Chapter 39 #3
“The blond one and her at some work site with the toddler in tow. The teacher and her on a football field, his hands cradling her stomach and looking like the quintessential picture of a loving family. The half-naked man prancing through her door at all hours of the night. Then there’s you and her, leaving the precinct through the back entrance, and plenty more that show you touching one another affectionately,” Mia states, her tone firm but apologetic.
“It paints a pretty damning picture, Raiden. Personally, I couldn’t care less what you choose to do in your personal life.
I know you, little brother. You’d never jump into something so life-changing without giving it adequate thought.
I’ll always support you, even if I don’t understand the appeal of sharing your girlfriend.
I mean, I get the advantage for her, but as for the four of you…
” she trails off, a smirk curving her lips, and adds, “Unless?”
“Unless what?” I voice, afraid to know where she’s going with this.
“Are you and the guys involved as well?” she questions bluntly, head tilting to the side as she ponders if I’ve suddenly taken a liking to men.
“Get fucked, Mia.” I shove my middle finger in her direction, hammering home the point. “I can assure you, there’s absolutely zero sexual tension between us. We’ve barely gotten to the point of tolerating one another for extended periods of time.”
“Just asking.” She holds her hands up innocently, barely biting back a smile.
I roll my eyes at her poorly repressed need to get a rise out of me.
I exhale roughly, knowing the playful moment is coming to an end when she squares her shoulders.
“They haven’t gone public yet, Raiden. Why is that, you think?
” she prods, then forges on before I can formulate a response.
“They’ve got dozens of pictures at their disposal, and while they aren’t necessarily salacious, they could certainly be presented in a way that would make the public question how innocent Andilyn Adams truly is. ”
“What’s your opinion then? Why do you think they’re keeping quiet when there’s plenty of noise they could be making?” I ask, genuinely curious to hear Mia’s perspective.
“From a lawyer’s standpoint, I think this sympathizer group is operating under Cantmeir’s orders, and they’re waiting for a smoking gun that would destroy any credibility that Andi has.
From what you’ve told me about why you wanted to hire Bel in the first place, I believe Ada Stillwater is a vengeful bitch and wants to mete out her own brand of justice.
She’s going to use her son’s death to her benefit and accuse Andi of being involved in his execution.
And then to really turn the tide in her favor, she’ll use the four of you, in some capacity, to make the public turn against her,” Mia states, her answer unsurprising but still devastating to hear.
“How much more does Andi have to go through before the world decides she’s had enough and leaves her the hell alone?” I question aloud, asking no one in particular.
“I wish I knew the answer to that, little brother. And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this on top of everything else.
” Mia steps forward and wraps her arms around my middle, offering me comfort the only way she knows how.
I hug her back, needing the moment to remind me that this is my sister, and she’d never intentionally cause me pain or strife.
So if a few photos are what’s needed to keep these assholes from growing suspicious, then that’s what they’ll get.
I can only hope that Deputy Director Denvers is keeping his finger on their pulse and won’t let things escalate much further before deciding to step in.
“It’s cold as fuck out here. Can we please go inside now?” I ask, pulling back and dropping a kiss on Mia’s head.
“One more thing,” she interjects, stopping me in my tracks as I turn to leave. Her eyes bounce between mine, searching for the nerve to voice her thoughts. “Does this mean you’re a dad now?” she asks quietly, as if she’s afraid of how I’ll respond to her meddling in something I’d deemed off limits.
“Yeah, I think it does, Mia,” I answer proudly, a massive smile breaking free the moment I give voice to that irrefutable truth. “Or, one of four, at least?” I jest, jumping back when she swats my arm playfully.
“You joke now, but wait until Mam?e and Papai catch wind of this. Your only saving grace is the fact you’ll be giving them instant grandchildren to take the heat off of you.
They’ll be too enamored with them to bother scolding their only son for keeping such a massive secret.
” Mia laughs maniacally at the fearful look etched across my face.
I truly dread the day I have to explain my relationship to our parents, but not for the reasons my sister thinks.
I’m terrified that their reaction is going to be the catalyst that forever changes our dynamic.
If Andi or the guys are met with judgment or hostility from the two people who are supposed to love me unconditionally, I’ll be forced to make a decision that’s painful for everyone involved.
I’m certain Andi would blame herself for causing a rift between us, but when you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, they become your immediate family and take precedence over everyone else.
And after a lifetime of Andi being an afterthought to every person who should’ve made her a priority, I’ll be damned if she ever questions where she ranks when it comes to me.
First, minha luz. Always first.