* * *
At Sunday’s dinner,Ezreal was anxious on Sara’s behalf. He’d asked his partners to be especially nice to her. Kayn was the only one missing, having returned to Ireland for something related to the bucket-list charity he’d been working on.
Ezreal shouldn’t have worried about Sara’s reception. Francie was her usual gracious self, and there was never a chance for any awkwardness. It felt to him as though Sara had always been part of the group. He couldn’t have asked for more.
It was the time after dinner when Francie normally served dessert, when the sound of a car pulling up caused the conversation to pause. Sara stiffened, and Ezreal looked to Rafe, who mouthedBill.No one had mentioned him being invited.
“It’s someone we know.” Ezreal covered her hand.
“We haven’t had Bill and Jolene over for a while,” Francie said, “so they’re coming for some pie. Why don’t we all move to the living room?”
Her husband Alex had already left the table and gone to greet the newcomers.
“I can clean this up,” Sara said, hanging back.
“No you won’t.” Francie pulled Ezreal over, put their hands together, and gave the two of them a gentle push toward the living room.
“Did you know about him coming?” Sara asked.
“No, but I wonder if he has some news about your ex,” he said softly.
“Here? In front of everyone?” Sara held back, her complexion pale.
Ezreal explained about his talk with Bill. Her eyes flashed, but before she could say anything, he held up a finger.
“Don’t get mad. He’s over security, and he has to be informed. It’s his job to keep us and the company safe. I didn’t ask him to do any checking himself, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. We’re a close group and support each other. He held a meeting here about Ahri’s situation. It helped to make sure that we were all on the same page. Darius and I entertained Lessa and Nik, but Rafe brought us up to date after.”
“I don’t want my children to be frightened by information about their father.”
“I’ll bet Jolene’s here to entertain the kids.”
Sara slid her cold hand into Ezreal’s, and they joined the others in the living room.
“Sara, this is Bill Ryze, our head of security,” he said, leading her over to the man, “and his wife Jolene.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” the older man said.
“It’s a pleasure to meet Ezreal’sspecialfriend.” His wife winked at Sara. “Well, I’ll gather the little ones so y’all can have your talk.” Jolene jangled her bracelets, and Lessa came running over, followed by Janna.
“Nik, who’s your little friend?” The woman turned her bright smile on the boys. “Aren’t you just a darling.”
Brand shot his mother a quick glance, and Sara nodded that it was all right. He went with Nik.
The remaining adults took seats in the living room, and Ezreal didn’t miss that the love seat was left empty. He pulled Sara to it, and they sat together. Rafe was with Ahri, squeezed in beside his parents.
“Before you get started,” Ezreal said, “I want it on record that I didn’t know Bill was coming.”
“And I’ll state for the record that anything that involves your security involves my office. I apologize for not making sure you knew so you could warn Mrs. Fortune.” Bill raised his brows. “Or should I say Mrs. Zavan?”
Anger flashed through Ezreal at the almost accusatory tone, and he leaned forward. Before he could speak though, Sara did.
“Why would I keep his name when I divorced him?” Sara’s words started out soft but increased in volume. “He broke my wrist, a couple of ribs, and finally my jaw. Do you want me to show you pictures of what he did to Janna and Brand? I’ll do whatever I can to keep him away from them.” She’d risen with the last, pulling Ezreal with her, and was almost shouting.
“No offense intended.” Bill raised his hands, but he seemed satisfied. “Please sit down, Mrs. Fortune. I’m glad to see you’ll fight. Not all abused women will.”
“You poor thing.” Francie was also on her feet and had an arm around Sara. “We will support you in every way possible.”
“Only because of Ezreal,” Sara said, her voice tight as she looked at him.
