Page 88 of Enticing

“You got what you deserved, you stupid little whore. I only wish you lost that bastard you’re carrying. He only needs one kid with you to have any claim on the estate.”

Devon stops the video and pulls out a document. “Now, by signing this, you and your son relinquish the right to press charges against Leo Sinclair, now or at any point in the future. You’ll also state for the record that you do not wish for the police department to move forward with any charges against Mr. Sinclair. You will resign your position within the Bay Hawks organization, and you’ll sign off on the immediate transfer of Mrs. Sinclair’s full inheritance directly to her. Your son, Gavin, will also be relinquishing any present or future parental rights to Lennox and Isobel James. He will agree to anger management counseling for the rest of his life and will not contest the restraining order that will be filed against him by Mrs. Sinclair. Do you have any questions?”

Jerry stands, slamming his chair back so hard it crashes to the floor. “And why would I agree to any of this?”

“Because you are not the only powerful family at this table, Mr. Dryson. Do not underestimate my reach,” Declan says calmly.

More calmly than I’m capable of, apparently, because my blood boils. “Because if you don’t, I will send that video, that report, and every single one of those pictures to every single news station in the country. I won’t sleep until I destroy you. You and your son didn’t break me. But I will break you. I promise you that.”

“This offer is good until you walk through that door. If you take it now and agree to all I’ve outlined, you will still be entitled to your company-funded retirement and bonuses. But that all goes away in five minutes.” Devon looks at his watch, then back to Jerry. “Tick-tock, Dryson.”

This reporter has breaking news!

Leo Sinclair was arrested after an altercation with Gavin Dryson, who works for the Boston Bay Hawks. What’s interesting to this reporter is that Gavin was seen with his hands on Leo’s wife. I don’t know about you, but I think we should all remember how these Kroydon Hills men protect their women at all costs. Where can I find myself one of them?

#KroydonKronicles #DontTouchHisWife #BreakingNews

LEO

“Sinclair.” The guard unlocks my cell and steps aside. “Charges have been dropped, you’re free to go.”

I stare at him, shocked.

Devon meets me at the desk.

“How’s Adelaide?” I ask and am met with a glare. “Just keep your mouth shut until we’re in the car.”

I nod and walk with him through the parking garage, just grateful to be outside instead of locked behind bars. Words I never thought I’d have to say or think. No sooner do we stop behind a black, tinted-out Cadillac Escalade, than Addie flies from the back seat and throws her arms around my shoulders and her legs around my waist. Dark sunglasses cover her eyes as she crashes her lips to mine.

“I said stay in the car, Adelaide,” Hunter groans from the front seat.

I frame her face with my hands so fucking gently, afraid to hurt her. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

“I am now,” she breathes out against my lips.

Hunter clears his throat. “Get in the car before someone gets a picture of this.”

Devon pushes the door Addie flew out of wide-open, and I slide us both in the back of the car.

“Are you okay, Leo? I was so scared,” she whispers, refusing to let go of me, and I’m pretty damn fine with that because I didn’t think I’d be holding my wife today, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to let her go.

“I am now, baby. But I don’t understand... How the hell did you guys get me out?” I ask the two lawyers in the front seat.

Of course, Hunter laughs. “You might want to ask your wife about that.”

“Adelaide . . . ?”

“I got us our freedom.” This time her voice is strong and firm. No fear. No whisper. “Now let’s go get our babies.”

“And you’re sure she’s okay to be sleeping?” I ask my mom as she feeds Lennox her bottle while Dad plays Go Fish with Izzy.

“Leo, that woman is stronger than you realize. She might look like a stiff wind could knock her over, but when it came to you and these kids, she had a spine of steel. She’s pretty incredible. And I have no doubt she’s exhausted. That would have been a lot for a woman who had not been through what your wife has gone through in the past twenty-four hours. Let her sleep.” She nuzzles the top of Lennox’s sweet head. “You know, she also made sure that Gavin gave up any rights he had to these beautiful girls.”

My girls.

“Do you think you and Dad could stay for a while. so I could lie down with Addie?” I run my hand over Lennox’s cheek and love the way she grabs it.

“Go. We’ve got this. Dad’s assistants are running practice today. He doesn’t have to be back until tomorrow.” She kisses my cheek. “I love you, Leo. You’re a good man.”

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