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“What? Spit it out.”
“What’s your budget for this, boss? I’m one man. I’d need at least two more guys on payroll to keep up with all of them.”
Why is this man testing my patience so early in the morning? “Hodge, let me be clear, when it comes to Claire, I have no budget. Got it? Just get it done. Eyes on everyone. Call me daily.” I hang up, fully aware of my misplaced aggravation. I grit my teeth, picturing Peter’s face. How much more damage can this fucker do? How is his tyranny transcending Elise’s death?
“Good morning.”
“What?” I snap. I spin around to see Spencer cowering in place. “Oh shit,” I breathe out.
She’s only wearing my shirt from last night and her black panties. She must’ve just rolled out of bed and heard me on the phone. “Sorry, I didn’t—” she starts.
“Shh.” I take two paces forward and wrap her in my arms before she can retreat. Rubbing her back soothingly, I murmur in her ear, “I’m sorry.So sorry.I got a call that pissed me off. Didn’t even realize who I was talking to when you came in.” I kiss the top of her head repeatedly, inhaling the sweet strawberry scent of her hair.
“It’s okay,” she whispers.
“It’s not okay. I won’t allow myself or anyone else to ever speak to you in that tone.” I hook my finger under her chin and guide her gaze upward. “Okay? I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”
She smirks. “I snuck up on you. Next time I’ll approach with snacks. Maybe hold out my hand so you can sniff it first.”
“So I’m an animal now? Hilarious.” I tap the tip of her nose and she scrunches her face adorably. She looks so satisfied this morning. I like this look on her.
“What was the call about? Do you want to talk about it?”
“No.” I regret my answer immediately. I’ve been carrying this on my own for so long, but I’m not sure how to lean on anyone else.
Her smile is half-hearted, but she nods as she pats my elbow reassuringly. “Okay, no problem. Can I make you some breakfast?”
“Wait.” I follow the intuitive tug in my gut. I need to tell her. “Yeah, I want to talk about it.”
We’re both surprised. After a beat, her expression works its way back to neutral. “That’s great too.” She hops up on the kitchen island and lets me wedge myself between her legs.
I hold on to the outside of her thighs, steadying myself. “I had a daughter once. I don’t know how else to explain it. You actually know her. She’s friends with Charlie.”
Spencer ducks her head. “Claire. I just found out she was Elise’s daughter.”
“You did, how?” I tilt my head, trying to remember who said what. I don’t think I ever mentioned Elise had a daughter. It’s not information I offer up easily.
“I talked to Finn.”
“You went to my friend for details about me?” I’m taken aback. That was audacious. Then again it’s Spencer. And I guess I have been a closed book.
She pokes out her tongue. “You’re cute, but not cute enough for me to stalk you like that. Finn and his wife are good friends with my old boss, Lennox, and her husband, Dex. I just found out about Claire last night. I wanted to tell you, but there wasn’t much time for heavy conversations last night.”
“How are you feeling, by the way?”
She pumps her eyebrows. “Rested and ready for more lessons…professor.”
My hand scopes up between her thighs. “Yeah?”
She clamps her legs shut tight, preventing me from reaching my intended destination. “First, let’s talk though. What happened with Claire, I don’t fully understand. Why did they take her away?”
“Elise and I were engaged, not married. I always intended to adopt Claire, but getting Peter to sign away his rights was a long battle we were preparing for.”
Spencer blows out a heavy breath. “I hate to say this, but logic tells me… I mean Peter seems like he has the kinds ofhobbiesthat are money motivated. You’re not exactly strapped for cash. You couldn’t pay him off?”
I tuck her hair behind her ear. “You don’t think I tried that? Peter had a sick obsession with Elise. I don’t understand his sociopathic behavior, but he wanted to own her at all costs. Not even money could dissuade him. And Claire was a pawn in his game to keep Elise within arm’s reach. He didn’t care about her, nor did he want to take care of her.”
“Then I don’t understand. Why didn’t Claire stay with you after her mom passed?”