Chapter Ten

 

Abbey slowly woke to the decadent feeling of Luke’s warm body spooning hers. His leg hair tickled the back of her legs and his arm was protectively around her waist. She smiled, feeling his morning erection pressed against her ass. His long even breathing suggested he was still sleeping. She could definitely get used to waking up like this every morning. And if he had meant what he’d said earlier this morning, she would be.

She still couldn’t believe she was here after so many years. Abbey had wasted ten long years being angry, hurt, and stubborn when she could have spent it being with Luke. If only she would have let him explain. Then who knew where they’d be by now. Married most likely. Probably a kid or two. Little mini versions of Luke.

Her hand instinctively went to her abdomen. Based on her cycle, there was a chance she could be pregnant. The thought should have made her nervous, considering she and Luke had only just reunited, but because she loved him so much, she was hopeful. Hopeful of the amazing future they could build together. Finally, after being apart for so long.

Abbey thought back to everything they’d talked about. She was humbled because he trusted her enough to tell her about his amazing career coming to an end and his Uncle Darren’s condition. She wasn’t ready to use the C-word just yet. Abbey had always known Darren to be a strong, vibrant man. Driven. Ambitious. Well respected in the sports community as well as the business community. He’ll beat this. He has to, for Luke’s sake and his own. It hurt her heart to think Luke could lose another parent.

She looked over at the digital clock on the nightstand. The red display showed it was nearly ten thirty. She and Luke had managed a few hours of sleep, at least. Instead of feeling tired, Abbey felt refreshed with a renewed sense of optimism.

Needing to use the bathroom, she gently eased herself out of bed. Luke moaned in his sleep and turned onto his back. She frowned at the bruises on his shoulder, the deep red and dark purple spots a harsh contrast against the bright white bedsheets.

In slumber, with his hair tussled and his face peaceful, he looked young and carefree. Unfortunately, at the moment, he was anything but. Abbey meant what she’d told him when he confided in her earlier. She’d do anything she could to help him and Darren through the transitions that were being thrust upon them now. She would let Luke sleep a little longer before they needed to get ready for brunch.

She quietly padded to the luxurious en suite bathroom, clicking the door closed. She’d never seen anything so lavish. It was nearly the size of her apartment, with heated, white Italian marble floors, an oversized white jetted tub, a ceiling dripping with glistening chandeliers, and a plush, eight-foot long, white backless couch conveniently placed in front of an enormous glass-enclosed shower with too many shower and steam heads to count.

She took care of business and washed her hands. Abbey looked at herself in the vanity mirror. Her eyes were bright and her skin glowed. Several hickeys and love bites on her breasts and stomach stood out against her light complexion. Luke had marked her as his and she couldn’t help but feel thrilled.

She was sticky. Sticky because Luke had decided he needed to eat wedding cake off her body before they’d fallen asleep. She stretched, feeling pleasantly sore in all the right places, especially between her legs.

Luke’s cock was bigger than the last time they were together. Almost painfully big, but she didn’t mind, welcoming the pain. Just as she finished brushing her teeth with the hotel-provided toothbrush, Luke stumbled in, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

Abbey stood there looking her fill at the god of a man in front of her. He’s beautiful. Golden-blond hair mussed up from sleep, long, powerful legs, six-pack abs, lean, muscular arms, and nearly fully erect. Aside from the angry-looking bruises on his shoulder, Luke was perfect. And mine. She felt her nipples pucker and her pussy slicken just watching him stand there, not fully awake yet.

“You left me,” Luke muttered as he walked toward her. Stalked toward her.

“I didn’t leave you. I had to use the bathroom.”

He stopped in front of her, leaned over, and gently kissed all the marks he’d left on her body. His warm lips on her skin had her body humming. How could she want him again? He’s turned me into a nympho.

Luke grunted and used the toilet, unbothered by her presence. Rather than feel uncomfortable, she felt content by the intimacy they shared. It felt right to her. As it should be between them now.

