Fidelity (Infidelity #5)(109)
Jane ran Montague Manor until Angelina was born.
I wanted Jane in New York and thankfully she wanted to be here.
She didn’t raise our daughter the way she had me. Nox and I were too hands-on for that, but she helped. She and Silvia both. Together they sat with us during long nights of crying and colic. They gave advice and cared for all of us. Jane held my hand while Silvia kicked Nox’s behind. She was his voice of reason when he became too obsessed.
It worked. Together we were a family.
As Oren had said many times: family was family.
No longer did Nox and I need our apartment in the city. It didn’t make sense with Angelina. We both wanted our child to have a home with a yard, surrounded by love. That didn’t mean Nox and I didn’t still work in the city. Until just recently, I had a part-time position at Demetri Enterprises in their legal department—the job Nox had offered me years ago. With Dominic Russell almost here, I was officially on a leave of absence.
“I’m sorry Chelsea and Isaac couldn’t be here,” Nox said as we continued to watch the scene around us unfold.
“I know how you were looking forward to seeing him.”
Nox shrugged. “After all those years of having him around every day, it’s weird.”
“Don’t you speak to him daily regardless?”
“I do. Security isn’t all hands-on. He’s lightened some of Deloris’s burden.”
“I think it’s kind of cool that he and Chelsea finally realized there was something between them.”
Nox reached out to my stomach. “It’s about time since their little one is due in three months.”
I laughed. “I know. I was so looking forward to seeing Chelsea. She wasn’t showing the last time we were all together.” I smiled, recalling their wedding.
“Well, not all brides look as beautiful as you did with a baby bump.”
“Speaking of brides… Uncle Preston seems to be doing well with Cy.”
Nox sighed. “I’m so glad they’re out of Infidelity and now married.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I am too, but what’s going on?”
“Why would you think something is going on?”
“The way you said that. I know you hate the company.”
Nox shrugged. “Demetri pulled out.”
“I hate when that happens.”
His blue eyes shone. “Oh, princess. We can rectify that right now. You, me, upstairs.”
I laughed. “That’s almost as tempting as a trek to the gas station restroom.”
He leaned close, his warm breath near my ear and whispered, “We’ll do it in the bathroom, you can hold the vanity, and I’ll watch your golden eyes in the mirror as you scream about my cock.”
I shook my head. “Dick. You’re avoiding the subject.”
“I’m not. You want it. Just admit it.”
“I want to know what’s happening with Infidelity.”
“It dodged a bullet, a big one, with the Melissa murder. It’s not worth the risk. We’re no longer involved, not Demetri Enterprises, not you, or Chelsea, or Pat and Cy.”
“But, Nox, hundreds or thousands of people are, from everyday people to movie and sports stars. I wouldn’t want it made public for any of them.”
“Princess, I’m not exposing it. Deloris was a huge asset for the company. But we’re out. She has more important things to do than watch their firewalls. I’m not saying it’ll happen, but if it does, we’re clear. Even their…” He nodded toward Pat and Cy. “…records were deleted.”
“Chelsea’s?”
“Yes, that happened before asshole’s trial.”
I knew it had. It was just good to hear it.
“Lennox,” Oren called. “Angi and I have a proposition for you and Alex.”
Nox’s smile grew. “Do you know how much trouble we’re in if she learns her negotiating skills from him?”
“SOMETHING SMELLS WONDERFUL,” Oren said as we made our way down the stairs and toward the kitchen.
“I have your coffee poured, and the calzones are almost ready,” Silvia said.
“Silvia,” I said, taking in the counter filled with sweets. “You always outdo yourself.”
She grinned. “I like having people around again. This place was too quiet for too long.”
A squeal came from the way of the corridor to the pool house.
We all laughed. “It’s not too quiet now.” I nodded toward the hallway. “I’m guessing Angelina is already awake?”
“That girl’s been up for hours. It’s taking every bit of her parents’ persuasion to stop her from opening the presents or passing them out. Lennox told her she could as soon as everyone was there.”
“Just imagine what it will be like when there are two of them,” I said.
“Oh, Lordy, Miss Adelaide,” Jane said, coming from the direction of the excitement. “I think I’m getting too old for this.”
“Nonsense, Jane,” Oren said. “You’re young at heart where it counts.”
Silvia carried a tray of coffee mugs toward the pool house. “Most everyone is already there. Come on and enjoy the fun.”