Page 18 of Hold ‘Em Tight (Solidarity Academy #4)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

I t’s been a few days since the disaster that went down at the cheer house. Missi tricked me into packing up my shit and moving out on the day they came back from vacation. She told me that we had to wait until they had left.

I should have known she was scheming. That’s all she does these days. What I didn’t expect was for Donny to kick my fucking ass. I know I deserved it, but still. My ribs are bruised, and my face aches something fierce.

Missi has taken immense pleasure in my pain, and she’s hidden all the pain meds.

After we left the cheer house, I took her straight to the Emergency Room to make sure the baby was okay. She only tweaked her ankle, but you would have thought she was in a bad car wreck with the way she carried on.

Our baby is fine, and so is she. She has to wear a boot for a few weeks, and to say she’s pissed is an understatement. She’s spent all her time either milking it or bitching that she can’t wear heels to the party.

Not to mention making me wait on her hand and foot. My father moved in last night, and shit has gone from bad to worse.

Her friends, Delia and Iris, even decided to stay at a hotel to get away from her whining. Not that I mind. Iris is creepy as fuck.

Walking in on someone changing once is an accident, twice okay, but three times? Yeah, no, she’s just a fucking creeper.

Makes sense, since she’s Missi’s best friend from her childhood.

Leaving the bedroom, I kicked the door closed, waking Missi from her nap.

“You’re such a dick,” she shouts, pissed off.

I don’t care. We have to leave here soon anyways, and I don’t want to deal with her bitching that she didn’t have enough time to get ready.

I can hear my father in his old room as I pass by. I hate how my life has gone so topsy-turvey in such a short amount of time. I’d kill to be back at the cheer house and away from here.

Having him back is like being a little kid again, just waiting for his mood to change and the abuse to begin. These days, I get attacked enough by Missi, though the bigger her stomach gets, the easier it is to evade her.

I should just find the evidence from the day we went to Teo’s uncle's grave and erase it, but I don’t even know where to start looking. I wish I could ask someone for help, but I can’t risk Missi finding out.

As I walk down the stairs, and head for the kitchen, I pass all the new staff Missi has hired to care for her. She didn’t like Mrs. Grensa, our family’s maid, who has been with us for over twenty years.

She fired her for not using the right fabric softener on her clothes.

Just another battle I let her win. It’s easier to give in than to argue.

I’m sick of fighting. I just need some goddamn peace.

It was hard to see her leave, but I called my mom and she promised to give her a huge retirement check.

Walking into the kitchen, I stop and watch as the new gardener and our potential nanny flirt.

It reminds me of the days on the beach with Rylee and Teo. When our relationship first started. Even though that went to shit thanks to miscommunication. If we had just talked it out, I could have had more time with her. Instead, we were cruel, bullying her like a bunch of idiots.

“Oh, Mr. Crane,” Janie says, spotting me in the doorway. She steps away from Julian. “I’m sorry, I rang the bell and Julian answered. Mrs. Crane asked me to stop by and fill out some legal paperwork.”

I cringe at her referring to Missi as my wife, but I guess I should get used to it.

“She must have forgotten to inform me. Why don’t you come back later this week. We have a press interview in an hour.”

Julian won’t look at me for some reason. He grabs a bottle of water from the fridge, then slips out the back door.

Ugh, don’t tell me Missi is screwing the gardener . Janie grabs her purse and gives me a smile. She’s young, and attractive. Honestly, I was surprised that Missi hired her.

“Is there a specific time or day to come back?” she asks me, and before I can reply, Missi starts screaming at the top of the stairs.

Janie's eyes widen, and I would laugh if I wasn't cringing inside. She hasn't signed an NDA yet.

“Hold that thought,” I mutter, then turn and leave the kitchen, heading for the stairs.

Missi is scowling with her hands on her hips. “Do you expect me, the mother of your fucking child, to hobble my way down these steps? Really, Lenny, you can be such an asshole sometimes.”

