Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
“You know, I’ve seen her mother at a luncheon to raise money for pancreatic cancer. We didn’t meet face to face but the aura she gives off is a cold one.” Serenity shook her head. “Nikki deserves people who have her best interests at heart, and it was obvious Collette Bettencourt cared only about her husband’s political life and his becoming president one day.”
As someone who’d raised five kids in addition to her own four, Serenity wouldn’t understand an aloof woman like Nikki’s mother. “At least she has her brother,” Asher said.
“Who would do something like that to her?” Michael asked, without mentioning the specifics.
Asher frowned. “Derek is supposed to be questioning people in her life and talking to a private investigator.”
Zach cleared his throat and Asher glanced over. “Yeah, I’ll get you on the phone with him first thing in the morning,” he said, reading his brother’s mind. Zach had connections. When Jade’s ex-fiancé had lost his mind and kidnapped her, it had been Zach who’d found her and led the charge to get her back.
Satisfied, Zach leaned back in his seat, his gaze going to where Harrison’s and Jade’s heads were close together. “Are you sure they’re talking about work?”
“Jesus,” Asher muttered, despite knowing Zach was just being his irrepressible self.
“I can’t believe I have to say this at your age, but leave your brother alone, Zachary.” Serenity shook her head at him, but her lips pursed in an attempt to withhold a laugh.
A cold nose nudged at Asher’s calf, and he glanced down to see Lucky rubbing against Asher’s bare leg. He absently scratched at the dog’s head.
“He’s such a sweet thing,” Serenity said. “I’m surprised you let him in, dog hair and all.” They all knew he’d never been interested in a pet and preferred things neat and in their places.
Asher opened his mouth to answer but Zach beat him to it. “He couldn’t say no to Nikki.”
“Pretty much.” Why deny it?
“I like her,” Michael said. “But isn’t she a little young for you?”
Serenity immediately nudged her husband in the side while Asher let out a disbelieving laugh. “Even if that is true” ¬¬—and his father had hit a nerve – “wouldn’t you call it hypocritical to call me out on it? After all, I’m the one who remembers the kids making fun of me in school because they thought my father was fucking the nanny–” He cut himself off with a growl. “Shit, Serenity. I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”
“It’s okay,” she said quietly, but the hurt was there, the damage done.
“No, it’s not. I am sorry.” He was usually a lot better at keeping his feelings beneath his shields.
Apparently, his talks with Nikki about how it had felt growing up had brought the pain to the surface and it’d bubbled out. But his father shouldn’t have said what he had and Asher shot him a knowing glare.
Michael dipped his head, accepting responsibility. He wasn’t yelling at Asher for his hurtful words because Asher had already apologized to his stepmother.
Nikki’s squeal interrupted the awkwardness that had settled between them. She rose and pumped Harrison’s hand until he calmed her down with a pat on the back as he led her over to the rest of the family.
Asher rose to his feet, grateful for something else to focus on. He felt like a big enough ass without time to dwell on it in uncomfortable silence.
“Harrison offered me the chance to intern at his company! He said he’d talk to Sasha, Cassidy, and Xander. I can decide if I want to learn the developmental side, reading scripts and things or production, like being on set.”
“Either way, a production assistant is a lot of gopher work,” Harrison warned her.
“I’m okay with that!”
Glancing at his sibling, Asher treated him to a grateful nod. “Congratulations,” he told her, trying to imbue excitement in his tone.
“Hey, she’s eager to learn, and I know for sure Sasha and Cassidy would be happy to have her on board. Don’t worry. We’ll find the perfect spot for her.”
Beside him, Nikki was nearly bouncing with exhilaration, and Asher was thrilled for her. But Harrison, astute as ever, glanced at everyone and narrowed his gaze. “What’s going on?”
“Everyone’s tired,” Michael said, rising and pulling Serenity with him. “I think we all just need a good night’s sleep.”
Asher took the cue. “I agree. If anyone needs anything, just shoot me a text and I’ll get it taken care of.”
Zach stood. “I know how to raid the fridge. It’ll be fine.” He turned to Nikki, who now seemed subdued, no bouncing in excitement, her gaze darting between everyone, trying to figure things out. “Congratulations, pretty girl. Harrison and his partners will take good care of you.” Zach winked at her. “Night, all.”
“I’ll turn in, too,” Harrison said.
They walked off, heading for the stairs.