Page 116 of The Confidant

Someone is outside this building, raising a ruckus. Three guesses who it could be with that accent. Tera is here and upset, which means Asher is here, too. This is a mess that needs to vacate the premises immediately.

I missed whatever started this. All I catch is that Asher’s One helped take down a sex trafficking ring. That girl has balls of steel. No wonder Asher has been avoiding me like the plague. He’s been sitting on top of his girl to keep her safe. He couldn’t afford to focus anywhere else.

I wince when I think about that long-ago conversation whereItold him to sit on her to keep her out of trouble. If only I had known how things would turn out.

Maman must have used Asher’s absence to lie to me again. That’s why he wanted a hug at dinner. My God, that woman is vicious with her hate.

My baby brother doesn’t despise me.

My heart leaps in happiness and sinks directly afterward.

A part of me doesn’t believe in this easy win.

I’m lost in my thoughts until my husband opens his fat mouth to throw himself into the doghouse. If he wants time on the couch, he’s headed in the right direction for it.

“Bold words for a yappy dog.” I push my way past the Snowman’s bodyguards to see what kind of damage control I need to do.

Grace is at Tera’s side with a water. The try-me-and-die woman is holding her hand on the other side. Asher is behind her with his blank face on, backing her up. The look of complete desperation she gives me is more than a little concerning. There’s Frosting and Sprinkles with Maman and Joseph out in the parking lot, arguing.

“Well, what a mess,” I huff and put my fists on my hips. I’m not sure where to start with all this.

“Siren,” Poe starts in a cautious tone.

“Uh-uh,” I glare at him. “You go back inside with those boys and finish your meeting. I’ll hear your explanations later. I’m warning you now that no is about to becomemyfavorite word. Start praying it’s just the couch and not a hotel room in LA for a week.”

Before he can start in on me with his narrowed eyes, I turn to Tera.

“You go on inside,petite,” I gentle my tone. It’s obvious that she’s sensitive. A gentle approach will work best for her. “The chair has wheels. Take advantage and have Frosting push you around to see the sights.”

“Who?” Someone asks with a scoff.

“I’ve got this,” Amanda straightens and edges Asher out of the way to grip the back of the chair with a wide grin.

“Gently,” I snap, pointing a finger at her sternly. “That’s delicate cargo right there. She can have a wilder ride when she’s not pregnant.”

Her brows rise in surprise as her smile gets wider. “I like her.”

“Like me and get moving at the same time. Multitask,” I laugh.

“I’m not a member,” Tera protests, glancing around as if she’s about to break the law. She’s adorable.

“You’re not causing trouble.” Grace gives her a hesitant smile. “Plus, Addie said you’re in. She’s the most fierce at protecting people’s privacy, and you’re the first person who’s ever gotten a free pass.”

“Oh my gosh, I love your tattoo,” Tera gushes, her mood brightening as Amanda wheels her away.

Her voice fades away as she peppers Grace with a million questions. I notice Frosting keeps pace, staying quiet behind them. He gives me a solemn glance as he passes.

I get it. I’m not popular with his group. He’s not popular in mine, either. He can stuff his angry looks until Asher explains himself. And maybe after I explain myself, too.

“Addie,” Asher starts, taking a single step toward me that feels like the start of a compromise. He’s willing to step up. All I have to do is meet him there.

“One problem at a time,” I tell him, my voice hesitant. I don’t like that I’m being defensive around him, but I can’t help it. I’ve mentally built that block to keep myself from being hurt.

I watch him pause, his expression slowly emerging to show me how much my reaction hurts him. I’ve never wanted to damage my baby brother. I’ve never wanted to be damaged, either. We’re on even footing, though I doubt he knows it.

His head turns to take in Maman. She’s getting louder while Joseph remains quiet and fierce.

“This won’t stand. Not here, of all places,” I mutter, trying to brace myself for one more confrontation. Why in the world would she even think of coming here?

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