Page 65 of Sinful King

I tugged her into me, my heart aching at how perceptive she could be.

“Never ever ever will I hate you, Brynn baby. In fact, I love you the most.”

She pulled back, a beautiful smile on her little round face. And just that quick all was forgotten.

I could only hope Brynn stayed this innocent forever.

“Even more than Sean?”

Jaslyn chuckled.

“How about you share space with him for me.”

She tapped her chin.

“Will it make you happy?”

“It would make me so happy.”

More than she’d know or understand actually.

“Can you do me a favor and go tell Sean about this agreement?”

I set her on her feet and she took off to do as I asked. Once gone, Lauren began to speak.

“I just… wanted to see if he’d accept her,” she said, filling me with disgust. “And at first, he seemed interested but then your mother saw us and it’s like everything changed.”

My mother saw them?

“When did my mother see you?”

“A couple of weeks ago. We came here early and didn’t tell you. I’m so sorry, Blair.”

Her apology made me feel nothing at all.

“Why now?” I asked, needing to understand the logic behind her decision after standing her ground for so long.

“Because you came around and Brynn started asking questions she wasn’t asking before, like about who her father is. I appreciate you wanting to build a relationship with her but your presence has made my life harder than it was…” she stood and picked up her purse. “So, yes, I took her to meet the man who helped create her and she had a great time with him. I thought… I thought maybe he changed but he got so angry when Kendra saw us and now I know the truth. Now, I know I need to cut ties with all of you and go back to the way life was, before you barged in demanding to be part of it. Count me out of this lawsuit and I’m going to suggest the others do the same.”

She stormed off and I couldn’t bring myself to chase after her.

“That did not go how I expected,” Jaslyn mumbled. “Are you okay?”

“She’s right,” I said, holding back tears. “And Brynn is safer if I’m not around.”

I straightened myself and nodded.

“That doesn’t answer my question but I won’t force it out of you. We have options even without—”

“You know I thought I was doing something to make up for the way my father took advantage of the church and the women in it, but am I not doing the same? Am I not taking advantage of them for my own selfish reasons?”

I shook my head.

“Fuck it. Whatever they decide is what you do.”

“I consider us friends, Blair,” Jaslyn said, nodding slowly. “And as your friend, I refuse to let you lie to yourself. Maybe your presence triggered questions but Brynn would’ve asked them eventually. Everything Lauren said reflected her own feelings about your presence.Shewanted to know if he changed.Shewanted to see if they could be a family.Sherealized her mistake and decided to hurt you in the process.”

My eyes burned but I refused to let the tears fall.

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