Tempted by Eden (Eden #1)

35. Cora

Chapter thirty-five

Cora

T he scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the kitchen as I wrap my hands around my mug, savoring the warmth seeping into my fingertips. After a long night at Eden, I’m drained, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

I glance over to the living room, where Leo’s busy narrating the epic saga of his monster trucks, his voice rising with each “crash!” and “boom!” He’s lost in his own world, oblivious to mine, and right now, that’s all I can ask for.

Dad shuffles into the kitchen, yawning as he drops into the chair across from me, his T-shirt crumpled and his hair mussed. “Is there coffee in that pot for an old man?”

“Always.” I get up and pour him a cup, watching as he takes it in both hands and breathes in the steam.

“You look worn out, darling.” His eyes crinkle with worry as he studies my face.

I give him a tired half-smile. “Long night.”

He looks at me with that piercing gaze, the one that makes me feel like he can read every thought I try to bury. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard. Running on empty.”

I shrug, staring down at my cup. “I just… I don’t know, Dad. I’m terrified that James will try to take Leo away.”

Dad’s expression softens, and he reaches across the table to cover my hand with his. “We’ll fight,” he says, his tone strong and steady. “We’ll fight with everything we have.”

“But what if that isn’t enough?” I whisper, voicing the fear that’s been gnawing at me.

He squeezes my hand, his thumb brushing across my knuckles. “We may not have his money, but we have something better—love, stability, and a home. That’s what Leo knows, and that’s what truly matters.”

Dad falls silent, a far-off look in his eyes like he’s replaying a memory only he can see. “I think about your mother often, you know.” His thumb absently rubs his wedding ring. “She had that same fierce protectiveness, that same fire that you have. She’d do anything to shield her family. And I know she’d never want Leo to be dragged into a world that could change who he is.”

The lump in my throat grows and I swallow hard. “I worry about that too. James’s world—it’s full of privilege and entitlement. And Leo... he’s just a kid. He still gets excited over finding worms in the garden, still believes that everyone tells the truth. What if that world warps him, turns him into someone I wouldn’t even recognize? Someone who thinks money can buy happiness or respect?”

Dad nods. “It’s true—growing up with that much privilege can mess with a person. They start to feel like the world owes them something, that they’re above the rules that ground the rest of us. I’ve seen it happen before. Wealth and power have a way of tempting a person, changing what they value. But it doesn’t have to be that way.”

He pauses, tapping his fingers on his mug as if contemplating his next words carefully. “But if James is truly committed to being a father figure, if he wants to earn his place in Leo’s life and respect the life you’ve built for him, then maybe there’s hope. Maybe he won’t let his world change Leo.”

A small part of me wants to believe that, but I can’t shake the doubt. “I don’t know. James hasn’t even tried to show he’s serious. It’s like he thinks he can just step in and take over, like Leo’s a piece of his estate or something.”

Dad chuckles, though there’s no humor in it. “That’s his world, Cora. People like him, they’re used to control, having things fall into place just because they say so. But Leo’s not something he can control. He’s a person, a child, with his own mind, his own heart. James might think he has all the power, but he’ll have to learn that Leo isn’t just another piece on his chessboard.”

Hearing those words makes it easier to breathe. “You really think he could come around?”

Dad nods slowly. “If he wants to be part of Leo’s life, he’ll have to make the effort. And if he can’t respect the life you’ve built for Leo, then he doesn’t deserve to be in it—simple as that. No matter how much money he has.”

I close my eyes, letting those words sink in. “Thanks, Dad. Sometimes I just feel so... overwhelmed. I don’t know if I’m strong enough for all of this.”

He tightens his grip on my hand. “You’re stronger than you know. And you’re not alone. I’ll be right here with you every step of the way. You have me, and you have Leo.”

At that moment, Leo bounds into the kitchen, his face bright with excitement. “Mom! My truck did a flip! You gotta see it!” He holds up the truck, and his joy fills the room.

I smile, even as tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “That’s awesome, pumpkin. I bet it was a great flip.”

Leo beams, dashing back to his trucks.

Dad watches Leo with pride. “He’s a good kid, Cora. And that’s all thanks to you.” His voice soft but sure. “And if James has any sense at all, he’ll come to understand that love can’t be bought.”

I nod, Dad’s reassurance a balm for the fears that have been eating away at me.

Leo’s laughter rings out from the living room, and it’s a sweet reminder of what truly matters.