Page 53 of Submission

Hunter is quiet for a moment and then says, “Well, first of all, we’re going to straighten out your status as a living, breathing member of the Middleton family. We’ll change your social security number, your ID, birth certificate, and any other important records. I’m also going to make sure you get a nice place to live, your college degree, and any further education that you can. Dangerous as that all is, it all needs to happen if we are to establish you as my next of kin.”

“College? Dangerous?” Lacy is just repeating words at this point, completely lost. I’m a bit out of sorts myself. That story about what happened to Hunter’s family in the fire? That sounds incredibly traumatic. I can’t believe he’s been carrying that quietly for most of his life…or actually, I can believe it.

“My line of work outside of the club is a little delicate,” he says, clearing his throat.

“Maybe I should leave you two to speak alone,“ I say, feeling as if I’ve done enough to break the ice.

“No!” comes a simultaneous order from them both.

Lacy grabs my hands and pulls me into the seat next to her. “You have to stay with me. I have no idea what’s going on.”

Hunter just gives me a sharp look as if he’s daring me to step outside the office.

So, I just settle in.

The conversation between them is a little stilted and almost rusty from Hunter’s side. It’s as if he’s trying to figure out how to communicate with her but his words aren’t really siding with him. His tone is a little rough and commanding, and I can tell that Lacy isn’t really appreciating any of it.

“Okay,” I cut Hunter off in the middle of something he’s saying that sounds more like an order than a question. “I think what Hunter is trying to say is that it would be helpful for you to stay with him for a while and get to know him. You’ve both lost all of this precious time with each other.”

Lacy darts a suspicious look at us both. “That’s not what it sounded like to me. Didn’t he just threaten to lock me in his apartment with a security detail if I didn’t quit this job? A job, which, by the way, is inhisclub.”

“Of course not.” I glare at Hunter who just looks away. “He wouldn’t be so stupid as to say something like that. It’s just that you’ve had a difficult life so far, so maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea for you not to have to worry about where your next paycheck comes from. Take some time and get to know your brother. But if you still want to work, maybe–“

“I want to work,” she quickly cuts me off, facing Hunter. “I know you’re my brother because that piece of paper says we are,but this is all new to me. I have to protect myself and earn my own money just in case you decide–“

She doesn’t finish that sentence, and she doesn’t have to. I think we both know what she means. In some ways, there are similarities between Lacy and me, and I think that I understand her reasoning.

We’ve both had a rough time of it growing up. She probably moved from foster home to foster home, never really building any lasting relationships with anyone. She’s only had herself to depend on. Only herself to trust. Everything Hunter is throwing at her right now probably sounds like a fairytale she wished for many years ago, and now that it seems to be coming true, it feels too good to be true.

Yeah, I totally get that.

Chapter 19

Start At The Beginning

Megan

Irest my hand on Hunter’s knee, only imagining how difficult this conversation must be for him. He’s the kind of man who likes to have control over everything, and Lacy must feel like a wild card right now.

“I’m just saying that it’s better for you to get the college thing out of the way now,” he says to Lacy in a tone I don’t recognize. “Work will always be there.“

I close my eyes in silent exasperation. He’s known her as his sister for all of five seconds, and now he wants to plan out her entire life. Typical Hunter. He’s going to scare her off before they have a chance to get to know each other.

“You know,” I interrupt, trying to keep some semblance of peace. “Instead of making all these decisions right now, why don’t you two just wait? Spend some time with each other, get to know each other, and of course, you can keep coming here and working, Lacy. We certainly need you if we’ll ever serve a decent chicken wing after Billy leaves.”

I sneak a peek at the thunderous expression on Hunter’s face and wince. I guess I’ve overstepped, but I’m doing this as much for him as I am for Lacy.

“I mean, that’s my suggestion,” I say, trying to clean things up. “I’m certainly not firing you, especially if this job gives you the stability you need while you two maneuver this um…new situation. I’m sure Mr. Middleton would agree.”

I enunciate each word of my last sentence, hoping that it breaks through Hunter’s primal urge to control and protect. That’s not what Lacy needs right now.

“This is a lot to process,” Lacy says, her face turning a shade of pasty grey.

I haven’t known her for that long, but my chest suddenly feels tight with emotion for her. Imagine finding out your brand new boss is actually your brother. This is all kinds of reality show crazy.

“You’re right, Lacy, this is a lot. But maybe you could look at it from this point of view as well. You don’t remember Hunter, but he definitely remembers you. You’ve just been reunited with your older brother. These things don’t just happen every day. You’re no longer alone in this world,” I tell her almost wistfully. “You’re one of the lucky ones, Lacy.”

It’s noticeable when my words finally register with her. She rubs her swollen eyes and says, “Yeah, that’s true.”

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