Page 37 of Devil's Claim

At least Kruz had made certain Malcolm had disappeared, but now I felt very much alone. Exhaling, I moved to a quieter spot on the deck just to catch my breath, hopefully away from prying eyes. Maybe we could leave from here instead of being paraded in front of the remaining guests.

Once semi-alone, I pressed one hand across my face and allowed a few tears to fall. My baby. My sweet baby. I couldn’t imagine living my life without him. No. I would fight. That motherfucker wouldn’t be allowed to take my son away. I didn’t care what I needed to do.

Maybe Chloe was right and I’d consider alternatives. God, if I did, the retaliation I’d live through would be horrible. But maybe my baby would be safe.

And with his mother.

Furious that I’d allow Malcolm to get the better of me, I frantically wiped the tears away. I was stronger than this. That fucking asshole was going to get what he had coming to him.

Maybe two minutes later, I felt Kruz’s presence behind me and allowed him to guide us off the deck. “We’re leaving.” Once inside, I felt more eyes on us, but most were ones of sympathy. Jesus. They felt sorry for me. Awesome. A former socialite turned into a basic tramp. Perfect.

“I’m sorry, Christine. You didn’t know they were seeing each other?”

My laugh sounded even more bitter than before. Or strangled. Maybe I was diving straight into hysteria. “Pathetic, huh?”

“How long since you two have been together?”

“He wasn’t happy when I said I was pregnant, coming around less and less. When Maverick was born, he was busy all the time. I finally told him if he didn’t want to be in my life, that was fine. I thought that was it and I was perfectly happy raising Maverick by myself. He tried to come back a couple times. That’s when things got really ugly. At least maybe I haven’t lost all my friends. What a shame,” I said sarcastically. “We didn’t get a piece of cake.” I don’t know why I cared. At least I had the pleasant memories of seeing Malcolm’s body flying across the room. I’d almost squealed from joy.

“You could always smash it in Malcolm’s face,” Kruz whispered in my ear.

This time my laugh was filled with vigor. “Yes, I guess I could. But I wouldn’t mind going home. I need some time to myself. Or whatever.”

“You’ll get your son back.”

“How? He played every card. He’s rich. He and his family own half the judicial system. I can’t win against that man.”

“Don’t underestimate certain less traditional powers,mi pequeño pastel.”

“I wish I had your belief in good versus evil. Sadly, I know Malcolm far too well. No matter how dangerous you claim to be, you aren’t forced to live here or to face that man’s wrath.”

“You’re right. However, that doesn’t mean you need to accept his insults or his threats.”

“No, I don’t, but he has all the cards in his hands. The money. The power. I just don’t understand why he wants Maverick. He wanted me to have an abortion at first.”

“Men only do things for two distinct reasons and both benefit themselves only. Now, come on. I’ll take you home.”

I noticed he was continuously scanning the room all over again. “Who do you think is going to show up?”

“I’m not certain.”

“You’re lying to me. You were hoping someone would show at the party. That’s why we’re here.”

“Why would I lie to you?” he asked as he guided me toward the door leading back into the house. “I simply wanted to meet Tonya. Now I have and I certainly didn’t like what I saw.”

“Who are you really, Kruz? This party is all about Tonya and you never told me why. I think I’m owed that.”

As I’d seen before, he wasn’t used to being challenged by anyone. “I’ll tell what you need to hear once we’re safe.”

“Safe? What is really going on?”

He suddenly stiffened when he heard a sound. His phone? As if by instinct, he stepped in front of me and jerked out his phone, staring down at the screen. He’d received a text.

Instantly, I knew something was wrong.

“Listen to me very carefully, Christine. We need to get out of here. Now. You will do as I say.” He jerked my arm, pulling me inside.

“What’s wrong?”