Page 70 of Claim

“As long as Damon understands, I am not her, and I am not like her. Then, we are fine. I’m not like anyone. I’m especially not the type of daughter Bryant and Sarah Morelli believe I should be.”

We walked to the back of the building in the direction of an elaborate garden.

“You aren’t going to take my advice no matter what I say, are you?”

“I’m the female version of you. Haven’t you figured it out? We, the black sheep of the family, have to stick together.”

Lucian tsk’d, “You have no idea how wrong you are.”

“Why don’t you explain it then, all-knowing Lucian Morelli.”

A snort escaped Elaine’s lips, which caused mine to twitch for a moment. Only Elaine and I got away with making light of situations around hard-nosed Lucian without annoying him too much.

Not missing a beat, he released a suffering sigh and shook his head. “You feel pain, Sophia. Whereas I don’t. I’m a cold-blooded bastard.”

I rolled my eyes, glancing at Elaine, who pursed her lips, trying to hold in a laugh.

Lucian leaned down toward Elaine’s ear. “I’m glad you find me amusing. Maybe you won’t later.”

“Maybe, I will.” She gave him a sweet smile, and he shook his head as his own lips quirked up at the sides.

Correction, it was with Elaine he truly showed a softer side. Lucian rarely joked and never laughed before Elaine. He tolerated my nonsense, but for his wife, there was another side to him only she saw.

When we reached the end doors to the garden, Lucian released my arm and turned the knob. “He went into the greenhouse.”

“You confuse the hell out of me.” I frowned at him. “Why are you helping me if you want me away from him?”

“You made your decision the second you realized he left the room. At least you won’t get into any more trouble if I know where you are tonight. Try not to let the papz get shots of your antics, hmm.”

“Thanks. I think.” I gave Lucian the side eye as he pushed me out into the cool air and promptly closed the door in my face.

Well, okay then.

Turning, I made my way to the greenhouse.

It stood separate from the central event building, with tinted glass on all sides and greenery planted around the base. Solar panels constructed most of the east and west-facing roof angles, and glass encompassed all other parts.

This definitely wasn’t the typical style of structure found in the middle of New York City. The whole area was an oasis for the occupants who lived or worked in the vicinity.

I approached the greenhouse and readied to shift the sliding door but hesitated.

An uncomfortable sensation crept into my stomach, making me wonder if coming here was the right idea after all.

Would he turn me away? Could I handle it if he’d changed his mind about us once again? This hot and cold shit had to stop.

Fuck it.

No time for second-guessing myself. Besides, once I decided on a course of action, I never faltered.

I tugged the lever, unlatched the lock, and moved inside the building. I scanned the area as the rich scent of soil and plant life assaulted my senses, and a thick layer of balmy humidity cascaded over my skin.

Tucked behind the aisles of freshly budding potted flowers, I spotted Damon sitting hunched over with his arms propped on his knees and his hands gripping his head.

He’d tossed his tux jacket and bow tie somewhere and rolled his shirtsleeves up to the elbows. An aura of loneliness and resignation flowed around him, giving me the urge to wrap him in my arms.

As if sensing me, he lifted his head.

The bleakness in his green eyes had me swallowing the lump in my throat. It was as if he believed he deserved to be alone, not that he wanted to be alone.

---