I march up the stairs and grip her cheeks. I have just about had it with her shit. I'm about to say fuck to everything, and just let her release the tape.

I won't let the others take the fall for the crime. I will accept full blame.

“Cut your shit,” I hiss, and Missi's nostrils flare. “We aren't alone, and unless you want to pop your perfect relationship bubble, I suggest you shut the fuck up!”

She nods and I let her go. Pasting a fake smile on her face, she takes my hand as I help her down the stairs, ignoring her grumbling.

“Oh, here, let's get you seated.” Janie rushes over and fluffs up the couch cushion for Missi to sit.

Missi preens at the attention and I close my eyes, rolling them behind the lids.

“Oh, Lenny, why didn't you tell me the nanny was here?”

I sigh, open my eyes and grin. “I didn't know she was coming, dear,” I grumble, and Missi purses her lips.

“Oh, silly me. Must be the pregnancy brain. I've read that it can cause some memory fog.”

I have to bite my lip to keep from bursting out in a laugh. Missi doesn’t know shit about her pregnancy. She hardly even acknowledges the baby unless she wants something. I hate to think my child is going to become just another manipulation tool.

Janie laughs as her and Missi start discussing something I really don't care enough about to listen in on.

The doorbell rings and their conversation stops. “Oh. That must be the press. We will have to get together another time, sweetie.” Janie stands and smiles.

“Great, just give me a call. I am very excited to care for your little one in just a few more months.”

She leaves and I take a seat next to Missi, waiting to get this charade over with. Missi leans closer to me, resting her head on my shoulder, creating the perfect image of a couple madly in love.

But what people don't see is how she's digging her nails into my thigh so deep that I am going to have a permanent mark.

I'm so fucking tempted to chop off her press-ons while she sleeps. They are the perfect hidden weapon for a psycho.

Two photographers enter the room and set up for the photo shoot. The woman from a bridal magazine enters a few minutes later, after our new maid, Chelle, hands her a drink.

“Would you like anything, Sir? Ma’am?” I shake my head and Missi giggles.

“Ma’am? Oh my, have I reached that point already? I mean, I am about to be married, and become a mother, but…” she trails off and they share a laugh.

“I’m sorry, Miss?”

“No, Chelle, I’m fine thank you.”

The maid leaves and the woman introduces herself as Patricia Angelse, shaking our hands before settling in the chair across from us.

She places a recorder on the table, after setting her drink down, and opens up a notebook. “Thank you so much for choosing our little magazine. It’s an honor to interview the son of legend ‘The Lion’ Lennox Crane.”

Great, she's just another fangirl. I wonder how long my father will stay upstairs, or if this is all a bigger publicity stunt than I thought. Have I mentioned that I hate my life?

“When are these people leaving?” my father complains from the living room couch. He has a glass of amber liquid in his hand, and looks right at home here in my house. He lost all rights to this place a long time ago.

Missi giggles, limping over to where he is and sitting beside him. “Soon, they just have to finish setting up for the party,” she simps, and bile rises up in my throat. They haven’t noticed me yet, hiding in the shadows.

He gives her a smirk, then clears his throat and looks over at one of the housekeepers. “Leave us,” he orders, and she nods her head before scurrying away. He waits a minute until they are alone, then turns to Missi.

“How have things been with my son? Any issues?” he asks and Missi sighs.

“He hates me. He won’t even touch me. I’ve been so lonely,” she fake sniffles and he grunts, taking another drink, mumbling something I can’t hear.

Whatever it is seems to make Missi happy as she gives him a huge smile and then leans over, hugging him.

“Excuse me, Sir, the chef needs a word with you,” Chelle says, announcing my location.

“Wouldn’t they rather talk to Missi? She’s the one planning all of this?”

“It’s important that you talk to her, Sir.” She walks away and I head for the kitchen.