After he finished, he washed his hands and brushed his teeth using items from his black leather toiletry bag. He stroked his hard dick a couple of times and took Abbey by the hand, trying to lead her out of the bathroom.

“Back to bed, princess. I need you.”

She gently pulled out of his grasp. “Luke, we have to get ready for brunch, remember? We’re all meeting at the restaurant at noon.”

Luke sighed and shook his head. “Forget brunch. I’d rather spend the day in bed fucking you, trying to make a little mini Luke,” he whined.

Abbey quivered at the thought. Not only of spending the day in bed with Luke, but of the possibility of making a baby. Luke’s baby. She knew he would make a wonderful father if his work with the kids from the children’s foundation was any indication.

As if on cue, both their stomachs growled. They had worked up an appetite. “See? We’re both hungry after all that strenuous physical activity, right? I hear the brunch buffet has prime rib, honey-glazed ham, and turkey carving stations. Doesn’t that sound delicious?”

Luke’s stomach growled again, even louder than before. He shrugged. “Yeah, I guess so, but we can always order up room service, you know,” he countered.

Abbey chuckled. Poor Luke. He couldn’t get what he wanted exactly when he wanted it. If they were going to start a family, which she still couldn’t wrap her head around just yet, he’d have to get used to delayed gratification.

“I know, but we promised Jake we’d be there. It’s just for a little while. We can build up our strength with some great food and then we can come right back up here, like you want to. What do you say?” She smiled at him, amused as he seemed to contemplate whether they would keep their promise to Jake.

Luke blew out a frustrated breath. “Fine, but we take a shower together before heading to brunch.” He turned knobs and pressed buttons, and the shower magically came to life. Luke let the shower run for a few moments and guided Abbey into the warm spray.

She sighed as the warm, pressured water eased her sore muscles. Heaven. Pure heaven. She felt Luke at her back, wet and warm, and he wrapped his arms around her. She could feel his hard dick pressed against the crack of her ass. She wiggled and Luke groaned.

Shivers went down her spine when he placed light little kisses along her neck and shoulders. “Here, let me work some of the kinks out, baby,” Luke murmured softly and rubbed her neck, shoulders, and back, easing her tension away.

He worked his way down her back and kneaded the globes of her ass with his warm slippery fingers. So good. She felt him kneel down behind her and he slowly rubbed her thighs and calves. The feel of Luke’s strong hands and fingers on her body had her nipples tightening and her pussy moistening.

Abbey felt so relaxed and turned on she leaned against the shower wall for support. She startled when she felt Luke’s tongue between her legs, licking her slick folds. She arched her back, sticking her ass deeper into Luke’s face.

She groaned and moved her hips back and forth, riding his tongue. Luke nibbled and laved at her clit with his talented tongue until she couldn’t hold on any longer. Abbey squeezed her eyes shut and rode the wave of pure bliss that roared through her. How was he able to make her come so quickly? No one else had been able make her respond the way he did.

Before Abbey could catch her breath, Luke thrust his hard cock deep inside her, bumping up against her G-spot. She shuddered and pushed back against him, feeling another orgasm building.

“Princess, you feel so fucking good,” he groaned as he pounded into her from behind, his balls slapping against her ass each time he slammed back into her. “You like my big dick fucking you from behind, don’t you baby?” He pulled out and thrust back in, hitting her G-spot again.

Yes. She loved it. Any way she could have Luke, she’d happily take him. God, she was going to come again.

“Yes, Luke. You feel so, so good.” She groaned, pushing back against his cock. She was close. As if Luke sensed her, he reached between her legs and stroked her still-sensitive clit until a wave of ecstasy thrummed through her again. “Luke!”

“That’s it, baby, come all over my dick. I’m right behind you, princess.” Luke grunted and pulsed inside her, filling her with so much cum she felt some trickle out of her. “Take all my cum, baby. Take every last drop. I’m going to keep fucking you until we make a baby. Count on it.”

Luke held her tightly as they both came down from their orgasmic high and their breathing slowed to normal. The warm shower spray continued beating down against their sensitive skin. She felt Luke soften and pull out of her. She immediately missed him inside of her.

