Page 40 of Fighting For Light
“Oh, we can stay out a little longer if you want. Miami is famous for its nightlife,” Cordelia says.
I chuckle, and she slaps me on my chest. I grab her wrist in a quick movement before she pulls it away. “I know you’re tired, babe,” I tell her quietly, knowing Mom can hear everything. She shrugs and puts her hand back on my chest, sneaking her fingers under the fabric. Cordi tilts her head up to kiss me, and I lean in to give her just that. She then seems to remember my mom is across the table, and she pulls back. Her cheeks turn red, making her freckles burst to life. I swallow my laugh and kiss her nose.
“So, we will see you in the morning?” I ask Mom. She nods with a soft smile as she looks between Cordelia and me. “Great, I’m going to get Cordi home,” I say and stand to hold my hand out for Cordi.
“Let me run to the restroom real quick,” Cordi says, heading for the back of the restaurant.
Once she’s out of earshot, I look at Mom. “Tell me what’s going on right now,” I say as calmly as possible. My jaw feels like it’s about to snap in half.
“I didn’t want to talk over the phone,” she says quietly, taking another deep pull of her wine. I haven’t seen her drink this much in a very long time.
“Okay then,” I prompt her.
Her expression tightens, and she daintily crosses her legs and wrists on her lap. “Your father contacted me, and the beach house was tossed,” she says, referring to our beach-front home in Malibu. Liam likes to go there when he’s home because he can still surf.
I swallow the bile rising in my throat. “Was Liam at the beach house?” I ask her.
“No,” she says.
“When exactly did this happen?” I ask.
“The cameras were cut, so we’re not sure. The cleaning staff found the house a mess. That’s when they called us,” she says.
“Why did we not have a security team there?” I ask.
She shrugs and takes another drink. “You know, Emerson didn’t think it was necessary because it’s not in any of our names. It’s a gated neighborhood, and we rent it out, so …”
I hold up my hand.
“Yeah, okay. And you said they cut the cameras? We were very careful with where we put those. Since Liam and Emerson installed them, no one would know where they were.”
“I know,” she says.
“Does that mean we have someone talking who shouldn’t be?” I ask her, wondering about the hole in the security team that we pay a lot of money to stay loyal.
She glances over my shoulder. I turn and watch Cordelia walk to me. My heart surges, and my whole body wants to meet her halfway.
“It’s been too quiet aside from what happened earlier, Kai. He’s done waiting, honey. Our time is up.”
I sigh and keep my eyes on the woman who calms me and yet makes every cell in my body buzz with anticipation. “When did this happen?” I ask again. “And did you tell Emerson and Liam that Dad tried to contact you?”
“Last night, but I spoke to Emerson. Liam is currently climbing in Montana. You know how cell service is.”
“Alright, I think you need to stay with one of us until then,” I suggest.
“That’s what the security is for, sweetheart,” she says softly.
“They can come, too,” I grunt. Cordelia comes to stand next to me, and I slip my arm around her waist as my fingers brush the side of her stomach. “We can finish this conversation later.”
Mom nods and stands to tell Cordelia bye. I lead us out of the restaurant and hand the valet my ticket.
“What’s going on?” Cordi asks hesitantly.
Her wide eyes are full of concern as she stares at me. “Nothing to worry about,” I tell her and kiss her forehead. Grabbing my phone from my pocket, I dial Emerson.
“Kai,” he grunts.
“You need to get a hold of Liam,” I say cryptically, not wanting to worry Cordelia anymore than she already is.
