Page 30 of Absinthe Minded

“Why?” She sank deeper into the covers.

“We’re going out.” I released her, flipped the light on, and opened her closet. “You’ll feel better once you’re out of the house.”

“What? No. What are you doing? Get out of there.”

“I didn’t hear a rule about not going into each other’s stuff. Get in the shower. I’m starving.”

“I’m not hungry.” She hopped out of bed and positioned herself between me and her clothes.

Score one for me. She’s out of bed.I stared into her blue eyes and grinned. “Please? I hate eating alone.”

“Where’s Ella?”

“My mother came for her and Zach a couple of hours ago. I may need the National Guard to get her back, but Zach will call if she tries to take Ella out of the country.”

Maggie hung her head. “Fine. Where are we going?”

“Don’t know yet.” I knew exactly where I’d take her.

She glanced between me and the bed. “Give me fifteen minutes to get dressed.”

No way would I give her to the chance to crawl back under the blankets. “I’m not leaving you until you’re in the shower.”

“Fine.” She gave me an eye roll that put Chloe to shame and shambled to the bathroom.

“You’re adorable when you pout.”

“Go to hell.” She slammed the door.

My father was right. There were definitely worse things than marrying Maggie Guthrie.

My phone rang, and I answered without looking at the screen. “Marchionni.”

“Gabe, its Chantal. I need to talk to you.”

I glanced at the bathroom door and walked into the living room. “Talk.”

“I got a call from your lawyer.”

“I know.”

“I’ll sign the papers, but I need something from you.”

I stared at the ceiling. My attorney had told me to expect a cash grab. “Go on.”

“Your family ruined my life. I lost everything. I want what’s owed to me.”

“I told you I would set you up in a place close by so you could be a part of Ella’s life.”

“No. I can’t see… I can’t… No.”

“Right. You can’t be a mother, but you expect me to buy my daughter? How much?”

“Five-Hundred Thousand”

“Sign the papers, Chantal.” I disconnected the call and slid the phone into my pocket. I could get the money, but it would mean dipping into the savings I’d set aside to buy my bar from the Marchionni Corporation. My only other choice was to go to my father, but Satan would build an igloo before that happened.

Maggie walked into the hall. “Everything okay?”

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