Luke turned Abbey around and devoured her mouth while steam billowed around them. Their tongues danced and tangled until they were breathless again. Luke broke the kiss and touched his forehead against hers.

“I love you so much, Abbey. So fucking much. I can’t wait to see you swollen with our baby.” He held her close as the warm shower water continued to sluice over them. She leaned into him, reveling in the warm, strong feeling of his powerful body wrapped around hers.

Abbey had dreamed of moments just like this over the last ten years. The two of them, together, content, and wrapped around each other. She’d been so lonely over the last ten years. Abbey hadn’t realized just how lonely until this weekend.

They gently swayed in the shower, happy right where they were. The prospect of having a baby scared Abbey a little, but she was looking forward to it, too. What a crazy thing to possibly end up pregnant at the same time as her sister.

“I love you too, Luke. I’m excited but scared, too,” she admitted.

What if this was all just a dream? What if trusting Luke so easily after so much time was a huge mistake? Then where would she be? Alone again, heartbroken and pregnant? How would that even work? Would they share custody like divorced couples did? Would Luke be angry and sue for full custody? Abbey felt tears sting her eyes.

“Hey princess, where did you go just then?” Luke lifted her chip up so he could look at her.

Abbey saw the concern in his eyes. She didn’t know how to verbalize her concerns. “I’m scared.”

Luke smiled down at her and shook his head. “No need to be, princess. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to take such good care of you and our baby, you’ll see. Trust me, Abbey. We belong together. I’m in this for the long haul.”

Abbey wanted to believe. Very much. Her stomach growled, then his did.

“Okay, let’s finish up and get you fed. You might be eating for two now,” Luke suggested.

Laughing, they made quick work of getting cleaned up. The Fairchild Hotel’s spa supplied the most lush bath products Abbey had ever used before. The lavender-scented body wash left her skin silky smooth and soft. The matching shampoo and conditioner did wonders for her golden locks. No more store brand for me. Abbey would pick some up before she checked out of the hotel.

She had no idea if she was pregnant or not. It was probably too early for a pregnancy test, regardless. Don’t stress out over it. It’ll happen when it happens. “Maybe. Either way, I’m starved.”

Luke turned knobs and pressed buttons, shutting the shower off. Abbey’s hot flesh chilled, and she shivered. He led her out onto the heated floor and wrapped a fluffy white towel around her. Much better. She towel dried her hair the best she could. It would have to do until she got to her room where her toiletries and blow dryer were.

Luke dried off and wrapped a towel around his waist. She admired the blond Viking in front of her for a moment before heading to the bedroom to get her things. He followed behind her.

“What are you doing?” Luke asked as she picked up her clothes strewn all over the bedroom floor. Her room was right next door. Maybe she could sneak next door in her towel and avoid the hassle of getting dressed and then having to change again.

“I have to go to my room, Luke. My clothes are there. I have to dry my hair. You know, I have to get ready. You go ahead and get dressed, then come get me when you’re ready.” Abbey glanced at the nightstand clock. Damn. A quarter to twelve. They would be late for brunch.

Abbey dug her suite key card out of her evening bag and went to the door with Luke right behind her. “I’ll walk you next door, princess.”

Two of his security detail stood in the hallway. Abbey peeked and didn’t see anyone, only the housekeeping cart. Not that she was ashamed, but walking around in nothing but a towel wasn’t the norm for her.

“I’ll be right back,” Luke told the men. One of them held his suite door open while Luke escorted her to her suite and opened the door for her.

So this is what it will be like to be taken care of—by Luke. I think I can get used to this.

Luke ushered Abbey inside her suite. Just as lush and well-appointed as his suite, hers had one bedroom. He held on to her suite key card and kissed her softly on the lips. His lips were warm and inviting.

“Go and get ready. You’re probably freaking because we’re going to be a little late, aren’t you?”

How did he still know her so well? “Not completely freaking out, but do I hate to be late. That hasn’t changed.”

