Page 42 of Tortured Tones

Zoe had been Josh’s nanny for the three years since our divorce. She’d just turned twenty-two, had nearly finished her business management degree, and was way more than the live-in nanny. Josh had told me he’d seen Luther and Zoe cuddling on more than one occasion. I was convinced Zoe was doing everything possible to get Luther to give her a job in his family’s film corporation.

I’d never been dazzled by Luther’s parents, the famous people he knew, or the Hollywood circles he worked in. I was fucking Shania Twain...he didn’t impress me much. I’d warned Zoe to be careful. Luther would promise everything and deliver nothing but heartache.

I prayed she woke up and left him before he broke her like he’d done to me.

Maybe he already had—she was drunk off her rocker.

I jutted my chin toward her drink. “You having a party?”

“No. Don’t be silly.” She swiped her hand through the air. “Some of the girls are over. We were just having a drink in the spa.”

I arched my eyebrow. “One drink?”

“Maybe a few.” She giggled.

“You’re supposed to be looking after Josh. You can’t be drunk when he’s in your care.” I’d be noting this in my diary of evidence to use against Luther in court. But I couldn’t blame Zoe for wanting a drink. Living with Luther would push anyone to their limit. I’d been there, done that, paid the price.

“Isla’s here. She’s not drinking.” She swept her wet hair back over her shoulder, then grabbed onto the door as she swayed. “Josh is fine. He’s been watching TV. Come in. I’ll get him for you.”

“Zoe...” I sucked in a deep breath and stood my ground. Thanks to my ex’s insanity, I legally couldn’t enter his house. No issue there—I never wanted to put a foot inside the place ever again. “I’ll wait here.”

“Shit.” She smacked her palm against her forehead. “God. I’m so stupid. I’m so sorry. Luther and his fucking rules.”

Yep . . .“Trouble in paradise?”

She sighed, then took a big sip of her wine. “No...yes...it’s just Luther’s always working. I haven’t had any time off in weeks. But it’s nothing you need to worry about.”

I wouldn’t. I only cared about my son. “How’s Josh been?”

She rested her head against the door. “He’s such an angel. He’s been counting down the days to see you.”

My chest swelled. Me too.

Zoe loved Josh. I could never get mad at her. I just hated that she spent more time with my son than me.

Footsteps clambered down the wooden staircase, then raced across the tiles.

“Mommy.” Josh charged past Zoe. He dropped his backpack at my feet and flung his arms around my waist. I hugged him so tight. Tears pricked my eyes. “Hi, baby.” I kissed the top of his head. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” He squeezed me so hard, I struggled to breathe.

“You okay?” I smoothed my hand over his soft, dark hair.

“No.” He spoke into my vest. “I want to get out of here.”

“Okay. Let’s grab your things, then we can head home. How’s that sound?”

“The best.”

I picked up Josh’s bag and slung it over my shoulder. “Thanks, Zoe. Will you be right to get Josh from school tomorrow?”

“Yes. Always.”

“Okay.” Sadness flooded my chest. I wished it was me doing school runs every day, not her. “I’ll see you in two weeks.”

“I’ll be here.” She swayed with the door. “Hey? How’s your new assignment? It’s some rock star, isn’t it?”

“Excuse me?” I never talked to Luther about my assignments. I hadn’t told Josh who I was working for. No photos of Cole and me out running had hit the Internet. Or was she phishing for information to hand to Luther?

---