Page 58 of Lush

Erik leaned forward, taking the tequila bottle and pouring himself another shot. I didn’t bother hiding my shit-eating grin.

“One day she fell, busted her shit up quite nastily.” He shook his head as if reliving it. “I patched her up before Mama got home.”

“Heartwarming story,” I said, confused about where this was going.

“Laurene and I figured out our roles early. I was the heir, and she was the chess piece Mama could move to make deals. We had to be perfect—no room for mistakes. Mama called it responsibility, but all it really did was teach us how to endure pain. Laurene’s a fighter, just like her. It’s why they clash. It’s why sheruns. But no matter what, she’s my sister. My job has always been to protect her, even from Mama, even from herself. And maybe that’s why I pulled you out of that gutter, Reese. If this was a perfect world, I wish Mama would have picked you for her first.”

I didn’t expect Erik King to be the one to drag me out of the fire. Hell, I didn’t expect anyone to.

But Erik? He saw something worth saving. I still don’t know why.

I edged the ashtray nearer for his cigar. I understood. Conrad was the heir, Jennie the spare, and I was an accident.

It’s not like we talk about it. Men like us, we fight, we drink, we endure. That’s how we say “I got you.” But I remember what he did. And I don’t forget my debts.

“Laurene was fighting too hard for you the other day. I get the arrangement, the business angle, but you didn’t seem uncomfortable. Not like I’d expect.”

I leaned back in my chair, trying to play it cool as Erik watched me closely. “We’ve both got our parts to play. Doesn’t matter how it looks.”

“But I know my sister. I’ve seen how she looks at you. How you look at her.”

My stomach twisted, but I didn’t flinch. Not outwardly, at least.

“What are you trying to ask me?”

“Were you and my sister in contact when she was in Paris?”

“My condolences,” a woman murmurs, her voice soft and distant as she passed me by.

I nodded, watching the casket descend. My mother’s cries pierced the air. She was holding on to Jennie for dear life. Dad wouldn’t even give me a glance. Near the back, Nina’s blotchy skin and red tear-filled eyes spoke volumes.

The hushed murmurs of prayers and the weight of silent judgments hung heavy in the air around me. I know it’s awful, but a twist part ofme was glad it’s over. Like a pressure I didn’t realize I had is finally gone.

My big fight with Conrad was finally here—I’d been planning this since day one at the distillery. For years, he’d stolen my ideas, passed them off as his own, and I let it slide because fighting back wasn’t an option. Not until Laurene and I were ready.

I’d gathered proof, lined up allies on the board, and set the perfect trap. All we needed was for Conrad to take the bait. If we exposed him in front of the board, he’d have no way out. He’d lose their trust, and for the first time, our father would have to concede. I’d finally win.

I told him the whole story, and he didn’t even blink. His laughter was cold and cruel, like he’d been waiting for this moment.

They buried Conrad, and I felt every pound of that dirt. No more decisions, no more fights. Just…done.

“Reese.”

I looked and there was Noelle, a gentle pity in her eyes, but she looked remorseful. I looked past her at the space where Laurene should’ve been, where all the Kings should have sat, but instead a bereavement bouquet was sent in their place.

Noelle fidgeted, glancing around nervously. “Reese, I?—”

“What?” I snapped, not bothering to hide my irritation.

“I… She’s gone.”

“What do you mean, gone?”

She looked down. “Yvonne kicked her out. Laurene’s at the airport, Reese. She’s leaving. For good.”

For a second, the words didn’t register. They couldn’t.Laurie—my Laurie? The one I’d been through hell and back with? The one I thought would be there, no matter what?

“No.” I shook her head. “She wouldn’t…she wouldn’t do that.”

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