Page 117

Hadyn Mulliez is the heir to the Mulliez empire. As the playboy son of the family, he was always in the tabloids. I heard he’s settled down with a supermodel wife and they have a child now.
Sazuki is a new face in the city, but his name goes back for centuries. His family’s got incredibly deep roots in the Japanese music industry and he, himself, runs a successful music foundation for the deaf.
“Bolton? What are you doing here?” Adam Harrison, an incredibly talented and wealthy inventor, saunters toward me and extends his hand.
I accept the handshake and nod. I recently helped Adam find his son’s mother. It was a tough situation and one that hit close to home.
“My daughter’s here,” I say, glancing across the sprawling backyard. At the edge of the tree line, I see a bonfire and a bunch of ladies dancing to what sounds like… Mayan music?
What on earth?
“They’re having a dance battle, if you can believe that,” Adam says with a snort.
It’s a strange juxtaposition to stand with, arguably, the most influential men in the city—all stone-faced brutes in the boardroom—while their wives and girlfriends are having an all-out dance battle in the middle of the woods.
“Dad, look at Regan,” Abe says in a voice so brimming with joy and laughter that the world freezes for a second.
I watch him first before looking in the direction he’s pointing.
Regan is swinging her arms and stomping her legs. She’s got no rhythm, but my little girl is beaming from ear to ear.
My heart swells.
Darrel’s hand lands on my shoulder. “Do you still want to take your daughter and leave, Bolton?”
“Uh,” I step back, “I think I can give her more time.”
“Exactly what we said.” Hadyn Mulliez chuckles. “It’s been so long since Vanya’s taken a break and just… let loose. She deserves this.”
Alistair nods. “Kenya too. The publishing house eats too much of her time.”
“Are we talking about wives who love their work too much?” Max scowls. “Sometimes, I think Dawn loves cars more than humans.”
Darrel smiles. “Take it as a compliment. You’ve made them feel safe enough to do what they love without worry. It’s called being supportive.”
“Yeah, well, I’m changing the locks to the garage,” Max mumbles.
Darrel glances at Abe. “My sons and Rowan are upstairs playing video games, if Abe would like to join them.”
I glance down at him.
“What kind of video games?” Abe asks curiously.
“Knowing Micheal? Probably one with zombies.”
His eyes light up. “Can I, dad?”
Abe’s voice is sweet and hopeful, reminding me of a simpler time. Before Anya died. Before the custody battle. Before the angst and misunderstandings.
I nod. “Go on.”
As Abe rushes inside, Darrel’s wife and the other ladies walk out.
“Deej.” Sazuki catches his woman when she stumbles. He gives her a gentle look and says softly, “Are you ready to go?”
“Mm-mm.” She shakes her head and curls into his lap. “I want to stay right here.”
Sazuki tries to keep a stern frown, but it doesn’t stick and he ends up shaking his head with a wry smile.