”
“You aren’t fighting very hard to talk me out of it.”
“That’s because I don’t think I would be able to talk you out of it. That girl does something to you. I don’t like it, but hell, I know a little bit about not being able to get the wrong woman out of your system,” Grant said wryly.
Byron quirked a brow. His dad was currently engaged to his longtime mistress. As hard as it had been for Byron to accept the woman who’d taken his mother’s place years before she’d passed away—as hard as it still was—Byron hadn’t seen his father this happy in years. He considered pouring more whiskey but put the glass down instead. He needed a clear head from now until the end of the campaign.
“She’s not in my system. I promised to help her. Not helping her now could put her in danger.”
“Could.” Grant pointed a finger at Byron. “Not will. There are no guarantees. Things might have seemed bad years ago, but I promise you if that boy she used to date has spent thirteen years in prison he’s probably moved on from the girl who cheated on him in college.”
Byron shook his head and scoffed. “He’s had nothing but thirteen years to think about it.”
“Nonsense. He moved on just like you did. But if you want to help her, and if the public for some strange reason buys this misguided young love story you’ve concocted, then having a kid in the campaign might be a good thing.”
Byron heard the calculation in his dad’s voice. Already Grant was thinking of ways to spin this situation to their benefit. “We’re not using Lilah in the campaign.”
“The hell we aren’t. You dragged Zoe up here, you’re claiming Lilah as your own, you have to show the voters you’re making up for lost time with your daughter. The last thing we are going to do is have you put us through this only to have absentee father thrown in this.” Grant downed the rest of his drink.
“She doesn’t live here. She can’t be expected to participate in campaign stuff,” Byron argued even though the logic of what his father said couldn’t be denied.
His dad shrugged and checked his watch. “Figure it out. She can come up for weekend appearances. They can just stay here at the estate whenever we need them for something. I’ll go let Sandra know we’ll need two rooms ready for them.” He chuckled drily. “She can have India’s old room. I guess your sister will be moving in with her husband when she gets back.” Grant shook his head and walked toward the door. “Your mother would be cursing every one of you out if she were here to see this fiasco.”
Byron watched his father walk out in silence. How was he supposed to convince Zoe to come here more often? She didn’t want to be in the campaign. Now he had to persuade her somehow to accept a room in his family’s estate during the campaign. He’d barely gotten her to agree to this.
The door opened and Yolanda breezed in. Byron glanced over her shoulder. “Where is Zoe?”
“Oh, I left her with Elaina.”
Byron’s stomach dropped. “You what?” He walked toward the door. Elaina was an acquired taste on a good day. Zoe had never met her, and he could imagine the cold reception and thinly veiled insults his sister was potentially throwing Zoe’s way. She’d mocked him for being silly back in college when he’d first told her about Zoe and had been the first person to assume Zoe would try to blackmail him with a birth certificate with his name on it after he announced his Senate run.
Yolanda placed a hand on his arm and stopped him. “Where are you going?”
“To get Zoe away from Elaina.”
Her grip on his arm tightened. “No, you’re not. Zoe is a big girl and she can handle your sister.”
“Elaina doesn’t like her,” he said.
“I don’t like her,” Yolanda said easily. “But you trusted her with me.”
He frowned and eyed Yolanda. “You don’t like her? Why not?”
Yolanda stepped closer and brushed her hands across his shoulders. “Because I saw the way you looked at her when I walked in earlier. Oh, don’t bother to deny it.”
He wouldn’t deny it, but he also wasn’t going to admit to anything. “Yolanda, we were talking. Things got intense.”
“Just remember what I said, Byron.” Her eyes were steady as they stared into his. “Don’t sleep with her. Don’t mess this up. I love what we have. I don’t want to back out, but I need to know right now if you want to back out.”
His head drew back. “Why would I back out?”
“The public loves a second chance romance. Are you thinking of replacing me with her?”
As much as his body reacted to Zoe, and despite how much he’d wanted to press his lips to hers earlier, the thought of replacing Yolanda with her hadn’t crossed his mind. His dad was right. Zoe was in his system. He didn’t think straight when it came to her. Then and obviously not now. What he felt for her was not what legacies were built on. He was adding a new level to the Robidoux empire.
She never chose you. Never loved you.
He’d rather rip out his heart and put it in a blender than open himself to the pain of allowing himself to fall in love with Zoe again. Zoe had wanted his help. She’d never wanted him.
He slipped an arm around Yolanda’s waist and pulled her against him. “I don’t want out. You and me, we’re in this together.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
YOLANDA TOOK ZOE through the house and to a garden on the side. The entire time they walked, Yolanda talked about the antique pieces and unique paintings on the wall, gave a history on the Robidoux family and spoke graciously with any of the staff members they came across. She was completely nice and the perfect hostess, but Zoe felt there was also an underlying meaning.
