“Odette…” Father hissed, glancing over his shoulder. “Hush. She’s a grown woman. She can do as she pleases.”
Finn sat forward and placed his forearms on the dining table, clasping his hands together. “I’m glad you and I agree on that fact, Mr. Baker. Because Mina has decided to stay with me for a time.”
Mother didn’t blink, her features frozen.
Father turned back to the screen, that same simple, pleasant smile on his face. “That’s lovely. I’m sure you two are enjoying each other’s company.”
I sat forward too, my side brushing against Finn’s, our arms touching—which my father didn’t miss. I stated with reassurance, “Mother, I am fine. I’m not lying. I want to be here. It’s all right.”
“Of course, it is.” Father waved a dismissing hand.
Except I kept my attention on my mother.
My father couldn’t see her expression from where he sat with her standing behind him at his shoulder.
Fear was flickering in her eyes like a flashing light warning all near her to back away slowly because she was about to explode.
Finn spoke gently, “Mrs. Kramer, would you feel better if you came by my home to speak with Mina in person? While I have business here to take care of for the next hour or so, you are more than welcome to drop by, if that would appease your worries.”
“Yes,” she choked, her tone garbled, leaping at the chance to see me in person. Her eyes turned toward me, and she stated, “Mina, I’ll be there in a half hour.”
I held up a quick hand. “Mother, could you pack a bag for me? I have no personal items here and could use clothes and toiletries.”
Her blink was slow. “I can manage that.”
Finn asked, “Do you know where I live or should I send you my address?”
This was out of politeness because everyone in New City knew where the corporate kings lived in their mansions.
But my mother nodded and flicked her eyes at him, her voice brisk. “Please do so, Mr. Baker.”
I blinked.
Father even glanced back at her, his brows furrowed, but he swiftly turned his head back around. He asked, “My wife will be there soon.” His attention flicked in my direction and held my gaze. His eyes softened. “I’ll have her bring your bracelet too.”
“As if I would forget that,” Mother grouched under her breath and stalked away from the couch, on a mission to get my items. Most importantly, my bracelet so she could contact me when she wanted to. I knew that was why she had insisted on replacing mine as soon as possible.
She disappeared from view.
Father watched her go, apparent shock slashing his features at her rudeness. He blinked in confusion, and then jerked his eyes back to us. My father scarcely pulled himself together to state, “She’ll see you soon, Mina. Mr. Baker, it’s always a pleasure speaking with you.”
We nodded, not another word spoken.
Finn ended the call, and the screen disappeared.
I glanced at his profile, and then quickly looked away.
He was staring at the wall, a scowl on his face.
I cleared my throat and brushed off a fake piece of dirt from his table. “That went better than expected.”
Finn snorted, asking bluntly, “Is your mother going to be an issue?”
I needed clarification. “For what? Me staying here or for the shifters?”
“For you staying here.” He sighed heavily, breaking his stare down with his wall. The white tiger stretched back on his chair, placed his right arm over the top of mine, and peered directly into my eyes. “I know she’s too smart to be a problem for the shifters. We have the money and power, and she wants to succeed professionally here in the city. But will she try to make you leave my home?”
I chewed on the inside of my cheek, my face scrunching a bit. “Do you want me to answer that honestly?”
