Page 241 of Things We Left Behind
Sloane lunged, knocking over a water glass and sending several sets of utensils to the floor.
I hauled her back into my side. “Easy, Pix.”
Together we watched Anthony Hugo slither his way out of the restaurant. With the snap of a finger, four men in suits followed him out.
Sloane breathed a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, my mother was slumped in her chair, one hand covering her face. Everyone in the entire restaurant was staring.
“I didn’t know we were getting dinner and a show.” The amused comment came from none other than Maureen Fitzgerald, who looked both angelic and sinful in a glittery cocktail dress the color of champagne.
“Wow. Killer dress,” Sloane said.
“Now is not the time, Maureen,” I told her.
“Oh my God. You’re Maureen Fitzgerald?” Sloane whispered.
“The one and only,” she said, winking at Sloane. “After witnessing Anthony’s little hissy fit, I thought I’d stop by your table and offer my services.”
“What services might those be?” I asked, holding Sloane by the wrist and texting my security team with the other hand.
“I might have some information that can help you with your problem.” She nodded toward the door Anthony had exited.
“Not here,” I said.
“Of course not. Tonight. Your place.”
“Be careful,” I cautioned.
“I’m a woman. I’m always careful.” Her gaze skipped my mother and landed on Sloane. Her smile warmed. “It looks as though Lucian’s tastes have significantly improved.”
“Your skin is flawless,” Sloane whispered.
I rolled my eyes. But Maureen patted one cheek with feminine pride. “Thank you. She’s a keeper, Lucian. Try not to ruin it.”
I grunted and nodded at Grace when she entered the restaurant. “Let’s go.”
Grace led us through the kitchen to a service elevator in the back. The staff didn’t even blink as we made our way past prep stations and fiery grills.
My mother sagged against the elevator wall when the doors closed.
“I don’t understand what happened,” she said, bringing her hands to her cheeks. “All I know is I was humiliated.”
“I apologize for embarrassing you by preventing you from being the pawn of a madman. Anthony Hugo is a criminal who would have no qualms about making you disappear just to get to me.”
“It’s always about you. Every man who shows any interest in me is just trying to get something out of you,” Mom whispered bitterly.
“That man is a thug. He’s had people killed for far less than what I’m doing. And you think that’s all right because he treats you like some kind of trophy?”
“Your father wanted to hide me away. He never wanted anyone to acknowledge that I existed.”
“This isn’t about the past. This is about your safety right now.”
She fluttered her delicate, birdlike hands in front of her face. “I can’t discuss this with you right now.”
“We’ll discuss this now. Do not answer his calls. Do not go anywhere with him. If you see him anywhere, leave immediately. Grace, I need you to—”
“Beef up the security detail on your mom. Got it,” she said grimly.
“And now you’re telling me where to be and who to see. Controlling everything. What I do, where I go, what I spend. You’re just like him,” Mom whimpered.
