Saved.
“Someone’s full of energy today,” I say, shifting my attention to him.
I watch as Sebastian climbs onto the bed and drops his head briefly against his mum’s chest.
“Wynter said I’m the best reader she’s ever listened to,” he says proudly. “She doesn’t know anything about history. Can you believe it?”
“Doesn’t surprise me,” I say dryly.
Anika shoots me a warning look. “So, you’re going to educate her, then?” she asks lightly.
Sebastian grins, clearly pleased with the idea.
I’ve never met a kid so obsessed with history. He reads it, watches it, talks about it like he lived through it himself. A walking encyclopaedia.
“Just remember,” I say, “she’s here to help your mum. She’s not your nanny.”
Sebastian frowns slightly. “Can she be? I really like her.”
“Not you as well,” I mutter, rolling my eyes as Anika smirks. “She must be a witch,” I add. “She’s got you all under some kind of spell.”
“Or,” Anika says sweetly, “maybe she’s just that nice.”
“That wasn’t the fucking deal.” The words come out low, controlled, but no less threatening for it.
Dale steps forward beside me, his presence enough to shift the air in the room.
Richard Borne doesn’t flinch. He straightens in his chair instead, like he’s dealt with men like us a hundred times before. Which, to be fair, he has.
He’s one of the best lawyers in the city. I’ve used him for years, but that doesn’t mean I won’t replace him, because right now, I’m pissed.
“We’ve been over this,” I continue, voice tightening. “I’m not backing down.”
“This isn’t about backing down,” Richard says calmly. “It’s about what a court will allow.”
I stare at him, my jaw clenching in frustration.
“This is about Sebastian,” he adds. “Luke has agreed to everything else. You can’t block him from seeing his son just because you don’t like him.”
I push to my feet, slamming my hands onto the desk and leaning forward. “This isn’t about me hating him,” I bite out. “He doesn’t pay a penny towards the kid he claims to love so much. I cover everything.”
Richard exhales slowly, but I don’t give him a chance to respond.
“And we both know why he suddenly wants access,” I continue. “It’s not about Sebastian. It’s about me.”
“We can’t prove that,” Richard says, calm as ever. “And without proof, it doesn’t matter what we think.” My jaw tightens. “He made a point of telling the judge he was being reasonable,” Richard adds. “That he’s agreed to let Anika and Sebastian stay here, in your home.”
I let out a harsh laugh. “Like he had a choice.”
Richard says nothing.
“And if he was so concerned,” I go on, pacing now, “why didn’t he go for full custody?” It’s met with silence. “I’ll tell you why,” I snap. “Because he doesn’t want Sebastian.” I stop, turning back to face him. “He wants to get under my skin.”
Richard stands, straightening his jacket before picking up his briefcase. “If he pushed for full custody,” he says evenly, “I think the judge would grant it. Let’s be grateful we’re not fighting that battle.” I curl my hands to fists. Just that thought alone enrages me. “I’ll have the paperwork sent over first thing tomorrow,” he continues. “You can sign on Anika’s behalf.”
He pauses at the door, glancing back. “And Ray, stay out of his way. The last thing we need is this dragging out.”
Then he’s gone. Silence settles over the office. It lasts all of three seconds before I swipe my arm across the desk, sending the paperwork flying.
