“He’s a conniving cunt,” Leo says, gulping back water. “He will try to use this to his advantage.”
“He can try, but I’m not the same man he remembers. He can’t shout insults or push me around like he once tried to. I have little love for the man, and Sierra doesn’t either. Only the fact he is Rowan’s grandfather will protect him.”
The plane lands, and we hop on board the helicopter, staying silent as we travel toward the Lawson family estate. I didn’t mention we would be landing on his front lawn when I spoke to Joseph, but if he’s got a problem with it, I’ll be glad to take all my pent-up aggression out on his face.
We arrive fifteen minutes later, jumping out of the helicopter when the pilot confirms it is safe and racing across the lawn toward the open front door. A bunch of expensive cars are parked outside, confirming the rest of the Lawson family is here.
This should be fun.
I cannot wait to wipe the smug expression off Saskia’s face for good—to finally put her in her place. She will be spitting blood when she discovers I am Rowan’s father, and that’s not even the full extent of it.
“Bennett.” Joseph Lawson slaps me on the back as he greets me at the front door. “Thanks for coming.” He nods at Leo and Ciro, stepping aside to let us inside. “Everyone is in the family room,” he says, ushering us into the house.
Leo looks around with his eyes out on stalks, and I get it. The house is impressive, but I always thought it was stuffy with its polished marble floors, glistening chandeliers, ornate furniture, expensive oil paintings, and the pillars and columns that give it an ancient European vibe. My Greenwich home couldn’t be more different with its comfortable furniture and modern aesthetics, but it feels like more of a home than this place.
“Ben!” Sierra jumps up the second I enter the room, and we rush toward one another. She throws herself at me, and my arms automatically lock around her trembling body. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” Being extra careful, I tilt her head up so I can get a proper look at her. I frown when I spot the raised gash on her left cheek. The wound has been cleaned and someone applied ointment, but I wonder if it might need stitches. The thought of her beautiful face being permanently marked doesn’t sit well with me. “You said you weren’t hurt.” I drill her with a look as I gingerly lift her bandaged right hand and glare at the faint bruising forming around her neck.
“I’m okay,” she says. “It’s not broken.”
Anger plows through me at an unprecedented rate, and I wish I could resurrect the bastard who did this to her and kill him slowly and painfully so he understands what happens to any man who dares to hurt my woman. But Sierra needs me to be strong and supportive, so I hide my anger and the sense of helplessness I feel and concentrate on being the man she needs me to be. I hug her closer, careful not to squeeze too tight in case she is hurting anyplace else. I just want to get her home and get her checked out by my doctor to ensure there is no permanent damage.
“What the fuck is going on here?” Saskia barks, and my eyes scan the room for the first time.
I didn’t notice anyone else when I first arrived. My eyes latched on to Sierra, and she was all I saw.
“Saskia, please watch your language,” Georgia Lawson says, approaching me with a smile. “Forgive our eldest daughter, Bennett. It’s good to see you again so soon although I wish it were under different circumstances.”
Judging by Saskia’s reaction and the quizzical expressions on everyone else’s faces, it appears Lawson obeyed my instruction to keep my impending arrival a secret. I knew if he announced I was en route Sierra would be fielding questions alone. It’s good to know Lawson respects my commands, but I still don’t trust him.
Georgia’s troubled eyes move to her youngest daughter. She is clearly concerned. Sierra is still pressed against my body, her slim arms wrapped around me, and I dare anyone to pry her from me.
“Where is Rowan?” I ask, my eyes dancing over everyone else and not seeing him. Gifoli is here with Serena, but I don’t see their kids in the room either. Felix is here too, with his arm flung possessively over a scowling Saskia. He was pretty standoffish with me last weekend, and I’m guessing he is familiar with our history. If he knew I had no interest in his wife, either years ago or now, maybe he would loosen up. Though I doubt it. Being married to Saskia is akin to wearing a permanent chastity belt—she has his balls locked up securely in every sense of the word.
“Ben!” A familiar cute voice screams from someplace behind me, and I turn Sierra and me as one, watching our son racing across the room toward us. A dark-haired girl and boy stand in the doorway, eyeing me with curiosity, and I’m guessing they are the Gifoli sister and brother.
“Hey there, buddy,” I say, the knots in my chest easing when he reaches me. Bending down, I lift him up with one arm, holding both of them close to me.
“Mommy. Ben is here, and it’s not even the weekend.” Rowan grins, leaning across my chest to kiss Sierra on the lips, and it’s the sweetest thing ever. My heart swells, and I think I’m already a lost cause when it comes to these two.
“Oh my God,” Serena exclaims, and I look over at her. Her gaze bounces from me to Rowan, and I can tell she has made the connection. Her eyes are bugging out of her head, and shock is splayed across her face.
“Don’t say—” Sierra starts to speak, to warn Serena not to say anything in front of Rowan, I’m guessing, when she is rudely cut off by the bitch I once dated.
“No fucking way!You’reRowan’s father?” Saskia yells, pushing her husband away and stalking toward us.
32
BEN
Sierra and I look at Rowan at the same time, and his adorable little face is scrunched in confusion.
Fuck Saskia.
I didn’t want to do this today. I was going to ask Sierra if we could tell him soon but only once they were settled in my home,theirhome, and Rowan was ready to hear the news.
But, of course, Saskia has to try to make this about her.
