Page 84 of Silver Sanctuary
Her head whipped around just in time to see her mother’s eyes land on her. And right behind her, with his arm draped over her mother’s shoulder, was her former landlord—the asshole that had forced her to her knees. The one she’d buried a knife in to keep Embrie safe.
“Excuse me, ladies. I’ll be right back.” Her chair screeched as she pressed it back, standing so quickly her body had a hard time adjusting to the movement, leaving her swaying.
“No.” Gunner’s voice stopped her in her tracks. “Lil, take Sage, and call the non-emergency sheriff’s line. Let them know Lacy’s mom is here, and they need to send a deputy out because she’s wanted for questioning in this whole attempted-extortion situation.”
Could the floor just open up and swallow her whole? Just when she’d been having a nice time with everyone… Lacy kept her eyes on the two people who were determined to ruin her life as they weaved through the full tables where patrons were enjoying their eggs benedict and overflowing mimosas.
Gunner positioned his body in front of Lacy and the other women at the table. She felt her body immediately relax knowing that he would protect her friends if something crazy was about to happen. And from the joy that radiated off her mother, she knew they were coming to flip Lacy’s life upside down.
“Lacy, baby, don’t hide back there. Come see your mama.”
She closed her eyes for just one second. One second to compose herself. One second to stop the shaking in her legs and the aching in her chest. Because at the end of the day, she truly believed Sebastian’s lawyers. She knew they were going to get her full, legal custody of Embrie. So no matter what Amber had to say, no matter what she thought she could spew to hurt Lacy, it didn’t matter.
“Gunner, you can move. I should speak with her.”
His chin tipped over his shoulder as he looked down at her without moving an inch from his protective position. “I don’t think that’s smart. If they have something to say to you, it should go through the lawyers.”
“They’re just going to cause a scene. Please, we’re having such a nice time; I don’t want to do this in front of everyone.” She moved closer to him to whisper. “I’m worried about Sloane. She shouldn’t have to deal with my mother. What if it brings up something bad for her?”
Gunner’s head swiveled to the other side before returning to keep an eye on her mom. “Five minutes. Outside. And I’ll come with you.”
“Thank you.” Lacy turned back to the table. “I’m so sorry, you guys. I just need a minute to deal with this and I’ll be back.”
The women all nodded, various degrees of concern written on their faces. Gunner marched in front of her, getting to Amber first.
“Outside. Now. Just because you stalked your daughter doesn’t mean you get to ruin her meal.”
“Excuse me? Who the fuck are you? I didn’t even know my daughter would be here.” Amber folded her arms in front of her chest and had the audacity to look like she was actually hurt at the accusation.
“I don’t believe that for a fucking second.” His voice was so deep and quiet that Lacy felt herself growing nervous, even though Gunner was standing upforher. “Why don’t we go outside so you can say whatever you came here to say and be on your way?”
“What?” Her mother’s calculated smile slid into place. And there it was, the venom poised right on the end of her tongue, ready to strike out at Lacy. Ready to make sure she was the victim and Lacy took the fall. “You don’t want merevealing in front of all these people that my daughter is wanted by the police back in West Virginia for the attempted murder of my fiancé?”
Cold sweat dripped down Lacy’s back. Amber knew what Adam had done to Lacy. Her mother knew that he’d threatened to do the same to Embrie—a fucking child—and she was going to marry him anyway.
Lacy wished she hadn’t indulged in a meal after the pancakes that morning. Because all that food suddenly became a rock in her stomach that her body wanted out. Nausea rolled through her, but she forced herself to take a deep breath. Knives and forks at the closest tables clanked against their plates and more heads turned to focus on her mother as Amber’s voice grew louder and louder.
“This is your last chance.” Gunner cut off Ambers rant. “Outside to speak with Lacy, or she’ll go back to the table and I’ll take you outside to speak with you myself.”
Her mother’s eyes shifted between Gunner and Adam. It was ridiculously obvious who would win if things became physical, and her mother must have seen it too, because she plastered on her fake smile and looped her arm through Adam’s before marching outside.
“You’ve got this,” Gunner whispered as he held the door open for her.
“Thank you, for having my back.”
A nod was the only response she got, but Lacy straightened her back and walked out knowing that, no matter what happened, she had friends who would help her figure out the next step.
“How did you find me?” Lacy hissed.
“Happy coincidence. We’re staying in Lark Lake now—a change of plans while we figure out our next move. An old business associate of mine has a nice place out here. He’s letting us stay for a while.”
Great. So her mom was staying at one of her old dealers’ places.How charming.
“Okay, say whatever the hell you need to.” Lacy crossed her arms and refused to take her eyes off her mother, even with the disgusting heat of Adam’s gaze roaming all over her body. She wanted to curl up in a ball in her shower at home and scrub her skin until she couldn’t feel his slime all over her anymore.
“Not with him standing there.”
“I don’t think you’re in any position to make any demands,” Gunner fired back before Lacy had a chance to.
