Kian (Undercover Billionaire, #1)(24)

“Who’s supervising them today?” Roxie asked, hoping her voice sounded casual. She didn’t want to admit to Eden she was afraid Kian would be there.

“Not sure who’s with them today, but most of the volunteer coordinators don’t hover, wanting them to feel like they’re capable and appreciated, not needing their hand held,” Eden said.

“I’m definitely going to have to get involved if I stay here,” Roxie said, but as soon as the words were out of her mouth, she realized that might make her run into Kian as well. This was all just too damn complicated.

“A lot of these kids come from troubled homes, or they have emotional or mental issues they’re dealing with. But this center is really great about not putting any of them into a category. They want them to be just like their peers, and the more respect they are treated with, the more stable they feel,” Eden said.

“Yeah, I know there’s a really thin line some of these teens walk. They can go one direction or the other. I’m so glad to see a program like this in place,” Roxie said. She was looking about her, but became more relaxed when she didn’t spot Kian anywhere.

Eden filled her in on the different programs, and Roxie was impressed by how involved this group was. She was also impressed by the number of elite community members giving their time. The kids who got involved felt it was cool to do so since they were supervised by people they hero-worshiped.

Looking down at her watch, Roxie noticed that almost an hour had passed, and as much as she didn’t want this visit to end, she knew she had to get on with her business. She didn’t have time to play all day, as she still had to look for a job and make sure she would even have time to volunteer. Her number-one priority right now was providing for Lily. It wasn’t all about herself anymore, which was an odd concept to delve into.

The word mom flashed through her mind again. She wasn’t a mother, couldn’t even fathom being a mom, but as she glanced down at her niece, she knew that was all changing. She was this child’s sole caretaker for now, and Lily wasn’t even four years old yet. Roxie might want to push Kian away, but he would be her father whether Roxie was willing to think about that reality or not. And Roxie also decided she would keep the memory of Pamela alive in Lily’s mind and heart. She might be acting as Lily’s mom, but Roxie would be certain the child knew who she came from.

What if she failed, though? She’d screwed up so many times in her life. Would this be the ultimate catastrophe for her? Would she fail this precious child in ways that would lead her to needing a place like the volunteer center to save her? A shudder rushed through Roxie’s body at the thought.

Roxie had to push those types of thoughts from her mind, because if she dwelled on them for too long, she would sink deeper and deeper, and then she wouldn’t be doing herself or her niece any good. Her eyes stung as she blinked away the tears that wanted to come and spill over. She hated that she allowed herself to dwell on things she couldn’t control.

“We should probably get back,” Roxie said, hating to break up their pleasant time together.

“I know, but I don’t want to. I’ve missed you,” Eden said with a sad smile.

“I’m sorry I left that way, I truly am,” Roxie told her again.

“I don’t want you to apologize anymore. Just don’t leave now that you’re back,” Eden said. Her voice was serious. She didn’t even try to cover up her words with a joke or a forgiving smile.

“I . . .” Roxie stopped speaking as she noticed the man walking up to them.

There went her wish to not see Kian. Damn! Eden looked at Kian, then at Roxie, then back at Kian. It was obvious there was massive tension between the two of them, more than there should have been if they were just seeing each other for the first time in four years.

“Hi, Kian,” Eden said, breaking the silence.

“Eden,” he said with a nod, his gaze never leaving Roxie’s face. He addressed Roxie next. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

What in the world was she supposed to say to that? Eden looked as if she were searching for the popcorn while getting comfy to enjoy the show. Roxie couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t feel the same if she were on the other side of this situation.

“Yes, I have,” Roxie admitted. What would be the point in lying?

His lips twitched the slightest bit, as if he were fighting back a smile. But then his gaze focused on Lily, and Roxie felt her stomach tense. There was such possession in his gaze that she wanted to grab Lily and run. She knew he had more rights to the child than she did, but for some reason she couldn’t begin to fathom, she knew to the very roots of her soul, she couldn’t let Lily go.

“Can we go somewhere and talk privately?” he asked.

“I’ll just take a stroll and check in on the kids,” Eden said, disappointment oozing from her voice.

Roxie didn’t have to say anything as Eden disappeared. She felt betrayed because she didn’t want to be alone with Kian right now.

“This isn’t the time,” she told him.

“Too bad,” he said.

The determination in his voice made the color drain from Roxie’s cheeks. Something had changed within him, and she knew the battle was very much on between them. Was she going to be strong enough to fight?





Chapter Ten