Page 51 of Hidden Heir

If only Ant weren’t such a prick. I tell myself that his bad attitude is simply because he’s being weaned off of those drugs, but one thing missing from Leon’s great sobriety plan is making Ant apologize for his shitty actions. Day after day he’s in the same foul mood.

I’m starting to wonder if this is how my brother really is and I just haven’t seen it until now. Every day he makes some smartass comment about this place, or Leon, ever since he caught us kissing in the hallway. Ant seems utterly blind to how much Leon is helping save his life, and I’m not sure how much of it is withdrawal and how much is just his personality. For years, I sought to rescue the brother I remembered, but those are memories from when I was too little to truly understand. That brother doesn’t seem to exist anymore.

Maybe he never did. Maybe that’s the trick of looking back at a dark childhood with rose-tinted glasses. My only saving grace is that Tiffany will never experience a childhood like I did.

Lost in thought, I roughly sketch out another display idea. I then write out several flowers I’d love to put front and center at the shop. The ideas flow like a fountain until a shadow falls over my page, blocking out the sun. Glancing up, I meet Selina’s eyes with a warm smile.

“Afternoon.”

“What’s this?” She lightly touches some of the papers, adjusting them for a better angle.

“It’s nothing.”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

“Promise you won’t laugh?”

Selina lazily reclines in the chair next to me. “Promise.”

“They’re just random ideas for a new flower shop. I’ve never been one to just sit around so I’m hoping Leon will allow me to get back to what I love now that I’m going to be here permanently. I’m so happy about that. My daughter and I are safe.”

“Why would I laugh?” Selina squints at me. “You have passion. I admire that.”

Heat warms my cheeks. “Thanks. I don’t know. I guess it sort of feels dumb when I say it out loud.”

“Has someone ever made you feel dumb for having this kind of passion?” She lifts one dark brow.

My thoughts turn immediately to Ant and I shrug. “Maybe.”

“Well, I think it’s a cool idea. You’re young. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. I’m confident Leon will be more than happy to help you get started and get you anything you want. That man is smitten. Though, don’t tell him I told you that. I like my head where it is.”

“Smitten, huh?” I lean back in my chair, feeling the heat in my cheeks deepening. “I won’t say a word.”

“Mommy!” Tiffany suddenly sprints toward me and latches onto my leg as the door leading into the house opens. A man strides out, leaning on his cane. He’s flanked by a couple of guards who I rarely see around the house. My heart jumps and I quickly pull Tiffany into my lap. Beside me, Selina tenses like a board.

It’s Kreik, Leon’s father.

“Leonity isn’t here,” Selina says immediately.

“I know,” Kreik replies shortly. His mustache twitches on his upper lip as he walks toward us.

His presence is alarming. I’ve only seen him around a few times, yet each time he was visibly and vocally unhappy aboutmy being here. Having him here without Leon frightens me, and my arms tighten around Tiffany as she buries her face into my neck.

“I’m looking for you.” Kreik stops in front of me. My senses are flooded with the sharp aftershave he drenched himself in. “Are you busy?”

I want to hide my drawings and designs from his sharp glare. Tension tightens in my gut, and as we eye each other, I’m suddenly jerked back to school, where I’m waiting for a scolding from a scary teacher.

This feels the exact same.

“No,” I reply quickly. “How can I help?” I can’t imagine there’s anything in the world that Kreik would want from me.

“Get dressed,” he says. “We will collect Leon and have a family dinner together.”

A family dinner?

I look at Selina who, despite her usual calm features, appears as shocked as I feel. She locks eyes with me and subtly lifts her brows.

A family dinner with Leon and his father. Does this mean he’s finally warming up to me? It’s difficult to tell what his intentions are and I stare after Kreik as he walks back to the house.

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