Page 129 of Desperate People

“No big deal?” Destiny laughs. “Honey, it’s a big deal when you’re doing something that matters.”

Clementine sidles up, grinning like she just won a jackpot.

“Did I hear you mention the photoshoot tomorrow?” she asks, grinning.

“I’m so excited,” Mom says, agreeing.

“Lucy, you’re awesome for doing this—for the foundation, for charity. Seriously, cuz, the eyes you’ll bring to Drew’s Place mean so much to me and to everyone involved,” Clementine says, starting to tear up.

“I let you out of my sight for a minute and you’re crying? Hey Balor, Lucy, Mrs. Volkov,” Connor says as he joins us, wrapping Clementine in his arms, kissing her cheek.

She smiles and laughs. But I don’t listen to whatever they’re saying.

How can I? I’m too busy watching my husband.

Balor’s expression tightens, his eyes flicking to me before settling on Connor.

“Explain,” he says, his tone flat but not unkind.

Connor starts, but Clementine is nodding enthusiastically.

“She didn’t tell you? Oh, it’s this fundraiser we’re doing. A calendar—a fancy one—with local celebs and influencers. All the money goes straight to Drew’s Place, more importantly to our new West coast location. But you know all about that, Balor. Anyway, Lucy’s a perfect angel for doing it.”

Balor’s jaw clenches, his gaze sharpening. I see the flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.

“And this shoot is tomorrow? Where?”

“One o’clock sharp at the Washington Square Arch,” she says.

“I’m sure it’s going to be fast,” I say quickly, squeezing his hand. “Really, it’s just a few photos.”

He nods slowly but doesn’t say more.

From across the tent, Nico Jr.’s voice cuts through the chatter like a shot.

“Yo, Balor, I thought you were keeping our Diablita out of trouble?”

I flinch, my pulse quickening.

My eyes dart to Balor, searching his face for any sign of what this means.

“What?” he snaps back, sharp and instant.

Nico doesn’t miss a beat. “Look, El Tigre’s team just announced your little wifey here is in talks to do the new video.”

He strides over, waving his cell phone like it’s a trophy.

I catch a glimpse of the screen.

Shit.

There’s an interview with the star’s manager, smiling and sly as he talks about the upcoming collaboration.

What the fuck?

My mind spins. I want to speak, to explain, but the words catch in my throat.

Balor’s lips curl. Just a little.

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