This is my space. Don’t get too comfortable.
She’d been given no direct hints, threats, or ultimatums, but Zoe received the message.
They’d just exited onto the side terrace where Yolanda had begun an explanation of why the former Mrs. Robidoux used to love it out here when the terrace door opened.
“Oh, please, Yolanda, no one wants to hear how well you know our family,” a cool female voice said.
They both turned to face the woman who’d joined them. She was dressed impeccably in a peach A-line sundress that hugged her curves. Wavy, dark hair was swept to the side in a ponytail, and large
brown sunglasses shaded her eyes. She held a champagne glass filled with what looked like a mimosa in her right hand.
Yolanda stiffened next to Zoe for a second before her smile relaxed again. “Zoe, this is Elaina. Byron’s older sister. Elaina, this is—”
“The damsel,” Elaina finished with a small lift of her full lips.
Zoe’s chin lifted. Heat filled her cheeks. If she had any misunderstandings about how Byron’s family might view her, Elaina just made them crystal clear. They thought she was weak and helpless. She’d just have to prove them wrong. For now Zoe tried to remind herself why she shouldn’t get into a fight with Byron’s sister.
Yolanda coughed delicately. Zoe swore she heard a chuckle beneath the cough. “I’ll just leave you two and check on the food.”
Yolanda hurried back into the house. She moved so fast Zoe had a sneaking suspicion she wanted to leave Zoe alone with Elaina. Maybe the two were friends, and now that Yolanda had given the subtle you don’t belong talk, Elaina would finish it up with a hurt my brother and I’ll hurt you discussion.
Elaina glanced over her shoulder at Yolanda as she left. As soon as the door closed, she strolled over to Zoe. “Don’t trust that one as far as you can throw her,” Elaina said.
The words struck Zoe speechless. That was not the next statement she’d expected. “Yolanda has been very nice to me the entire time.” Zoe kept her voice even. She didn’t know the politics of the Robidoux family and wasn’t about to pick a side before getting the lay of the land.
“You know the saying, keep your enemies closer? She’s going to make sure the two of you are best friends before this is said and done.” Elaina took a sip of her drink. “There will be lunches and shopping outings where the press just happens to catch you two together. You’ll be paired up for campaign events to talk about how great my brother is—which he is, by the way.” Elaina pointed at Zoe. “She’ll even make the perfect stepmother to your daughter. She’s probably already sent in the request to have her inducted into Jackson Falls’s Young Debutante Program and picking out dresses for her debut.”
“Say what now?” Zoe shook her head. “What the hell is the Jackson Falls Young Debutante Program? My daughter is not a young debutante, and Yolanda isn’t her stepmother.”
Elaina raised a perfectly manicured brow. “But she will be if Byron marries her.”
Zoe’s mouth snapped shut. She hadn’t thought about that, either. After only a few hours in Yolanda’s company, Zoe could already picture her doing everything Elaina insinuated. Zoe wanted to help Byron, and she wanted to make sure Kendell never had a reason to try and take Lilah away, but did that mean she wanted to succumb to the influence of Byron and his family?
Zoe headed back toward the house. “I can’t do this.”
The cool tips of Elaina’s fingers wrapped around Zoe’s wrist as she tried to pass. Zoe froze, opened her hand, quickly twisted out toward Elaina’s thumb and freed herself. Zoe’s heart rate increased even though she hadn’t been afraid. Maneuvering from unwanted grips was second nature after years of self-defense classes. She waited for Elaina to scoff, ask what her problem was, or run off to tell Byron his fake baby momma was paranoid.
Elaina slipped off her shades and took a step back. Her eyes widened as if impressed. “You can do this if you’re smart.” Elaina nodded her head toward the yard. “Walk with me?” The words weren’t a command.
Zoe licked her lips then nodded. The grounds outside the Robidoux estate were just as beautiful as the inside. A wide green lawn was surrounded by tall pine trees and flowering azaleas that were too symmetrical to be considered completely natural. The entire place was structured beauty. Everything had a place; everything served a purpose and the purpose was to increase the grand illusion.
Is that what would be expected of her? That she play her part, play it well and lift Byron up even if doing so buried her? She didn’t want that life. She hadn’t found independence only to be dictated to and told how her schedule would run. She’d raised her daughter to be self-sufficient. She couldn’t bring her into the lap of luxury and expect her to think all her problems would magically disappear if she conformed to the Robidoux ideal.
“I made a mistake,” she said. “I’ll tell Byron not to worry. If anyone comes and asks me I’ll...” She let her voice trail off and glanced at Elaina. Did she know the true story? Should she tell her if she didn’t?
“Don’t worry, I know the truth,” Elaina said. She stopped walking and faced Zoe. “Byron told me everything right after my parents sent you away. If there is one thing this family knows how to keep it’s a secret. I won’t reveal yours.”
