It felt strange to be in her apartment again. She turned on the light in the kitchen. The last time she had been here she had left a coffee mug in the sink and a pile of mail on the counter. Jack and Sawyer had made it clear she was going to live with them at the penthouse permanently. After the trip to New York she would have to set aside time to box up a few personal items she had.

She had kept pictures and albums her mother had made. Her baby book. The portraits from her parent’s wedding. Those were priceless memories that would move with her to the penthouse.

Lily added water to her plants at the window. It would be enough to get them through a few more days. At least she didn’t have any pets. She had considered getting a cat, but that was before her new relationship. She laughed, wondering what her boyfriends would think of a kitten or even a puppy running around their spotless apartment.

Now, with planning for a baby, she would need new things. Everything would change in the penthouse. She wondered if Sawyer and Jack had realized that yet.

In the back of her linen closet was the lavender eye mask and the sleeping pillow she used on flights. She tried different brands, but this pillow was made of down and she felt as if she was sleeping on a cloud.

“That’s it,” she announced to the empty apartment. She tucked the items into her suitcases and rolled them to the front door. She had to run by the penthouse and pack before going to the airport.

The private jet wasn’t necessary, but she wasn’t going to turn down the Kincaid-Rivers chauffeur.

Just as Lily opened the door, she froze. Her heart fell to her stomach.

“Hi, Lily.”

“Uncle Gino, what are you doing here?” He was the last person she wanted to see.

“Thought I’d pay my niece a visit. What’s this here?” He pointed at the bags.

“I don’t have time to catch up.” She steeled herself, tipping her chin forward. “I have a business trip.”

“A business trip? What kind?”

Her uncle blocked the door and hadn’t moved an inch.

“It’s for Kincaid-Rivers,” she snarled. “You should know what my obligations are for the next year.”

He cracked a nasty smile. “And how’s the gig panning out? Have you made my money back yet?”

“It doesn’t work like that. It takes time, but it will be paid back.”

He nodded. “Good. Good to hear you’re finally worth something.”

The anger rushed through her. “Worth something? I’m worth more than you know.”

“Oh, you think because you’re some hot shit executive that you’re better than me now? Is that it? That you can talk down to your family? I took you in, you little shit. I raised you.”

Lily glared. “You didn’t raise me. You barely kept me fed. And you only did that so social services wasn’t breathing down your neck.”

He moved closer and she could smell the alcohol on his breath. She knew better than to let the argument escalate. When he drank, he was a devil.

“You’ve always been ungrateful. Just like your damn mother.” He shook his finger in her face. “You’re in that job because of me. Don’t forget that.”

She couldn’t stop herself. “I’m in that job because Sawyer and Jack want me there. And I’m not leaving. Not ever.”

He almost stumbled backward, but caught himself. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? Jack and Sawyer? Don’t you mean Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Rivers?”

“It means I’m wanted at KR. It means I finally have two men who care about me. That respect me. That know I’m worth something because I am an educated, smart woman. They don’t talk to me the way you do. They don’t treat me like utter shit.” The words kept pouring out. “You know where we went over the weekend? To Napa. To their estate. You know where I’m going? To New York and they are putting me in the most expensive room at the Waldorf. Yes, the Waldorf. You know where I live now? In the KR penthouse—with them. I am with them. Not you. Not ever again. You and I are not family. They are my family.” She was out of breath. “Get the hell out of my way.”

She pushed past him, dragging the suitcases behind her. She knew if she didn’t make it to the elevator, her knees would give out from either fear or adrenaline.

The doors closed behind her as he uncle stood motionless in the hallway. His mouth was agape. She leaned into the wall, finally exhaling.

She did it. She stood up for herself. And it felt fucking amazing.