18
Moreno
She stole my dead wife’s ring.
I can’t let it go. The fact she confessed is even worse.
I thought maybe something happened to it, and I was overreacting, but I know I returned the ring to its rightful place the last time I held Serene’s wedding ring.
The nice guy act is over.
Now that we’re done pretending to be married for the therapy appointment, I can return to feeling angry and hurt that she’d betray me.
Maybe I should fire her for stealing from me.
I’ve killed men for less, but she’s good with Nova, and I can’t let that be forgotten.
It’s the only reason I’m not sending her down to the dungeon to sleep. She’s good with my kid.
Shit.
My cock twitches in my trousers.
I do not want to feel anything toward the little thief. But my body betrays me, along with my heart.
“Get out of the car,” I grit between clenched teeth.
I shut off the engine and climb out in haste.
The nanny is out of the vehicle before I can open the back door to retrieve my daughter. She’s already unbuckling her like a pro.
“I can do that,” I say. Anger boils in my blood, and I want her nowhere near my kin.
A frown is etched on her face. Did she forget that she stole from me? “Did I say something wrong?”
“You stole my dead wife’s ring.” I yank open the back door to grab Nova, and she throws her arms up to Paige, wanting the nanny over her father.
Fuck.
I didn’t intend to scare Nova.
I forget how easily she frightens.
Nova clutches onto Paige, burying her face in the nanny’s neck.
Paige is gentle and kind, warm and compassionate. She rubs at Nova’s back as she carries her into the house.
I don’t understand how someone who can be so caring can also be so callous to steal from me.
“Do I not pay you enough? Is that the problem?” I’m chasing after her, demanding an answer.
I held my tongue long enough on the drive home. I can’t be kept silent any longer. The betrayal cuts into me like a dagger to the heart from behind.
“I trusted you,” I seethe.
Paige doesn’t answer me. She carries Nova to the playroom down the hallway.
“We can have this conversation later,” she says to me over her shoulder.