Page 104 of Play Dirty

“To give me custody.”

“You think…” She seems confused. “You think I want money?”

“You always want money.”

Her mouth opens.

Then she snaps it shut.

“You can’tbuyyour children from me.”

“I’m not. I’m asking you how much of a settlement it would take for us to agree to terms. I have full physical custody of the kids, but of course you’ll have visitation. I’m not trying to take them from you—I’m just trying to do what’s best for everyone. You didn’t like being a stay-at-home mom when you were with me… you think you’re going to like it better with Phil? Who is not going to help you with the kids. You can bluster all you want, I see the look on your face, but deep down you know I’m right.”

She doesn’t respond, merely stares at me.

I stuff my hands in my pockets and wait.

I know she’s thinking about it.

I can practically see the wheels turning.

But I can also see the hesitation.

She knows her mother will be furious.

She knows how it will look to all her friends.

She also knows I’m right about Philippe.

I’m positive they’ve already fought about it—the kids basically told me so.

“I hate you,” she says.

Then she whirls and stalks out of the courthouse.

“That went well,” Madeline chirps when she’s out of earshot.

“Did I fuck up?” I ask her.

She shakes her head. “On the contrary. You put the bug in her ear and now she’s thinking. Just wait. She’ll come up with a number. Probably after she and Phil mull it over.”

This should be good news.

Stevie’s in the clear and, if Madeline’s right, there’s a chance that Brenna will take money in exchange for custody.

Of course, there’s also a very good chance that Brenna will want more money than I can possibly come up with.

Unless I sell the house and buy something smaller. Cheaper. Maybe in a less popular neighborhood. Which I don’t want to do. If I get custody, the kids need a safe place. A place that’s comfortable and convenient, close to the arena for me and good schools for them.

How can I give them the life they deserve if I all but bankrupt myself to get rid of Brenna?

“Take today’s win,” Madeline says softly. “And let’s see what happens. Breathe, Marty. It’s going to be okay.”

“Easy for you to say,” I respond. “My entire life is in a tailspin because of her. My girlfriend dumped me because of her. My kids are thousands of miles away because of her. I’m cash poor because she wanted the most expensive house we could possibly afford. And now I’m probably going to have to cash out my investments—what I was planning to use to put the kids through college—to make her go away. Which means I’ll never fucking retire.”

Madeline nods slowly. “I understand all of that. Truly. She’s put you in a tough position. But that’s why you hired me. To make sure you don’t get taken to the cleaners. I can’t stop you from making a deal behind the scenes, something to ensure you get custody, but I can make sure she doesn’t get anything extra. Trust me. This is what I do. I’m damn good at my job. There’s a reason there’s a three-year waiting list to see me.”

“And I appreciate you stepping in like this. I owe you and Harper.”

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