Spin My Love(4)

“So where has Keira gone today?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Out,” Levi says pointedly. That means Keira has found a new boy, but Levi doesn’t want to say in front of Justin, her son.

“I see,” I say softly. That explains the cleavage and stripper heels.

“I got a six,” Justin announces happily. He’s such a good kid. He continuously pushes his sandy-blond hair from his face, revealing those big brown eyes. I should tell Keira to get him a haircut, but I can only imagine how she’d take that.

I watch as Parker slowly moves his counter, thinking no one’s watching. “Parker! That’s cheating,” I say, trying not to laugh. My baby is sneaky. I put on my serious face.

“You said you have to make your own luck, Mama,” Parker replies. My eyes widen. Damn kid is already using my own words against me.

“Yes, but when you’re playing a game you can’t cheat. It’s not honourable,” I say sagely. Parker thinks it over, then nods.

“Knights don’t cheat,” he says, biting his bottom lip. He wants to be a knight when he grows up. I don’t have the heart to tell him he’s a few centuries too late.

“No, they wouldn’t,” I agree. “So neither should you.” He gives me a nod.

“How about we all watch a movie?” I ask the boys. They both nod eagerly, so we put on Madagascar, which I know for a fact is Levi’s favourite, although he won’t admit it. The way his eyes light up when the introduction song comes on confirms it. We all squish together on Gage’s soft black couch and watch the movie. I look around, my gaze touching each of the four boys individually. This is my family. Justin and Parker both snuggle into me, and I exhale in contentment.



*****



I pull into Keira’s driveway the next evening and park the car. I open Justin’s door and let him out. Parker’s staying another night with Gage and Levi—they insisted I needed a night to myself. They wanted to keep Justin for another night too, but we were unable to contact Keira.

Keira’s house is enormous. It makes mine look like a shed. After her divorce, she got the house and a huge settlement. I’m not sure about the finer details, but I know her and her ex-husband now can’t stand the sight of each other. He doesn’t come and see Justin at all, just sends money to fulfil his fatherly duties. Like that is supposed to make up for his absence.

The two-storey house is cream coloured, the roof a rustic brown. The porch itself is the size of my living room, with a dainty table and matching chairs that look completely ornamental. The garden is carefully maintained, and the hedges are the straightest I’ve ever seen. She hires people to do everything for her, of course; nothing is done herself.

I unbuckle Justin and pull him from his booster seat, lifting him into my arms. “Oh, we almost forgot your new toys, Justin,” I say as I reach into the car and pull out his bags. Levi spoils his nephew as much as he spoils Parker.

I walk up the familiar path to the double doors, both made of fine wood. I press the bell twice, but after a minute or so there is still no answer. I know Keira is home, because her car is in the driveway along with an unfamiliar black, expensive-looking car. I turn the fancy brass doorknob, to find it unlocked. I glance at my watch; it’s ten minutes past seven. I always drop Justin home around seven, so she should be expecting us. I assume she left the door unlocked for me, so I walk in, and head into the living area.

I put Justin down, kissing him on the forehead. “Bye Aunt Giselle,” he calls out as he takes the bag from me and heads to his room, no doubt to play with his new toys. I smirk, shaking my head at him. “Keira!” I call out, walking through the lounge room. I hear a noise in the kitchen so I head straight there.

“Oh my God,” I yell upon entering the room, bringing my hand up to shield my eyes.

Most people cook in their kitchen. Oh, how I wish she were cooking, because then I wouldn’t see her butt-naked, kissing some guy on her kitchen table.

“Keira, your son is home! For fuck’s sake,” I yell at her, turning around so I don’t have to see anymore. I hear her mutter a curse, then shuffling. Hopefully they are getting dressed. The woman is unbelievable! She knew Justin was going to be dropped off today.

“You have a kid?” asks a deep, rumbly voice.

I tense.

That voice.

Surely not …

I turn around slowly, no longer caring about their nakedness, and look straight into the cold eyes of Tane Miller himself. The man really does get around. My throat burns, and my chest hurts, but I try to school my expression.

Don’t let him see how much he hurt you.