Page 102 of Changing Tides

Dropping the plastic cups in her hands, she races out ahead of the others.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” she screams as she comes to stand between me and my ex.

Sebastian drops Leia from his shoulders and sets her on the ground. She sprints to us, and he follows, keeping a protective hand on her.

I close my eyes as my heart begins to race.

When Leia makes it to where we’re gathered, her arms go around Conrad’s legs.

Conrad rests a hand on her back, and pain flashes across his face before his attention snaps back to the man who is now standing in front of him.

I watch in horror, unable to move as Conrad extends his hand.

“Conrad Sullivan. And you are?”

Sebastian’s eyes flicker to his hand, but he doesn’t accept it. “Sebastian Harraway.”

“Sebastian,” Conrad repeats as he turns back to me. “This is him, isn’t it?”

“Conrad, please,” I whisper.

Amiya bends and pries Leia off of him. “Come on, LeLe. Mommy and Daddy need a minute.”

She hoists her up into her arms as Leia struggles against her and hurries toward the boat, where Sebby and Sabel are hanging out, watching the band.

Anson stands at Sebastian’s back.

“Sebastian was the name of the guy, right?” Conrad presses.

I don’t answer.

He glances back at the two men and focuses on Sebastian’s hard stare.

He shakes his head. “She looks just fucking like you.”

My ears start ringing as I watch the confusion wash over Sebastian.

“What is he talking about, Avie?”

Conrad’s head snaps back to me. “He doesn’t know?”

I swipe at the hot tears that are now running down my cheeks.

“He doesn’t know,” he repeats. “Well, let me be the first to say it, then. Congratulations, Sebastian.” He leans into Sebastian’s face and sneers, “It’s a girl.”

Sebastian

Ileave them standing there and turn to walk away.

“Wait,” Avie calls as she grabs the hem of my shirt.

“Avie, what about the contract?” the prick yells.

“I don’t care about the fucking contract, you asshole,” she roars.

Eyes from every corner of the wharf fly to us. Parents scramble to cover the ears of their children.

In frustration, I turn and pick Avie up at the waist as her ex-husband lunges for her.

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