Page 102 of Corrupt Crown

“Surprise!”

A clearly impatient Skye rushes past me in a blur of pale blonde curls, launching herself at a very shocked Elodie, who wraps her arms around her daughter, eyes blown wide open in delighted surprise.

“Have you missed me, Ellie?”

My chest deflates ever-so slightly when Skye uses her name for Elodie, reminding me how Elodie had decided against telling her daughter the truth of their relationship when she’d first visited last month.

“And doyou like it here, Curly Fry?”

Skye turns to Elodie with a bright smile. “Oh, I love it. It’s so much better than South Brook.”

Her grimace of distaste turns into a frown as she looks at me with fearful eyes. “I don’t have to go back there if I don’t want to, right?”

I can feel my nostrils flare as absolute hatred for Warren and Cressida Rivers flows through my veins, but I force my lips upward in an indulgent smile. “This is your home now, kid.” Her face lights up, easing some of the tension in my chest, and my smile broadens. “Weare your family now.”

Skye squeals as she claps excitedly, bouncing on the tips of her toes. “Then can I please, please, pretty please with sprinkles on top have the room beside Bastian’s?”

All of us share a chuckle as Sebastiano rolls his eyes with a wry grin.

“I’ll see what I can do.” I shoot Skye a conspiratorial wink, and she curtsies prettily, making everyone laugh out loud.

“But I’ll still get to stay in school, right? My friends are so fun, and I don’t want to miss the winter semester.” Her eyes widen in delight. “There’sskiing!”

As I chuckle, my eyes land on a pensive Elodie. She’s staring into space with a deep frown on her forehead, and without thought, I’m at her side, urging her to her feet.

“We’ll grab some drinks while you guys discuss the winter sports at Andros-Baumann.”

Once we make it to the safety of the kitchen, Elodie looks at me with pained eyes. “I can’t do it, Rafe. I can’t tear her little world apart.” Her breath catches on a sob. “Not when she’s finally found some stability. I can’t…”

I gather my love into my embrace, allowing her to cry in the safe confines of my arms as I try with all my might to take some of her pain away.

It had ultimately beenthe right decision, and we’ll undoubtedly tell her at least some of the truth behind her parentage when the time is right, but for now, Skye’s well-being is paramount.

“Curly Fry!” Elodie’s eyes fill with tears as she wraps her arms tightly around her little girl. “What a wonderful surprise!”

“I’m home for summer vacation, silly.”

Home.

My heart sings as Elodie raises glassy eyes to mine, knowing that a stable home for Skye is something she’s longed for since the moment Skye was born.

“And Rafe has a surprise planned?—”

I clear my throat, and Skye shoots an apologetic pout my way before she extricates herself from Elodie’s hold, coming to take my much larger hand in hers.

Elodie raises a questioning eyebrow as she stands. “A surprise, hmm?”

I exchange a look with Skye, and we both smile before I turn mischievous eyes to Elodie. “You’ll find it in our suite.”

ELODIE

When I walk downthe wide staircase into the foyer, the entire house is devoid of life.

“Hello?”

My single word echoes through the vast space, and I’m left feeling more than a little confused.

When I’d gone to our suite as Rafe instructed, I’d found a beautiful crimson chiffon gown awaiting me. It sat off my shoulders with sheer elbow-length sleeves and hugged my waist before flaring out in layers that fell all the way to the floor.