Punctuality was one of Abbey’s biggest pet peeves. She’d always prided herself for being on time, usually early for appointments. Chronically late people annoyed the hell out of her. She knew Luke wasn’t normally late either. They’d been pleasantly distracted this morning.

He kissed her on the forehead and headed toward the door. “I won’t take long. I’ll let myself back in when I’m ready.” He left with the suite door clicking closed behind him.

It’s so much easier for a man. All they did was towel dry their hair and throw on a pair pants and a shirt.

She tossed her wedding clothing in the closet and ran to her bathroom to get ready. The spa’s haircare products left her golden-blonde tresses luxuriously soft and shiny. She’d buy some before she left the Fairchild.

Abbey hurried through but didn’t skip her skin care routine. She’d considered applying a little makeup since she had all the products that Angel had given her yesterday. When she examined her face in the mirror, she had to admit she looked refreshed and glowing with nothing on her face at all. This is what happiness looks like. Smiling at her reflection, she applied a little lip gloss and made quick work of slipping into a white satin and lace bra and panty set. Abbey chose not to look at the clock, but instead concentrated on getting ready.

She’d just slipped into a short-sleeved, floral-print sundress that showcased her boobs without showing off too much cleavage when Luke walked into the bedroom. Abbey cinched the waist ties behind her, accentuating her narrow waist and rounded hips. She loved this dress. Sexy without being slutty. Perfect for Sunday brunch.

Luke looked her over slowly, his gaze searing her as it made the journey from her face down to her bare feet. She felt her nipples react and her core slicken. Abbey shook her head. There was no time for that.

He stalked over to her and kissed her so ferociously they were both panting when he finally pulled away. “Damn, princess. You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Abbey shook her head but still flushed at his compliment. Luke had traveled in the same circles as the most gorgeous women in the world. There was no way she could ever compete with that. Not that she wasn’t pretty, but she wasn’t the most beautiful. She knew that.

Luke frowned at her, shaking his head. “Don’t do that, princess. Don’t compare yourself to who I’ve been exposed to. To me, you are the most beautiful, the most precious person in the entire world. You always have been. Believe it, all right?”

When Luke looked at her with such tenderness, love, and desire, how could she not believe him? She wanted to because he was that to her. Beautiful and precious. He always had been.

Abbey nodded. “Okay, I will. Let me put my sandals on and I’ll be ready to go.” She looked at Luke and laughed to herself. Just like I said, pants and a shirt, although very expensive pants and shirt. He had on a black pair of Gucci Genius jeans and light-blue Gucci dress shirt nearly the same shade as his eyes.

This was Luke’s life now. He could afford anything he wanted. She wondered now that she was with Luke, how her life would change in addition to having their baby. She’d bet he wouldn’t want her to work, arguing she wouldn’t need to. Abbey didn’t have a job at the moment, but wasn’t sure if she saw herself as a full-time stay-at-home-mom kind of woman.

She pushed those thoughts aside. It was still her reboot weekend. There was plenty of time to decide about work and family starting tomorrow.

“So I was talking to my boys while I was getting ready. We decided we’re having two boys then a girl,” Luke announced as they and the two security detail reached the elevator banks. She was thankful no other guests were around.

Boys? What? “What boys? Jake and Heath?” Abbey had no clue what Luke was talking about? Two boys then a girl?

Luke grabbed his crotch. “My boys, my swimmers, my baby makers,” he replied.

Abbey rolled her eyes. “You spoke to your sperm? And what?  Put in an order for two boys and a girl? In that specific order?”

If the security detail thought Luke was crazy, they made no indication of it. They stood quietly with her and Luke waiting for the next available elevator to arrive.

He flashed her a smug smile and shrugged. “Yes. We need two boys first then a girl. The order is important.”

An elevator dinged and the doors opened. Thank God, it’s empty.

“First, I don’t think you can order the birth order of children like that. Not yet anyway.” Maybe you could, with technology what it was these days. She’d have to look into that. “Second why is the order so important?” He seemed so determined.

