Page 14 of The Arrogant's Redemption

In my defense, when I first considered proposing to her, I saw it strictly as a transaction. Even before we ever slept together, I told her I wasn’t interested in romance.

Next time I go looking for the mother of my heir, I’ll have to choose more carefully.

1 The Medicis were an Italian dynasty known for their political power, wealth, and social influence. They were also an extremely toxic family. The Lannisters are a fictional dysfunctional family from theGame of Thronesseries.

Alexis

CHAPTER EIGHT

The Next Day

Sittingon my mother’s fishing boat, with the sky just beginning to lighten, I stare out at the sea, half-hypnotized by the rhythm of the waves.

I’ve always had moments like this—quiet, introspective ones where I find comfort in listening to the silence. I’ve come to the conclusion that I sometimes pretend to be extroverted because it’s what people expect from me—because my mom is naturally social.

But I’m not antisocial and I don’t hate people. It’s just that, most of the time, I do better on my own. I think I’m a bit weird for my age. I watch the tourists who come to Badger’s restaurant—girls eighteen, nineteen years old, who don’t seem to have a care in the world except enjoying life. I don’t remember ever having a phase like that.

As a kid, I was anxious—always hoping a good family would take me in or that my biological mom would come get me from the orphanage.

Later, I was terrified she’d change her mind after finding me—realize she didn’t want to be a mother and send me back.

Now I live in constant fear that I won’t be able to get her out of prison.

A gust of wind kicks up some sand, blowing it into my face and hair. I close my eyes to keep the grains out, and when I open them again, the sun is rising. Time to move, not sit here reflecting on my short existence on this planet. In a while, one of the potential buyers for the boat is supposed to meet me.

I stand and begin checking over the deck, noting a few small repairs that are needed. A fresh coat of paint might be enough to give the boat a new look.

Badger told me not to let any of the buyers try to lowball me over that. He’s a born negotiator and offered to come with me—or even handle the whole sale himself—but I politely declined. My mother is my example. Despite everything she’s been through, she never played the victim. Never leaned on anyone for help.

She has a motto:Easy times create weak people. Weak people create hard times. Hard times create strong people.

That’s the cycle of life. No matter how hard things seem, they pass.

That’s what I focus on.

I didn’t allow myself to cry after the day she was arrested. Since then, I’ve been a fortress for both of us.

I hear other fishermen returning with their morning catch and wonder if, once she’s out, she’ll miss this life. To help save for my college tuition, my mom took a job cooking for a wealthy family in the evenings. That’s why she’s in prison now.

I push the memories aside for now because I need to stay sharp for this meeting.

Glancing at my watch, I see the buyer is officially late.

My regular shift at the restaurant starts late in the afternoon, but today I promised Badger I’d run around town looking for some decor for the main dining room.

I doubt we’ll find anything locally—online is probably our best bet—but since he insisted and he rarely asks for help, I agreed.

Before that, though, I want to get in a six-mile run. Exercise helps me release some of the tension I carry over my mom’s situation.

God, where is this buyer?

I turn toward the boardwalk to look for him and almost exhale in relief when I see someone approaching.

I squint because, even from a distance, I can tell this guy doesn’t belong here. The way he’s dressed doesn’t match anyone from our world, and he certainly doesn’t look like he needs a fishing boat for income: a white button-down shirt—open at the collar and untucked—over khaki shorts. Sleeves rolled up, revealing strong, muscular forearms. Loafers.

He’s the image of the wealthy summer crowd that owns beach houses here and in neighboring towns.

I don’t need to see his face to know he’s rich.

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