Page 37 of Echoes of Temptation

“You know what? I think I have some macaroons that my mom made. You guys must try them. They’re delicious.”

I go to stand to grab the treat when a large hand lands on my shoulder and firmly guides me back down.

“Baby,” King says. “Please, stay in one spot for just a few minutes. I have something to ask you.”

Oh. Well, alright then.

I watch as he returns to his chair opposite mine and right beside Cortney’s. My body is urging me to leave. I don’t want to hear about his new girlfriend. I know King and I were never a “thing” but my heart doesn’t know that.

“Cortney has recently moved to Harborbrook,” King starts.

“How are you liking it?” I ask her, genuinely curious.

“It’s really quite wonderful,” she says. Her eyes are alight with kindness. No wonder King likes her so much. She has a wonderful soul. “Kingston assured me beforehand that moving here would be worth it. I’m hoping he’s right.”

Something flashes across her face and I instinctively reach out and grab her hand.

“Change can be hard,” I say. “Sometimes, the hardest part is allowing yourself to accept the changes in your life. We often let our emotions take control and that’s not always a good thing. So, allow yourself to embrace this change. Harborbrook may very well be your forever home. We would be lucky to have you.”

Cortney squeezes my hand, her eyes misty.

“You’re a really kind person, Madeline,” Cortney says. “When Kingston told me those absolutely deplorable things he said to you three months ago I was embarrassed to call him my brother. But now, seeing the type of woman that you are, I am simply pissed that he ruined something so perfect.”

“Thank you,” I smile. “It was rough at first but…wait…brother? I thought you were his new girlfriend.”

“Which, I assume, was part of his devious plan,” Cortney rolls her eyes. “Honestly, Kingston, how long were you going to let that play out?”

“Until she was overflowing with jealousy, dear sister,” King smiles. “Years, if it came to it.”

“You are absolutely wicked,” she glares.

“I’m sorry, baby,” King says, not looking the least bit sorry. “I had plans to contact you next week once school was out, but something came up and it has given me the opportunity to see you sooner.”

“You said you had something to ask me?” I question.

“Yes, but I think my sister should be the one to tell you her story.”

King looks at his sister with a face full of concern.

“Alright,” she says. “Before I tell you my story, I first need to tell you our mothers. For a daughter is influenced by the choices her mother makes.”

Interesting.

“When I was six years old mama met a man named Rusty. Rusty was always so kind to me. He often gave presents and took me to places like the zoo, or the fair. I always had so much fun when Rusty came to visit.”

Cortney looks at King who simply smiles his encouragement.

“After he moved in,” she continues. “He changed. He stopped giving me presents and taking me places. I was a young girl and was so confused by this. I didn’t know he was simply buying my love so that Mama would accept him. Regardless, I grew attached to this man who became the only father figure I knew for a very long time. He became abusive towards both me and my mother. To make a long story short, Kingston and his fathersaved us. But, we had lived with Rusty and his abuse for nearly ten years.”

“My father did the same work I did,” King says. “The only reason we met Mama and Cortney was because Papa was hired to track down and destroy the male who had raped his mother before killing her. Rusty’s brother was the cause for his destruction.”

“From the sound of it,” I interrupt. “He was the cause of his own destruction. Your dad was simply the hero wielding the tool.”

“You don’t mind the work my brother does?” Cortney asks, shocked.

“Not in the least,” I admit. “He’s stopping evil people from doing bad things to innocent people. I’m good as long as I’m not involved in the workings of it all.”

“Never,” King growls. “It will never touch you.”

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