Page 158 of A Convenient Secret

“Not to point out the obvious, but we’re about to open offices in London,” Xander deadpans.

“Don’t fucking try to take advantage of my situation.” I push to stand up, but my legs are not following my brain, so I stumble back into my chair. “You know I can’t—”

I don’t finish the sentence. What’s the point?

“Just start with a shower. We will wait downstairs.” Corm pats my shoulder.

“I don’t need you to babysit me,” I growl, completely lying. I’m way past taking care of myself.

Or caring in general. Maybe sending the twins to the Hamptons wasn’t the best idea. They would have kept me focused on moving forward.

“I beg to differ.” Roxy smirks.

They loiter around until I exit the office and enter my master bedroom. What’s next? They will get into the shower with me?

I hate having people around. Other than her.

I should have never let her go.

“Daddy,” Zoya shouts and runs to me.

Zach and Mom exit the elevator behind her.

“We had such a great time,” Mom chirps, ruffling Zach’s hair. When her gaze collides with mine, she flinches. “Zach, Zoya, why don’t you go wash your hands so I can talk to your dad?”

“I missed you, Daddy.” Zoya gives me a sloppy kiss on my cheek.

“I missed you, too, sweetheart.” I hold her for a moment longer, hoping to feel stronger for them.

I’m not, but I will pretend the shit out of it. These two don’t need yet another absent parent.

“Why do you have a beawd?” She pulls at it.

“I didn’t have time to shave.”

She scrunches her nose. “I don’t like it.”

“Neither do I.” My mother scrutinizes me, not even hiding her judgment.

“How is your wrist, Zach?” I turn to him before they leave.

“Itchy, but good. We had a good time with Grandma.” He nods and follows his sister upstairs.

“What happened to you?” Mom asks the minute they are out of sight.

“Nothing, just a rough day.” I don’t think I’ve ever blatantly lied to my mother.

“Okay, if that’s the story you want to feed me.” She purses her lips, looking hurt.

“Look, Mom, I just—”

“Is it about Lily?”

Fucking mothers and their sixth sense.

“Why would you say that?”

“You punched a man at my event, and then dragged her from there like a caveman. The romantic in me couldn’t be prouder of you, but I had some damage control to do, so I’m not going to praise you.”