Page 97 of Serena
“When I got my diagnosis, I realized how wrong I was about so many things. I had Mila followed. She has always been a loose cannon. Just like her mother.Wewant the best for you. The best is Serena.”
“Mom, I love her.”
“I know you do, my sweet boy. I also know you both enjoy certain extracurricular activities.” My mother laughs. How does she know?
“How do you know?” My father looks at my mom with a sparkle in his eyes.
“Tell him. I can’t wait to see the look on his face.”
“When Serena was at the hospital, I told her to call me if she needed help. So, she did. I arranged for her to meet Damon, who would provide a sedative. Isaac and he would then pick up whoever when she was ready.” What the fuck is going on with the women in my life?
“Yup, there’s the face.” Dad laughs. “Love, you might as well tell him the rest.”
“What does he mean, Mom?”
“He means that I saw the moment you laid eyes on Serena Nerva. It was during Theo and Elias Lobo’s wedding. Irecognized that look. It’s the same one I had when I first laid eyes on your father. So, I came up with a plan. I bought two companies. Well, your father did. One where she worked and the other not. There would be one outcome. One, you would pursue Serena, or two, you would just run the company as you did the other. I knew it’d be the former.
Your father was very impressed by her interview. He hired her solely based on her own merits. I sent him to check on the two of you.”
That explains the impromptu visit from my father.
“I knew your mother was right. She always is, but what I saw that day. Son, you couldn’t take your eyes off Serena. It’s as if no one exists but her. A feeling I understand.” My father looks at my mother.
“Dad, you’re right, she is what I never thought I deserved.”
“Mom, you know that I’d still find Serena, regardless of whether I worked with her or not.”
“I know, my sweet boy. I also know that it won't be an easy road for her, but what she did may have helped. Be happy.” She gets up and hugs me tight.
Things seem to be getting back to normal. I look at Claudia, who returned to work last week. She seems to have returned to her usual self. I made sure she connected with Nina, who encouraged her to start taking self-defense classes. She was informed that the man who attacked her had been caught. I don’t know how Ian made it happen, and I don’t care. Whatever gives Claudia peace.
Yuri is on another trip with Xander; she told me they were going to Las Vegas. She has been more distant. I asked Ian to look into Xander, but he didn’t find anything. Veronica moved into her new place a couple of weeks ago. No doubt Ian has eyes on her. She’s become one of my best friends. Gabe has been traveling a lot more. He’s supposed to be back next week. Ian and I are taking a vacation, so he’ll be standing in for a couple of weeks.
After what happened in my old apartment, I thought about selling it, but I didn’t. That would mean my past still held powerover me, and with everything that happened, I still need to feel in control. So I let Ruby move in. She loves her job as the club manager, but I’ve noticed the animosity toward Damon. Those two can’t stand each other. She still makes my favorite mojitos. I still don’t trust strangers making my drinks.
I haven’t spoken to my parents. There’s a lot of hurt there. My father was wrong. The Kaydes have accepted me with open arms, his entire family has. Uncle Isaac really does love guns. Caleb warned him about making any bets with me. Felix is my gun-range bestie, which he loves to remind Ian.
“Claudia, don’t forget that I’ll be leaving the office early today.”
“Noted. I’ll make sure the files are on your desk right after lunch.”
“Perfect. I need to meet with Nina about funding distributions." I decided to become more involved in the nonprofit I helped start. Ian will be assisting too. I think it’s more to keep an eye on James. Men…
I look up to find Ian at my door. I see his light-green eyes stare at me.
“Can I help you, Mr. Kayde?” He walks in.
Claudia gets out of her seat and excuses herself. Yes, the office knows about our relationship. We keep it very professional. He closes the door as soon as she walks out, locking it.
“Ms. Nerva, I have a present for you,” he teases. Again, professional.
“Oh, and what might that be?”
He stands in front of me. “Have I told you how crazy you make me with these skirts?” I feel his hand sliding up my thigh, bringing the fabric with him.
“I don’t recall.”
He looks at my desk and sees a green highlighter. “Ian, don't do it.” I see the moment his eyes turn emerald.