Luke put his arm securely around Abbey’s waist, pulling her close. “I’ve got four World Series championship rings and three Cy Young awards. I can do whatever I want, princess,” Luke said confidently. “But we need two boys before the girl because our daughter will be so gorgeous I’ll need our sons’ help to protect her and keep all the other boys away from her. That’s why.”

Aww. Abbey’s heart squeezed. He couldn’t say things like that. So sweet. Abbey looked over at the two security detail and saw they were grinning and nodding slightly.

“See? The guys agree, don’t you?” Luke kissed her forehead and smiled brightly.

“Yes, sir,” both the men replied.

They reached the lobby floor and the elevator doors sprang open. Luke didn’t acknowledge the few guests waiting to enter that had recognized him. “So, it’s settled then. That’s the plan.” Luke led her by the hand to the restaurant, determination in his stride.

Abbey just smiled. How could she argue with that logic? This was her Luke. She’d play along with his plan, knowing full well Luke would adore their children regardless of their birth order or gender.

It looked like she and Luke were the last to arrive at the bustling restaurant, not quite ten minutes late, with Leah and Heath just sitting down. Leah looked positively radiant, with Heath a little more subdued but not able to take his eyes off her. Good for them. Abbey hoped the two of them gave being together an honest try. They deserved to be happy.

Luke and Abbey took their seats with Leah, Heath, and Rocco to Abbey’s left and Darren and Maureen to Luke’s right. Across the table from them, the newlyweds sat center stage with Abbey’s parents to her right and Jake’s parents to Abbey’s left, along with Abbey’s grandmother Ruth and Jake’s grandmother Beverly.

“Now that we’re all here,” Jake began and took Cassie’s hand in his, “go ahead and fill your glasses. We have pitchers of Mimosas, water, cranberry juice, and plain orange juice in the pitcher with the white straw tied around the handle.”

As everyone busied themselves filling their glasses, mostly from the Mimosa pitchers, Luke turned to Abbey and whispered, “Cranberry?”

Abbey knew she needed to refrain from drinking alcohol on the chance she could be pregnant already, but she knew Jake and Cassie were watching her and Luke with interest, their brows raised. She trusted they wouldn’t say anything out loud when Abbey nodded and Luke filled her glass with the burgundy-colored juice.

Once everyone had filled glasses, Jake continued. “Cassie and I would like to thank everyone at the table for helping to make yesterday the best day of our lives. No one could ask for a better group of people to call family than the ones sitting around this table. There was a lot of toasting to Cassie and me yesterday, but this afternoon I want to toast all of you.” Jake and Cassie raised their glasses and everyone around the table followed suit. “We love you all and consider you an amazing blessing in our lives. To our family.”

“To our family,” everyone around the table echoed and took a sip of their chosen beverage.

“Make sure you eat and drink up. I was told Luke has already taken care of our bill.” Jake flashed Luke a phony glare and helped Cassie out of her chair. Abbey heard the click of camera phones around them, but no one at their table, including Luke acknowledged them.

This is what it’s going to be like, especially after I become pregnant? “It’s okay, Abbey,” Luke whispered as everyone made their way around the generous brunch spread. “Come on, let’s eat so we can head back to my room.” He took her hand and led her to the carving stations and got them both plates.

Abbey’s mother seemed to notice their interlocked fingers and gestured to her father. Abbey’s father looked over, surprised at first, and then smiled at her and Luke, nodding with approval. Her mother flashed them a huge grin and went to the omelette station. Abbey was relieved but not surprised. Her parents had always been fond of Luke. Everything’s going to be okay.

Luke signed a few autographs and took photos with some diners while Abbey filled her plate with turkey, scrambled eggs, sausage links, country fried potatoes, and sautéed vegetables prepared for her at the omelette station. Abbey hoped she had a good mix of nutrients, just in case. She needed to research the proper pregnancy eating plan as soon as possible.

