Satisfied 2X

The private jet wasn’t necessary, but she wasn’t going to turn down the Miller-Wentmore chauffeur.

Just as Kayla opened the door, she froze. Her heart fell to her stomach.

“Hi, Kayla.”

“Uncle Rudi, what are you doing here?”

“Thought I’d pay my niece a visit. What’s this here?” He pointed at the bags.

“I don’t have time to catch up.” She steeled herself, tipping her chin forward. “I have a business trip.”

“A business trip? What kind?”

Her uncle blocked the door and hadn’t moved an inch.

“It’s for Miller-Wentmore Global,” she snarled. “You should know what my obligations are for the next year.”

He cracked a nasty smile. “And how’s the gig panning out? Have you made my money back yet?”

“It doesn’t work like that. It takes time, but it will be paid back.”

He nodded. “Good. Good to hear you’re finally worth something.”

The anger rushed through her. “Worth something? I’m worth more than you know.”

“Oh, you think because you’re some hot shit executive that you’re better than me now? Is that it? That you can talk down to your family? I took you in, you little shit. I raised you.”

Kayla glared. “You didn’t raise me. You barely kept me fed. And you only did that so social services wasn’t breathing down your neck.”

He moved closer and she could smell the alcohol on his breath. She knew better than to let the argument escalate. When he drank, he was a devil.

“You’ve always been ungrateful. Just like your damn mother.” He shook his finger in her face. “You’re in that job because of me. Don’t forget that.”

She couldn’t stop herself. “I’m in that job because Wyatt and Jason want me there. And I’m not leaving. Not ever.”

He almost stumbled backward, but caught himself. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? Jason and Wyatt? Don’t you mean Mr. Miller and Mr. Wentmore?”

“It means I’m wanted at MWG. It means I finally have two men who care about me. That respect me. That know I’m worth something because I am an educated, smart woman. They don’t talk to me the way you do. They don’t treat me like utter shit.” The words kept pouring out. “You know where we went over the weekend? To Napa. To their estate. You know where I’m going? To New York and they are putting me in the most expensive room at the Waldorf. Yes, the Waldorf. You know where I live now? In the MWG penthouse—with them. I am with them. Not you. Not ever again. You and I are not family. They are my family.” She was out of breath. “Get the hell out of my way.”

She pushed past him, dragging the suitcases behind her. She knew if she didn’t make it to the elevator, her knees would give out from either fear or adrenaline.

The doors closed behind her as he uncle stood motionless in the hallway. His mouth was agape. She leaned into the wall, finally exhaling.

She did it. She stood up for herself. And it felt fucking amazing.

Thirty-One

Kayla

“I don’t like that I’m so far away,” Kayla pouted over FaceMessage to Wyatt and Jason. They took turns passing her back and forth on their tablet.

“Two nights, love,” Jason reassured her.

She fell onto a pile of silk pillows. “My room is stunning. I’ve never seen anything like it. Want a tour?” She held up her phone.

“Sure.” Wyatt had the screen now.

She walked through the rooms in the suites. “You know I didn’t need so many rooms for only me. I think Vickie went overboard.”