Scarlett’s palms grew damp as Laylani embraced Beni again. She sounded sincere, but it was also such a de minimis reaction after an unplanned trip abroad. She wished—not for the first time—Beni was her full-blooded brother.
“Thanks,” said Beni, his voice flat. He stepped around her and headed into the house.
Laylani watched him walk away, pursing her lips as she studied her son. Once he was out of sight, she turned to Scarlett and Brayden, her mask solidifying into a bland smile.
“Hello, Scarlett. I must say, I was disturbed by your dramatic nighttime exodus. Are you well?”
As if she cares.“I’m fine. Apologies for the abrupt departure, but we were concerned for my grandmother. She’s recovered, but she’s remained in Clair de Lune for personal reasons.” None of the rage Scarlett held for this woman came out as she spoke, and she was proud of how level her voice sounded.
Laylani smirked as she scanned Scarlett from head to toe, eyeing the comfortable T-shirt and skirt she’d chosen to wear on the train. “Fair enough. I’m relieved you’re all right.” Her attention shifted to Brayden. “And who is this?”
“This is Brayden Maddox.” Scarlett squeezed his hand, still entwined with hers. His solid presence next to her was comforting in the face of her greatest enemy.
“Butwhois he? And what’s he doing here?”
“He’s a family friend.”
Laylani rolled her eyes. “Then how have I never met him before?”
“He’s from Clair de Lune.” It was her turn to wear a smug smile as Laylani stared at them for a beat.
As she hesitated, Scarlett guessed she was trying to assess how much of a fake front she needed to put up for him.
“I’m Scarlett’s stepmother, Laylani.” Her fingers splayed across her chest. She didn’t extend a hand for him to shake.
“I know who you are,” said Brayden, his voice calm and devoid of any warmth.
“Will you be joining us for dinner, Brayden, or are you just here to help with their bags?” Laylani smiled faintly, her eyes flicking to their clasped hands.
Scarlett saw red. It wassotempting to push Laylani in the canal. For her mother, her father, her brother, and herself. But revenge would have to wait. She took a deep breath.
Brayden snorted softly. “All of the above. I’ll carry Scarlett’s bag anytime she likes.” He winked at Scarlett.
His flirting loosened the knot in her chest. “So chivalrous,” she said with a sultry stare.
“Excuse me?” Laylani’s tone was incredulous. “What exactly is the nature of this? Some sort of rebound fling?” Her eyebrows rose as if she were genuinely surprised, though her cold smile said otherwise.
“Quite the opposite of a rebound. He’s moving in. We got married.” Scarlett held up her ring finger, and the diamond glinted in the sun. Her lips curved up in a satisfied smile as Laylani’s mouth fell open and she assessed Brayden with fresh eyes.
She scoffed as she recovered from the shock. “Married? Goodness me. You didn’t waste any time, Scarlett. Poor Alastairwon’t know what hit him. But where are my manners? Welcome to the family, Brayden. Please, come in.” Her thin-lipped smile was icy.
“Thanks.” Brayden’s tone was quietly sarcastic, making Scarlett smile.
“Who is she to welcome anyone to your family?” said Nori.
Agreed, thought Scarlett as Laylani strode through the open front door. “I hate that she has my last name,” she muttered.
Brayden raised his eyebrow at her. “You could use mine.” He stooped to pick up their bags. “If you want to.”
The comment gave her butterflies. It was tempting, even if it was unheard of for a head of house in Soleil to take another name. “Scarlett Maddox has a nice ring to it,” she agreed as she led him into the foyer. The sunlight streaming through the doorway dimmed as Brayden’s form filled the entrance, and the familiar smell of lemon polish and fresh-cut flowers washed over her.
Laylani stood in the foyer waiting for them like she was trying to emphasize that she was their hostess in Scarlett’s own home. Scarlett couldn’t wait until she’d evicted this evil, murdering witch.
“I’m taking Brayden upstairs to get settled in,” she announced before Laylani could say anything.
Laylani’s empty smile grew larger. “Of course. Perhaps tomorrow we could all go out for dinner and catch up?”
Scarlett didn’t want to eat dinner with Laylani, but maybe her stepmother would get into the wine and say too much. Parliament wasn’t in session until the day after next, so she had the time.