Relief mingled with curiosity. Just how many secrets did the family have?
They took a stone pathway toward the back of the house. “I didn’t say all of that about Yolanda to scare you or make you change your mind.”
“Then why did you say all of that? Or is that how you typically welcome visitors?” Zoe didn’t bother to hide her sarcasm.
“Because you need to know what you’re up against,” Elaina replied in a voice similar to the one Zoe used whenever Lilah tried to get smart with her. “My brother, bless his heart, has a good heart, noble intentions and a drive to win, but he can be naive when it comes to some things.” She looked Zoe up and down, giving Zoe a pretty good idea that Elaina considered her one of those things. “He’ll see you and Yolanda becoming friends and believe everything is great. He won’t realize she’s taking over everything in his life until it’s too late.”
Though Elaina’s voice was calm and practical, Zoe got the hint. “You don’t like Yolanda.”
“I know Yolanda. I’ve known her for years. She’s smart, well connected and will do whatever it takes to rise to the top. Including latching on to my brother and using his ideals to grow her own interests.” Elaina started walking again.
Zoe moved quickly to block Elaina’s path. “Look, I’m not trying to get involved in whatever you two have going.” She wasn’t about to jump in the middle of whatever turf war Elaina and Yolanda may have going on.
Elaina’s lips curved up slightly, her eyes lit with amusement. “You like to push back, don’t you? That’s good.” Her eyes turned serious. “I just want Byron to be happy. Yolanda won’t make him happy. Being elected to the Senate won’t make him happy.”
“You don’t know that.” From the moment Zoe met Byron he’d talked about his plans to run for public office. When she’d found out he was running for Senate she’d been happy to hear he was still following his dreams.
“I know Byron. He’s seeing a vision of what he thinks is the right path even if he has no idea what he’s about to get into.” Elaina cocked a brow and finished her drink. She turned away from Zoe and continued down the path.
“I still don’t understand what any of this has to do with me,” Zoe said, following. “I’m not here to try and change your brother’s mind about what he should or shouldn’t do. I came here to help him out.”
And secure a little more protection for herself. She didn’t care if the idea was selfish. She had to be selfish after years of not taking care of herself. She’d do whatever she needed to do to protect Lilah and keep her real father away from her.
Including dealing with Yolanda?
She’d have to talk more with Byron about that before making a final decision and announcement. If he agreed to keep Lilah out of things, then that would keep Lilah out of Yolanda’s influence. The two of them could get along for public appearances, but Yolanda wouldn’t necessarily need to be seen with Lilah.
The walkway ended at a large patio. Zoe recognized it as the one the conference room looked out over.
“I’m not asking you to change his mind,” Elaina said. “Byron is a grown man and he can make his own decisions. What I am asking you to do is keep your eyes open. Pay attention to what you’re being asked to do and why. You’ve entere
d the big leagues now, damsel, and unless you’re ready to fight for yourself, they—” she pointed to the window on the other side of the patio, “—will eat you alive.”
“I’m no damsel.” Zoe took a step closer to Elaina.
Elaina lifted her chin, and her eyes brightened with interest. “No need to puff up at me. I know you have claws. They’ve been hooked in Byron for years.” She leaned in closer. “If you want him all you have to do is sink them in a little deeper.” Elaina winked, turned gracefully and strolled back the way they came.
Zoe clenched her teeth. She wanted to scream. This family was going to drive her crazy. What did that even mean? If she wanted him? There was no getting Byron. She hadn’t believed back then that he’d been serious about their getting together, and she wasn’t about to get involved in a twisted situation with him, Yolanda and Elaina.
She’d had a moment of weakness earlier when she’d wanted to kiss him, and she was still a little weak because now she couldn’t stop thinking about what his kiss would have felt like. Would his body be just as solid and strong against her as it looked? This was all one-sided, though. Byron wasn’t helping her because he still felt something?
He looked like he wanted to kiss you, too.
Her lips lifted with the forbidden thoughts as she walked toward the glass door on the right of the patio that should lead to the conference room. She froze before opening the door and watched as Byron slid an arm around Yolanda’s waist and pulled her into an embrace.
The blood rushed from Zoe’s head. Zoe spun around and placed a hand on one of the wrought iron chairs on the patio to steady herself. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. She’d been daydreaming stupid thoughts again and deserved to feel foolish. Thinking about Byron’s kiss when he was giving just that to the woman who deserved it. The woman he loved and was marrying.
No more believing in fairy tales or fantasies. Byron hadn’t changed from the guy he’d been in college. Charming, handsome and charismatic as always. There wasn’t anything between them except the flicker of sexual attraction that had always been there. No matter what Elaina may have thought, Zoe’s supposed claws in Byron were nothing but scratches that had long healed over.
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