Page 27 of Objection

Sniffling, she avoided my eyes. “He says I’m a bad influence and that she needs to go back home.”

“Well . . . good thing she’s an adult and can make her own decisions.”

“Is he right?” she asked, and I hated that her parents had her questioning herself. She and Taylor were so happy yesterday. I didn’t want that to be ruined because of her father’s bullshit. “I thought I was helping her be safe by taking her out. Last night wasn’t the first time she drank, and I wanted to be with her to make sure she’d be safe and—”

“Hey,” I called softly, squeezing her hand to keep her present so she wouldn’t spiral. “You didn’t do a damn thing wrong. Bringing your twenty first birthday in with alcohol is a rite of passage for a lot of people. Taylor was drinking before yesterday, so it wasn’t anything new to her. Not saying underaged drinking is okay, but she handled herself well because she was already drinking. All y’all were fucked up last night, though, not just her. That was proof to me that y’all had a good time. Don’t let your parents make you feel bad about that.”

Her shoulders relaxed slightly. “I’m trying not to. I just got her back. I don’t want them to take her away from me.”

When her lips trembled and eyes watered, I had to keep myself from getting her phone and calling her damn daddy. Instead, I pulled her onto my lap.

“God gives us free will. He lets us make our own decisions. If God ain’t the one making her go back home, I can promise you they won’t be able to either. As long as she wants to stay here, and you want her here, Taylor is staying in Rose Valley Hills. I give you my word.”

Serenity released a shaky breath before rubbing her nose against mine and resting her forehead against mine.

“I always wanted a companion for moments like this. I knew there was power in having the right person by your side, and I’m so glad I get to experience that now with you.”

Light tapping on the door kept me from responding.

“Yeah?” I called.

“Uh . . . is my sister in there?” Taylor asked hesitantly.

“Yeah,” Serenity answered as she stood and headed toward the door.

When she opened it, Taylor said, “Can you come out so we can talk? Your crazy ass daddy is blowing my phone up.”

Serenity chuckled with a nod. “Yeah.”

Turning, she mouthed thank you to me, and I was glad I was able to help her process her own feelings so she could now be there for her sister. I’d meant what I said though. As long as they wanted Taylor here, she’d be here. If her daddy wanted her back bad enough, he’d have to come and take her—through me.

Serenity

Early August

“Oh my God. I can’t believe this!” Taylor squealed as we finished the tour of the firm. I could understand her excitement because I was the same way the first time I toured it. Each partner had their own floor, and there was also the first floor where reception was along with a café. The sixth floor had conference rooms, and the seventh floor had two large rooms devoted to play and rest. I loved that they’d mimicked some Chinese tech companies by incorporating a space for rest with showers, beds, and recliners. The other room had games, card tables, and pool tables for those who felt recharged by recreation.

“Believe it, Sis. You are officially a paid intern for Montgomery, Pierce, Walker, and Gough.”

Pride consumed me as she did a little dance. “I literally owe all of this to you, big sis. I feel so bad for the way I resented you after you left.” Her smile faded slightly. “A part of me was so angry at you for leaving me. I just . . . didn’t know how to expressthat. I felt silly feeling like that. You were doing what was best for you and I should have been happy for you not jealous.”

“Aww, Taylor.” I couldn’t stop myself from pulling her into my arms for a hug. “That doesn’t even matter anymore. You’re here with me now, and we’re going to make sure you live life on your own terms.”

“This is so amazing! Most freshmen can’t get an internship like this until their senior year, and it’s paid? Like damn. I know I have to work my way up and it’s just secretarial work for now, but just being in this building during my first year of college is a blessing. Thank you, Serenity, seriously. I got a great job, I’m enrolled to start school in the spring, you set me up with an amazing apartment, and my brother upgraded the Purple Passion. Lifecannotget any better than this.”

I laughed as we walked toward the elevators to head back down to the first floor where she’d be working.

“I’m glad you’re happy. Me and Kaos are on the fifth floor, so you come up there if you ever need anything.”

“I won’t unless I absolutely have to. I don’t want to take advantage of having you here. I feel like I’ve already used the privilege of having you as my sister enough.”

“What’s the point of having privilege if it can’t be used?” At the sound of my man’s sexy ass voice, we both turned to face him.

Happiness and desire floated through me at the sight of him. Kaos looked impeccable in a dark gray suit with platinum and silver jewelry. There was a time I craved a man in the streetwear aesthetic. Now, nothing turned me on more than my man in a suit—and if it was a white, black, or burgundy suit . . . that was a plus.

“You guys have done more than enough for me as it is.” Her eyes watered, and I gave her hand a squeeze. “There’s no way I can pay y’all back for this.”

“You don’t have to,” he made clear.

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