Page 63 of Tempted

Ever since that day, things had been strained between the two of them. Between his children treating him as if were the worst father in the world, and his mother barely speaking to him he’d reached his snapping point. Even his housekeeper, Ms. Davis had grown icy toward him. To top things off, not a day went by when he didn’t think of Jasmine. She stayed in his thoughts until he could barely concentrate.

Each night he’d reach out for her only to find she wasn’t there. He’d waken with body covered in a cold sweat and his dick would be rock hard. He’d think about her smile, the way she laughed and how her eyes lit up when she was happy. The more he remembered how loving she’d been with his own children, Victor couldn’t imagine her hurting Star when she’d demonstrated on several occasions how much she loved her daughter.

It had taken an entire month after she’d left before he finally picked up that manila folder Madison had given him. He read through the file several times and it was all there in black and white, yet something was missing. He’s made enough court appearances to know something wasn’t right about her trial, yet he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. It bothered him so much he’d put in a call to a buddy of his at the DA’s office in the district the case had been tried. He was still waiting to hear back, however.

Soon the guilt began to eat at him and Victor finally conceded, if he could turn back the hands of time he would have listened to her. Perhaps the end result would have been the same but at least their parting wouldn’t have been so contentious. He wondered where she was and if she’d found another job. He also thought about Star and hoped at the very least the little girl was happy and safe. But most of all, Victor wondered if there was a new man in her life, the artist perhaps. That idea sent a strong currency of jealousy within him.

He shook his head to clear the carnal thoughts that threatened to take over. Victor walked into the house and heard voices. He stopped short of the living room so that no one could see him.

“Grandma, I wish I could live with you. I hate it here and I hate Daddy.” It was Chelsea’s voice.

Yes, she was a child and he knew perfectly well kids often said things they didn’t mean or understood, but dammit it hurt, deeper than any physical wound he could have suffered.

“Me too. Dad sucks,” Tyler joined in.

It was like another blow to his soul.

“You two apologize right now. I don’t ever want to hear you talk about your father that way again. Yes, it’s unfortunate that he sent Jasmine away but he did what he thought was best and he loves you two and Adam very much,” Madeline interjected. Victor was surprised to hear his mother come to his defense while the two of them were barely speaking.

“But Grandma, he promised,” Chelsea whined, an unfortunate habit she’d developed of late.

“I know, sweetheart, but sometimes even adults make mistakes and we act without thinking things through. Now say you’re sorry.”

“I’m sorry, Grandma,” Chelsea sighed with what sounded like resignation.

“And you young man?” Madeline coaxed.

“Sorry,” Tyler muttered.

“That’s better. Well, it looks like I’ll have to be going but I’ll be back tomorrow.”

Victor chose that moment to make his presence known, stepping into the living room. “Mother, may I have a word with you please?” He offered a smile to his children but they both turned away from him.

His mother eyed him just as dispassionately. “Victor, I need to go, besides, I’m not really sure what we possibly have to talk about. Since you’re here, there’s no need for me to let Miss Davis know that I’m leaving.” She stood up and smoothed the wrinkles from her clothes.

Grabbing her purse, she would have walked past him but Victor blocked her path. “Please?”

“I don’t have time, Victor. I have things to do. I came to spend some time with my grandchildren and now that their father is here, my presence is no longer necessary.” She maneuvered around him and kept walking.

Victor didn’t know how much more of this icy treatment he could take. “Mom. Please. I just need five minutes of your time.”

Madeline kept walking forcing Victor to follow her. This was going to be harder than he thought. She was halfway to her car when he caught up to her.

“Would please give me a chance?”

His mother turned on him with a raised brow. “You’re asking for a chance? A chance you didn’t give Jasmine?”

He took a deep breath. “I deserved that. Look, I just wanted to apologize. I was out of line when I said the things I did. I was angry and hurt.”

She shrugged. “You’re not the only one who’s been hurt before, Victor.”

He gulped realizing his mother wouldn’t let him off easily. “I know. I’ve uh, had some time to think and I overreacted. I made a bonehead mistake and let the thingsMadison said, get to me when I should have heard Jasmine out.”

“I still can’t believe you listened to that blonde she-demon. For a lawyer you don’t have much common sense, Victor.”

He winced. Madeline pulled no punches. “Maybe not. I just wish you would talk to me again. It’s bad enough knowing my kids think I suck but I need you on my side, Mom.”

She gave him a long silent stare, her lips tightened and eyes narrowed. Finally relaxing her stance, she sighed. “I’ve always been on your side, Victor even when you’re acting like a jackass. I was hurt that you would imply that I didn’t care for your kids based on my actions but in my heart of hearts I truly believe Jasmine is a good person and didn’t deserve to be tossed out without having a chance to explain. That child has been through way too much already.”

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