Abbey had just begun digging into her food when Luke returned the table with his plate piled high with prime rib, ham, country fried potatoes, and a variety of other food stacked on top of each other she couldn’t decipher what was what.

Luke leaned over and kissed Abbey’s cheek, his warm lips searing her skin. Her body reacted immediately. Hold it together, Abbey.

Jake laughed at Luke. “Damn, Luke, you sure you got enough? You didn’t have it pile it on so high. You can go back up for more, you know?”

Luke shrugged Jake off. “What can I say? I’m starved. Had a busy morning, need to replenish my energy.”

Leah snickered beside Abbey and she felt herself blush. She needed to get the subject back to the newlyweds.

“So, are you both excited about your honeymoon in Aruba? What’s it like there in June?”

With the conversation steered to topics other than her and Luke, everyone relaxed into their meals and enjoyed post-wedding chitchat. Although Abbey could still hear cell phone photos being taken, she was thankful no one bothered them.

Abbey was nibbling on dessert when Darren spoke up.

“We’re holding a Cobras press conference Monday afternoon at one o’clock.”

Luke stiffened beside her. She took a hold of his hand and gently squeezed it for assurance. He squeezed back. Everyone around the table stopped what they were doing, all eyes on Luke and Darren.

“That’s quick,” Luke muttered, seemingly not thrilled with Darren’s announcement.

“Is everything all right?” Abbey’s father asked.

Everyone at the table had troubled expressions on their faces. Abbey’s stomach fell to her feet, her heart aching for Luke. Even though she and Luke had discussed the upcoming transitions, it was probably still difficult for him. Talking privately was one thing. A press conference was something different. It made everything real.

Darren nodded, but he had a frown on his face. “Yes, we have a few important announcements to make. They can’t wait.”

Jake looked pissed. “And you can’t at least tell the family? Now?” Everyone at the table murmured in agreement.

“Jake, look…” Luke began, but Darren put a hand on his shoulder.

“Jake, have you noticed everyone around us is taking pictures? Many are recording on their phones.”

Jake’s eyes widened as if he hadn’t considered the possibility. He looked at the surrounding diners, anger flaring from his eyes. “Don’t you people have better things to do? Can’t you see we’re having a private family meal? Back off.”

Some diners walked away embarrassed, while others who were sitting nearby just placed their phones down, trying not to be so obvious. They didn’t fool anyone.

“Jake, it’s going to be all right. You have my word. There’s no reason to get upset. You just married your beautiful bride. You’re leaving on your honeymoon tomorrow. Focus on that. It’s what’s most important.”

Jake blew out a frustrated breath and Cassie reached out and laced her fingers through his. “I’m really tired of this shit, you know? All damned weekend with secrets.”

“Everything’s going to be all right,” Cassie said. Jake nodded sadly and pulled her close for comfort.

“Your bride is right, Jake. I didn’t mean to dampen everyone’s happy mood, but I wanted the family to know before the press conference was announced. It will be later this afternoon,” Darren added softly.

Luke suddenly stood up, surprising everyone at the table. He looked down at Abbey tenderly. “I’m going for more dessert. Would you like more cheesecake, princess?”

Abbey nodded and Luke kissed her lightly on the lips before heading to the dessert tables. She sighed when she heard the click of cell phones behind her. After a little more dessert, I’m ready to get away from all these prying eyes. Abbey wasn’t sure if she’d ever get used to the attention. She wondered how Luke did it. He never seemed too bothered by it.

****

Outside the restaurant entrance, Luke stood with everyone from their table, chatting after they’d all stuffed themselves. He’d been ravenous, but he was still distraught his Uncle Darren had scheduled their press conference for the following afternoon. Too soon. He was pissed that some brunch diners had paid too much attention to their group.

He held Abbey’s hand tightly, comforted by her support. He was eager to get back to his room, not only so he could fuck her until they were both worn out, but for some much needed privacy. He was tired of having his every move watched. He needed a break. He needed to get the focus back on him and Abbey and their plans for the future.

Jake checked his watch. “Well, Darren booked us a couple’s massage, so we really should get going to the spa.”

