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Hudson:

You just made my night.

See you soon.

I was just aboutto put my phone back in my pocket when another message came through.

Hudson:

Be careful.

Me:

Will do!

I turnedand rushed for the door.

I made my way back to the stables, and my chest was still tight after what I’d overheard. The boys didn’t just have the casino and me to worry about. They had to figure out what they were going to do about their uncle. I had no doubt that he wasn’t pleased that they had cut ties with the family, especially when they had inherited the majority of his brother’s money.

He wouldn’t allow them to put him off forever.

He would get his answers, one way or another.

I don’t know what I was thinking. I should’ve known something bad was coming. It was my job to know, but I’d let myself get too comfortable. I thought we finally had a handle on everything, and now, I wasn’t so sure that we had a handle on anything.

I tried to shove all my doubts and worries aside as I rushed upstairs and changed into a pair of jeans and a summery top. Nothing fancy, but I had a feeling Hudson would like it. I barely glanced in the mirror before grabbing my keys and rushing out the door.

I was looking forward to seeing Hudson and all the brothers. I’d had such a great time the last time I was there, and I could use a fun night to take my mind off things at home. I parked up front, but unlike the times before, no one came out to meet me.

I assumed that meant Hudson thought I could find my way on my own, so I headed inside. But when I stepped through the door, something felt off. I figured it was just in my head, so I kept moving forward. The bar was busy with guys sitting at both the bar and several of the tables. A couple were playing pool while others gathered around the dart board.

It seemed like a regular night, but there was an expected tension in the air. I didn’t understand why. The last time I’d been here, there were easy smiles, hugs and handshakes, and plenty of good-natured teasing. But tonight, the guys would barely even look in my direction. And when I walked towards them, they turned and looked the other way.

It was odd.

I felt like I’d stepped into a room where I didn’t belong, so I hesitated near the door. Then I spotted him. Hudson was sitting at a table in the back with his arms crossed and a fierce expression on his face. His eyes locked on me the second I started toward him, and they stayed on me as I started weaving through the crowd.

I glanced to my side and stopped when I noticed Antonia and Memphis. They were leaning in close, laughing low about something, but their smiles slipped a little when I stepped over to them and said, “Hey, guys. How’s it going?”

“Good. Just having a couple of drinks.” Antonia said quickly. “How about you?”

“I’m good. Just had one of those days and ready to let off some steam.”

“I totally get that.”

There was something about the way that she was looking at me that was a little unsettling. She was clearly uncomfortable, and I had no idea why. Things were good the last time we talked. Actually, they were better than good. Antonia and Jenna were so sweet and easy to talk to. It made me wonder if I’d said something wrong or if I’d made a bad impression.

And then, Memphis cleared his throat and said, “Hey, Tabitha. I’d like you to meet my mother.”

I turned my head slightly, and that’s when I finally saw her.

Hudson’s ex.

She was even more beautiful than he’d described, with honey-blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a cautious smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was a little younger than me, but not by much, and she was dressed in a pair of black slacks and a flowy blouse.

Memphis motioned his hand in her direction and said, “This is Kay… Mom, this is Tabitha.”

"Nice to meet you," I said, offering my hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”