Page 72 of Tempted By Eden

I click it, my pulse already quickening.

Mr. Hayes,

As instructed, we have prepared a case for temporary placement of the child, Leonardo Rossi.

The case is founded on the claim that Ms. Cora Rossi is an unfit guardian. We cite her inability to provide safe living conditions, as her home resides in a high-risk neighborhood with evidence of drug activity. Furthermore, Ms. Rossi holds significant debt and works two jobs, one of which involves prostitution, leaving the child under the care of her terminally ill elderly father, Anthony Rossi. Mr. Rossi is not a suitable guardian due to his serious health condition.

Our case is strengthened by Ms. Rossi’s recent detainment for driving under the influence. Although no formal charges were brought, her behavior indicates probable substance abuse issues.

We believe the court will grant temporary placement of Leonardo Rossi under your care, pending Ms. Rossi’s completion of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, and the improvement of her living conditions.

Upon your approval, we will file this motion, and the process will move swiftly within twenty-four hours.

Please advise on how you wish to proceed.

Sincerely,

Sam White

White & Day Lawyers

I rub my thumb over my bottom lip, my head swimming as I digest the words. This could happen. Within twenty-four hours, Leo could be with me, out of that neighborhood. But Cora…

The thought of taking him away from her doesn’t sit right with me either. She loves him—I can’t deny that. Maybe that’s why she’s been so damn stubborn, refusing my help. She’s trying to protect him. In her own misguided way.

I grit my teeth, pushing the sympathy aside. It’s her fault for not accepting help. Really, she’s forced me into this. If only she would accept my money. I’ve tried. God knows I’ve tried. But Cora is stubborn. Too proud to take an honest gift, but not too proud to steal from my wallet.

I begin typing a reply to my lawyer, my fingers moving quickly over the keys.

Proceed with the filing.

I hesitate.

Dameon’s voice cuts through my focus just as my finger hovers over Send. He strides into my office without so much as a knock.

“What the hell are you doing?”

I glance up, frowning as I sit straighter in my chair. “What are you talking about?”

“Lars just messaged me—said you’re about to do something incredibly stupid.”

I roll my eyes. “Didn’t know you two were close.”

“We’re not,” he snaps, crossing his arms, irritation rolling off him. “But she texts me whenever you’re about to make a colossal mistake. And this”—he jerks his chin toward my computer—“this is about to be exactly that.”

My phone screen lights up, Lars’ message glaring at me.

I’ve called back-up. Don’t do it, James.

Perfect. That’s what I get for keeping her in the loop.

“I’m doing this for Leo, Dameon. You didn’t see where he’s living. That dump is no place for a kid. Cora can’t provide for him, not like I can. And she won’t take my money. What choice do I have?” My voice rises, the anger slipping out as I bang my fist on the desk. “He deserves better.”

Dameon shakes his head, his face softening into something I’m not prepared for: pity. “Listen to yourself, James. You’re talking about taking her kid. That’s not providing for Leo. That’s tearing him away from his mother.”

“What would you have me do then?” I ask. I’m trying to hold it together, but everything is slipping.

He leans on my desk, looking me dead in the eye. “Talk to her. You used to talk to her. What happened?”

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