“Oh, that sounds so nice,” Abbey commented and looked at Luke with a gleam in her eyes.

He’d get them a couple’s massage since his princess liked the idea. Maybe they could get a private massage in his room so they wouldn’t attract unnecessary attention at the spa.

“Abbey! There you are. What the hell?” Luke and his family turned to find some angry, dark-haired, bad boy wannabe dressed in black jeans, a black Harley Davidson t-shirt, and tatted-up arms storming over to them.

Abbey flinched and that pissed Luke off. Was she afraid of this asshole? He didn’t give a shit who this dude was. No one fucked with his woman.

“What are you doing here, Tom? I told you to I didn’t need you as my date this weekend,” Abbey told the asshole. She had considered this douche as her date for the wedding? No fucking way.

Tom gestured at his and Abbey’s linked hands with disgust. “Oh yeah, I got that after I saw at all the pictures of you posted on Facebook.”

Shit. Luke had hoped very little of their time together ended up on social media. So much for everyone’s word they wouldn’t post anything. Regardless, what business was it of Tom’s if Abbey had refuted his attempts to muscle in as her date? Fuck him and his attitude.

Luke held on to her as she slumped her shoulders. “I had no idea we’re on Facebook. I turned off my phone.”

His family checked their cell phones, including Grandma Ruth and Grandma Beverly. Even in their late-seventies those two were fairly computer literate. They were all probably looking for news or posts about him and Abbey. This was not good.

He hadn’t heard from Brenna since last night. How was this revelation going to affect their Mission Abbey plans? Brenna hadn’t told Luke how she was planning on making the news of their split public.

Tom threw his hands up in frustration. “No shit. Since when do you turn your cell phone off? Your ticketing system was down. Tim and I kept trying to reach you, but you never picked up or responded to our calls and texts. What the fuck, Abbey?”

An angry Grandma Ruth went right up to Tom and poked him in the chest. “Don’t you talk to my granddaughter like that, you jerk!”

An angrier Grandma Beverly was right on Ruth’s heels and in Tom’s face. “Ruth’s right. You leave our Abbey alone. She’s a smart, good girl and she doesn’t have to listen to your crap.”

Tom stepped back and put his hands up in surrender. Abbey let go of Luke’s hand and group hugged the upset grandmothers. “I’ve got this,” Luke heard her tell them.

Abbey turned to Tom with anger in her pretty eyes. Good, she’s going to let this dick have it and I’ll be her backup. Unfortunately, their confrontation drew a bit of attention and three of his security detail including Rocco, were at the ready, waiting for Luke’s direction. He wanted Abbey to have her say before he let them get rid of this asshole.

“First of all, it’s not my ticketing system anymore. Tim Webber made it abundantly clear that my responsibilities and skill set were no longer required when he fired me Wednesday afternoon. But I’m sure you already know that, don’t you?” Abbey crossed her arms under her chest, exposing more of her tempting tits in her pretty sundress. Luke didn’t miss Tom the Douche ogling her.

“You got fired?” the entire family, including Luke, asked. Everyone looked stunned. Abbey worked her ass off at that shit hole Office Supply Galaxy. They were too cheap to hire additional people to help her, leaving Abbey with the workload of at least two people. From what Luke understood, Abbey was the only person supporting OSG’s ticketing system. The system was considered mission critical and they fired her? It made no sense.

Tom redirected his gaze to Abbey’s face, looking remorseful. “Abbey and about fifty others were laid off, not fired. And I didn’t know. Not until the system went down Saturday night and Tim called me when he couldn’t reach you. You should have called one of us back. Tim’s really pissed off.”

Abbey shook her head. “I don’t give a shit what Tim or you are. I no longer work at OSG, so the ticketing system is no longer my problem. Let Tim be pissed off. So am I. I worked my ass off for ten years and what did I get for it?”

“Abbey, think about it a second before you ignore Tim. He’s making noise about going to HR…”

Luke’s Uncle Darren stepped up beside Abbey and put an arm around her shoulders. “That’s enough. Abbey, honey, did OSG require you to sign termination documents?”

