Dare to Stay (Dare Nation 4)

As if sensing her empathetic response and unspoken need, Braden was there, bracing her with a strong arm around her waist and all of his support.

Once the emotional greeting was complete, they all settled in Willow’s small living room, making the best of her sofa and one club chair.

Before Linc could speak, Aurora began peppering him with questions. “How many brothers and sisters do you have? I mean do I have? Are they all in New York? What does everyone do?”

Linc’s eyes crinkled with warmth and amusement as he replied. “I’m the oldest and I run the family company. I’m sure you’ll learn a lot more if you decide to come work with me.”

“Me?” she said on a squeak. “But I don’t have a college degree! I barely graduated high school. And I just started learning office work at Dare Nation. Plus I live in Florida.”

Linc raised an eyebrow at that, and Willow could all but read his thoughts. For now. You live in Florida for now.

“Why don’t you let me tell you some more about the family since I have the distinct feeling you’re missing key information?” He shot both Willow and Braden a glance.

Braden shrugged. “I didn’t want to freak her out all at once.”

“What’s going on?” Aurora asked.

Linc’s low chuckle had her opening her eyes wide. “Our brother, Xander, is an–”

“Xander Kingston. The actor!” Aurora nearly yelled. “No way!”

“Yes way.” He grinned. “And Dash is a rock star.”

At this point the poor girl’s eyes were about to pop out of her head.

“And Chloe is our sister.”

Aurora blinked, tears in her eyes. “I have a sister,” she whispered, that fact impacting her more than her famous siblings. “How is this my life?”

Linc’s smile was grim. “It should have been your life sooner. I’m sorry for what my father did, but the minute I found out about you, I began looking. I just couldn’t find you until you took a legitimate job that gave me a lead.”

She shook her head. “I don’t understand why you care? I’m an illegitimate child of a man who didn’t want me. Aren’t you embarrassed by my very existence?”

His wince was at once protective and sad, Willow thought.

“I think you’ll find we Kingston kids are very resilient and we protect our own. I’m glad you’ve had support lately, but do you have plans for once the baby is born?”

Willow leaned into Braden as Aurora answered.

“No,” she whispered. “I don’t have health insurance yet, although Bri said she’s submitted the papers. And I didn’t know what I’d do about work and someone to watch the baby. I don’t have my own apartment. I’m staying here and Willow’s been sleeping on the sofa. I can’t bring a baby home with me because it’s just not fair to her–”

Willow felt the heat of Linc’s surprised but grateful stare. “Aurora, you can stay until you figure something out. I told you that.” She wanted the young woman to know she had choices.

Aurora’s damp gaze met hers. “And I appreciate that but we both know it can’t really work. And I can’t afford my own place…” She was starting to get worked up, and Willow jumped up from her seat.

She walked over to Aurora, who’d taken the chair, and put a hand on her shoulder. “Shh. Calm down, please. Getting upset isn’t good for you or the baby.”

“Can I get a word in?” Linc asked.

All eyes turned his way.

“We have a variety of solutions in New York. The family estate where my father used to live still has staff that are loyal to our family, and they were always good to us growing up. We own apartment buildings around Manhattan. Each of us has a trust fund, and I’m working on getting yours set up to atone for how you grew up and everything you’ve lacked your entire life.”

By now Aurora was crying in earnest. Not because she was sad but for the simple reason that she was overwhelmed, Willow knew.

“Can you give her time to process?” Braden asked. “As much as everything you’re offering is the answer to her prayers, she needs to adjust to her new reality.”

Linc scowled, obviously used to getting his way.

Undeterred, Braden continued. “I realize you have her best interest at heart, but the few emotional connections she has are here.”

Willow wanted to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him for standing up for Aurora’s needs and not letting Linc, despite his good intentions, take over her life.

With reluctance, the man nodded. “I could help you find an apartment, a nanny, and get set up here, if that’s what you decide,” he said to Aurora. “But I also hope you realize your family wants to get to know you. We would like you to be a part of our lives, and I’d rather take you home with me.”