Page 38 of Dirty Secret Love

Sutton shifts her weight from one foot to another. “Mom, what brings you here? I thought you said you wouldn’t be back until next week.”

“We wanted to see what we have to buy to furnish this house,” she says, glancing over her shoulder. I don’t understand what she’s looking for or if she fears someone is going to catch her in a lie. I know for a fact that she can’t afford anything, maybe not even groceries for next week.

“No, we’re not buying anything new. We’ll see what can be moved from our current place. The rest will be sold,” a deep male voice chimes in from the behind Mrs. Asher.

Sutton’s eyes widen. “Dad’s here too?”

Mrs. Asher’s expression tightens as if she’s bitten into something sour. Whether she’s upset by Sutton’s question or her husband’s correction, I can’t quite decipher.

“In any case,” Mrs. Asher resumes. “We came for the day, and when I was at the coffee shop, I heard that you’re back in town from . . .” her voice trails, her eyes narrowing at me. “Your mother. Apparently, I ran into your mother. She’s the cashier at the Brew Bar? For a man with so much wealth, it’s peculiar to find out that your family has to work for a living.”

Well, this woman is vicious, probably worse than Flora. But that’s totally fine because even though Mom instilled kindness in me, my father taught me that sometimes you have to play hardball to get ahead in business. In other words, be the best asshole in the room and show them your power.

I straighten my posture and offer a genial smile. “Of course she does. If we’re spending time here in town, we might as well make ourselves useful, don’t you think? We wealthy people believe that it’s best to work. It might be a foreign concept to some, but what can you do when others have no idea that money doesn’t just grow on trees.”

Her nose wrinkles, clearly unimpressed with my reply.

I lean in closer, lowering my voice to a whisper. “You see, while we may be accustomed to a certain lifestyle, we also understand the value of hard work. Perhaps that’s why we continue to prosper, unlike some who squandered their fortunes on questionable ventures and can’t even pay their mortgages or utilities to keep their house warm.” With that, I pull my wallet from my back pocket. “Would you like some help refilling your car’s gas tank? I’d be more than happy to pitch in.”

Ruth Asher turns a shade akin to paper. Sutton takes a step back, looking like she’s caught in the crossfire, but I reach for her hand to reassure her. Sure, maybe I shouldn’t have gone that far, but I’m not about to let this woman walk all over us.

“We can afford anything. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she snaps, her nostrils flaring in offense.

I lock eyes with her. “My people have resources that can dig up information on just about anyone. So let’s drop the pretense, Mrs. Asher.”

Just then, a man who looks to be in his sixties steps into the hallway. He’s a few inches shorter than me, his salt-and-pepper hair impeccably styled. “What’s taking so long, Ruth?”

“Hey, Dad,” Sutton greets him.

He acknowledges Sutton with a nod and then fixes his gaze on me. “And you are?”

I extend a hand. “River Kershaw.” As we shake, I can’t help but think he has that ‘I don’t want to be here’ vibe. I don’t want to assume, but maybe he’s too concerned about his current situation to entertain the nonsense of his wife, and yet, he’s here.

Maybe Ruth Asher is a force no one wants to deal with. No wonder Sutton would rather make up a fiancé instead of confronting her and telling her to leave her the fuck alone. Well, as long as I’m here I can take care of that part. I’m good at setting boundaries and I’ll make sure they don’t bully her.

“This man is Sutton’s fiancé,” Ruth Asher interjects, and she might as well say I’m not who she wants for our little girl.

“Not to be rude, but we have plans today. If you don’t mind, we’ll see you next Friday for dinner.” I wave a dismissive hand, my tone light but firm. “Safe travels.”

There’s a long pause before they leave, but it’s Ruth Asher’s icy stare that lingers. I squeeze Sutton’s hand, silently assuring her. This is just the beginning, and come hell or high water, we’ll weather it together.

ChapterTwenty

River

Sutton’s eyesare ablaze as she watches her parents exit the house. I flash her what I hope is a disarming smile. “What’s the matter, darling?”

She narrows her eyes at me. “Don’t you ‘darling’ me,” she spits. “Have you completely lost your mind?”

Tilting my head, I feign confusion and smile wide hoping to ease her anger. “Well, I might need a hint or two about why you’re so peeved. I genuinely thought I was helping.” I had assumed she’d be grateful that I’d stood up to her mother. Maybe I’ve got this all wrong?

Her face flushes with frustration. “You did nothing but stoke the flames,” she retorts, her words coming out in a tight hiss. “What were you thinking, antagonizing her like that?”

I throw my hands out defensively. “She was walking all over you. Shouldn’t you be, I don’t know, grateful that I stood up for you?” I question. “You’re welcome for what I’d like to consider an Oscar-worthy performance.”

She steps closer, her voice low and pointed. “Belittling someone doesn’t make you a better person than them. It just shows you can be as small-minded as they are.”

I squint, grappling for understanding. “So, you’d prefer I just stood there and let her insult you and my family? Is that it?”

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