Page 74 of Restrained

I turn around and kiss the tip of Lola’s elegant nose. “Good morning.”

“I really like waking up with you here.”

I liked it too. “Asher left.”

Her face falls, but she doesn’t look surprised as I had her a cup of coffee. “When?”

“Not long ago. I’m sorry, I just never want to hide anything from you ever again.”

She smiles, taking a sip of the hot liquid, hissing and then putting it down on the counter, evidently deciding it was too hot. “I figured he wouldn’t be here when we woke up. Did he say anything?”

I don’t want to hide anything from her, but I’m not ready for that conversation. “He wanted me to thank you for letting him stay.”

She smiles. “Baz wanted a sleepover.”

“It was probably good for him.”

“Yeah.” She looks pensive as she peers through the door at the sunrise. “It’s strange because Asher complicates everything, but I swear, I'm going to miss him.”

“Has he thought about moving out here?”

“I’ve tried to put it out there.” She sighs. “I’m starting to think I made a huge mistake encouraging Viv and Baz to move here without him. He’s angry, and he should be.”

I don’t want to lecture her, but our conversation last night is at the forefront of my mind. “He could have followed.”

“He has too much pride.”

I shrug. “Maybe they needed a break.”

She picks up the coffee again but doesn’t drink yet. “The thought of them together terrifies me.”

“Why?”

“She’s too much like our mother.”

“Your mother is fucking great. He should be so lucky.”

She laughs, nudging me in the ribs. “Please tell me you don’t have a thing for my mother.”

“She’s actually a mother. You know how much I craved that when I was a little kid?”

Okay, maybe even as an adult.Nora is nurturing and caring. Makes people feel safe and warm with just a look. That’s something I never had. She looks saddened by that. “You’re right. And Vivienne is amazing.”

“So, you’re worried he’ll hurt her?”

“He would. He has. And they’re just not good for each other.”

The woman is infuriating—the definition of a control freak—but she just wants what’s best for her family. She has a huge heart, no wonder she’s tried to guard it for so long. “Isn’t that for them to decide?”

She won’t admit it, but I know she’s thinking that over. However, she changes the subject. “Penelope sent me a text this morning.”

My body stiffens as I wait for her to continue. Trying not to show my apprehension.

“She wants a DNA test.”

Surprised, I look at Lola. “She does?”

She nods. “She does. And she doesn’t want to be around me until she knows one way or the other if, and I quote, ‘that fucker is lying yet again.’” She sighs. “I guess that’s a start.”

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