Page 71 of Bought

The rest of the Bachmans return, joining us in their earlier seats. Blaze leans back in his chair, arm casually around his wife, asking, “What’d we miss?”

Lucian leans closer to Ryan. He asks again, “Who is Bambi, little man?”

Ryan stares up at him. “We live with her.”

Please. End this.

Ryan looks around the table, ensuring he has every single person’s attention. Then, he says as clear as a bell. “She has a funny last name.”

I go cold.

“What’s her last name?” Cleopatra smiles innocently.

Ryan laughs, that big bubbly burst of light that usually makes me smile.

Not tonight. Not right now.

“It rhymes with spaghetti! Spaghetti Moretti!”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Lucian

For a moment, I let myself be blinded, fooling myself into believing I could have a love life after betrayal.

That chance died with Isobel.

I get up from the table too quickly, my chair nearly falling behind me. I can’t bring myself to look at Erin.

I knew something was off tonight. I could feel it. It kept me reserved at dinner.

I turn to Blaze. He’s already looking at me. He stands, much more composed than I did. “Hey, you haven’t been here since we redid the garage, have you?”

“No, I haven’t.” We share a knowing glance.

“Boys and their cars,” Cleopatra says with a stiff laugh. “We have to have somewhere to park Blaze’s babies.”

“Show me.” I walk away from the table without looking back.

“Can I come?” Ryan pipes up.

“Not now,” Cass’s reply is hushed.

“Not fair,” he mutters.

“Listen to your mother,” I say as I walk out the back door.

I can’t get outside fast enough. The fresh air hits my face. But it’s not enough.

Blaze comes out, making sure the door closes behind him.

“Come on,” he says.

I follow him through the dark backyard to the garage. We don’t bother going inside. There are no cars in there to admire.

And, we need to talk.

We rarely partake, but this conversation calls for a cigarette. After pulling the crinkling pack from his shirt pocket, he takes his time lighting his. As he takes his first drag, a look of relaxation spreads across his face.