That was weird. I thought the new chef was a man. As I enter the kitchen, I see now what Chelle meant.

“Mom, what are you doing here?” I ask, moving closer to give her a hug. She seems anxious, and holds me a few minutes longer than normal, while making sure no one is around.

“I missed you, honey. I can’t be here for the party, but I wanted to see you and give you this.” She hands me an envelope with a sad smile. “I bought this when you were little. It’s in your name, and no one except me, and now you, know about it.”

I open the tab and pull out some legal documents. “It’s a house in the woods, about two hours from here. If you ever need to escape, unseen…” She trails off and I nod. My eyes water and I sniffle.

“Thanks, Mom.” She moves closer and places a hand on my cheek.

“You are my baby, Lennox, and back then, I was too weak to protect you the way a mother should, but I am going to make up for my mistakes. I promise.”

There’s a commotion in the hall and Missi starts chewing out one of the waitstaff.

“I need to go. Your father can’t know that I am here, but I will be back, okay? I love you, Lennox, and if I don’t say it enough, I am very proud of you. You are a strong man. Don’t let her dull your shine.”

She slips out the back door into the darkness. I shove the envelope in the pantry just before Missi hobbles into the kitchen.

“What are you doing?” she asks, looking around.

I walk to the fridge and grab a bottle of water, unscrewing the cap and taking a sip before answering her. “I was getting a drink. What were you and my father talking about?”

Her eyes widen and she gives me a nervous smirk. “Just wedding things. Speaking of, our guests will be arriving soon.” She leaves me alone, and I think about how great it would be to just run away. After the baby is born. Maybe I can convince Rylee and the guys to come too.

“Thank you so much for coming. It’s great to see you,” Missi says for the millionth time as I sip my sparkling cider.

This is a very dry party, and not just because I can't drink. I am so bored. I don't know anyone that was invited. It's like one big publicity stunt for either my father or Missi.

I have heard enough ‘shop talk’ to beat a dead horse… Only I'm the horse in this scenario. Someone comes up behind me and lays their head on my back, pulling me into a tight squeeze.

“Lennox, why don't you like me?” a woman's voice slurs. Sighing, I reach down and remove her tentacles from me, suppressing a shiver.

Missi looks over at her friend, but doesn't bat an eye. Interesting. If it was Rylee trying to feel me up, she would be out for blood.

“Isla, you're drunk,” I say, turning to face her. She's wearing a white poofy dress, and honestly, it reminds me of something a bride would wear.

Why do crazy people always find me?

“I don't hate you. But I am marrying your best friend, so I don't think hanging all over me, or walking in while I'm changing, is appropriate.”

She hiccups and pouts. “Why? Missi and I swap all the time, just the other…”

“That's enough!” Missi snaps, walking over and grabbing her friend's arm, giving it a tug. “Shut your fucking mouth, you skank,” she hisses. My eyes widen at her cold tone, and Isla cowers.

“Well, what do we have here?” a voice whispers behind me, that has me immediately on edge. Fuck, no. Please, not again.

“Travis, David, I am so glad you could make it. Isn’t this wonderful? Lennox has finally come to his senses,” Missi says before hobbling behind me to give the men of my nightmares a hug.

I know she’s an evil bitch, but to bring the men who kidnapped me, assaulted me, and tried to convert me, into my home… She's diabolical.

“Yes, we were so happy to hear the news. We knew Lennox was just suffering through a phase. It’s common in college-aged students. Experimentation. But now he’s become the perfect family man, and we are so proud.”

“As am I,” my father exclaims, joining us and squeezing my shoulder hard, warning me to behave.

Missi preens and moves closer, placing her hand on my chest as she leans into me with a sigh. “Yes, everything that happened was meant to bring us to this moment. It’s perfect now.”

Yeah, perfect. Drugging with a side of blackmail is a horror story to a normal, sane person, but it's a fairytale ending for a psychopath.