Her Wilde Marines (Wilde, Nevada 4)

“This is hardly enough.”

“I’ll go to the bank and get you the rest, kitten.”

She bristled, hearing him call her the pet name he’d given her years ago.

“I’ve got a line on something big that will fix all our problems.”

“Larry, don’t give me your line of bullshit.” She took the bills. “Still gambling?”

He shrugged.

Gambling was just one of her ex’s vices. The list was long. Cheating. Drinking. Lying. God, what a fool I was to marry him. She’d been sixteen, too young to know her own mind. At least I got two amazing daughters from our marriage. It had lasted just under two years. Larry had been screwing a neighbor the day Autumn was born. The jerk had missed their daughter’s birth entirely.

“Don’t make any promises to the girls this time. Please. They’ve been through enough.”

“I heard about your mom and Lily.” He extended his arm as if to try to comfort her, but she stepped back.

She didn’t want him to ever touch her again. She was willing to be civil with him for the girls, but no more.

He frowned but didn’t move forward.

“I’m moving to town, Emma. I will be able to see you and the girls more often. I’ve been promoted to lead geologist.” Larry might not have any common sense when it came to his relationships, but he was quite smart about other things.

Emma wished she didn’t have to tell him about the move, but she had to. Larry had visitation rights for Andrea and Autumn, and the court had ordered her to inform him of any changes in address. “We won’t be living here much longer.”

His face tightened. “Where will you be living?”

“Nevada. We’re moving to Wilde.”

“Your mom’s hometown.” Larry shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I didn’t ask for your opinion. This is my decision.” She’d had to learn to become independent. She’d gotten her GED and earned her bachelor’s degree. It had been tough with two little ones that depended on her, and she’d done it all on her own. Her ex wasn’t about to tell her what to do. Not now. Not ever. “I have full custody of the girls. There is no stipulation in the court papers that says I can’t move the girls somewhere else. I only have to let you know our address.”

“I guess I deserve that.” Larry sighed. “I haven’t been the best father to our girls. When are you leaving?”

“First thing in the morning. The girls will be here until I get things settled.”

“Not much time to try to rebuild a relationship with them, is it?” He looked troubled.

Was he truly concerned about the girls? Would he actually miss them?

“Emma, I don’t want you and the girls to go, but I can understand why you think you should.”

He had no clue. He didn’t know about the voices at night, about her fear that she would one day lose her mind like both her sisters had. She wished she could trust him, trust anyone with her secrets, but she couldn’t.

“I’m going to be better.” Larry placed his hand on her shoulder, and this time she didn’t pull away. “I messed up, but I want to make it up to you.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

She had learned a long time ago that her ex always had ulterior motives, always manipulated things and people to his advantage. Had he really changed? Had he finally grown up? She had never loved him and didn’t want him in her life, but if he could change for the girls, that would be a dream come true. She didn’t know how long she would stay sane. Hopefully this move to Wilde would silence the voices and she could keep her girls, but she just didn’t know.

Is it worth the risk to trust him one more time?

Chapter Three

It felt great to be home. Adam had been all around the world but no place held his heart like Wilde.

“What do you think of my new hotel?” Maude Strong was the owner of the Cactus and one of the matriarchs of the town. It had burned down last year.