Abbey nodded. “Yes, I had to so I’d get my six months’ severance and three months of paid health insurance.”

“So Tom, you tell Tim, Jim, John, Clark or whoever else thinks they can intimidate Abbey, that if they even consider withholding Abbey’s severance or any other benefits she’s entitled to, by the time my legal team is through with Office Supply Galaxy, she’ll own the damn company. Now get the hell out of here and don’t ever bother her again. Understand?”

Luke motioned to Rocco and his security detail. Rocco grabbed Tom by the arm, flanked by the others on the security team, and led Tom around the corner to the hotel exit.

Luke and everyone else sighed in relief. Abbey kissed Darren on the cheek and immediately returned to Luke’s side, lacing her fingers through his. Her beautiful smile lit up her face. Luke was more than capable of defending his woman, but he knew his uncle was protective of their family. He hadn’t had the heart to ask his uncle to step aside.

Abbey’s father Phil held out his hand and Darren shook it. “Thank you, Darren.”

Darren clapped Phil on the shoulder. “My pleasure, Phil. No one screws with this family if I have anything to say about it.”

Some onlookers applauded and snapped photos of Darren and Phil. “Don’t you all have someplace else to be?” Luke barked.

His gut clenched. Who knew how much longer they’d all have Darren in their lives? Before Luke could contemplate his uncle’s future, two of his security detail ran toward them from around the corner.

“Everyone needs to get back to their rooms, immediately.”

“What’s going on?” Abbey asked him, concern in her lovely gaze.

Luke wasn’t sure. Did Tom do something? Then he saw the press descending, video cameras in hand, cameras flashing, and Brenna Sinclair heading toward them, larger than life, like the movie star she was. She wore a form-fitting, white, knee-length knit dress and high-heeled white pumps, a stark contrast to her silky dark-brown tresses. Brenna Sinclair was the epitome of Hollywood royalty—and she looked pissed. Damn. What the fuck, Brenna?

Abbey let go of his hand and stepped away. Why was Brenna doing things this way?

“There you are, Luke! I should have known. I’ve been waiting for you in our hotel room all weekend but you kept putting me off. Because of her, I bet?” Brenna flicked her dark-brown locks over her shoulder with dramatic flair. The paparazzi ate it up, the camera flashes nearly blinding.

Abbey looked him with watery eyes, betrayal etched in her delicate features. “Luke?”

“Now I know why you insisted I not attend your friend’s wedding as your guest. You said it was because you didn’t want to draw attention away from the bride and the groom. But now I know that was a lie. You wanted to spend time with her. Don’t even bother trying to deny it. Your escapades are all over social media. What a fool I was. I thought you were going to propose this weekend.”

“Luke, what’s the blonde’s name?”

“How long have you been cheating on Brenna, Luke?”

“Did you think you could have them both? Got a redhead somewhere too?”

Luke was going to kill Brenna for doing this. He thought she would mention they’d stopped seeing other this weekend with TMZ or Access Hollywood. Not create this unnecessary drama that he would have to untangle with Abbey. Actors.

“I can’t believe you did this to me again. I could be…” Abbey whispered as she tried to push her way through the crowd of press and onlookers.

Luke reached for her arm, but she pulled away as if she was repulsed at the thought of touching him. “Princess, it’s not what it seems.” Christ, did I just say that? Because it’s not what it seems.

Brenna gasped melodramatically. “You call her princess too?”

Fuck. This was getting worse by the second. Luke was relieved hotel security and the local police arrived. It’s about time. Before they could wrangle the press away, Abbey made a break for it and some paparazzi started after her.

“Rocco,” Luke shouted over the roar of commotion.

Rocco ushered Abbey away with the rest of his security detail as some the hotel’s security guards fended off the press.

His heart sank as his family stood around him with confused expressions on their faces. It was time for him to make everything right. Once and for all. He hoped it wasn’t too late.