Marcus Tandem will not trap me again.

CHAPTER EIGHT

KATIA

“Would you like a coffee before we start, Mrs. Tandem?”

I shake my head, my hands fumbling nervously in my lap. My eyes keep darting to the door, then back to my lawyer, then back to the door. I want to leap up and run, because running always seems like the easier option. I know it’s not, though. I know running won’t solve anything for me.

“Then let’s begin, shall we?”

I turn my eyes back to my young, rather attractive lawyer. He’s studying me with deep blue eyes covered by dark eyelashes and thick brows. He places his hands on the desk in a casual manner, as if that’s going to make me feel more comfortable about this situation.

“Yes,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“You’re here because you want to divorce your husband, Marcus Tandem. Is this correct?”

“Yes.”

“And he has other ideas about it.”

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. “He doesn’t want it.”

“Is he refusing to sign? Or refusing to leave in general?”

“We’re separated, Mr. Chan, I assure you of that. We have been for over a year. He just won’t sign the papers.”

He nods. “You’re aware that after a certain period of separation, he doesn’t get a choice? We can take the matter further, but in the end he won’t have much of an option. He can’t make you remain as his wife.”

“The time period, is it twelve months?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“It’s been that long.”

“Then I’ve got enough to send a letter to Marcus’s lawyer, giving them options.”

“Options?”

“Yes; he can sign the papers or we can take matters further. This can go right to court, but in the end, as I said, he can’t make you remain married to him.”

I nod. “How long will this take?”

“I won’t know until he speaks with his lawyer, but I’ll get moving on it as quickly as I can.”

“Thank you.”

I get up, sign a few papers, and pay the receptionist before leaving. I need to ring my mom, I need to gather my daughter in my arms and hold her, and I need to find a way to convince Marcus it’s time to let go. I could threaten him. I mean, I’m sure he was the one who organized Walter’s ‘accidental’ death. Maybe that would be enough to give him the push he needs.

I have a feeling it won’t be, though.

No, Marcus Tandem is far more complex than that.

~*~*~*~

“Sister!”

I blink at my two brothers, standing in Ford’s kitchen. Wyatt and Landon haven’t changed a damned bit. Me, however? I probably look like a drowned rat, considering I just got out of the car as it started pouring with seasonal rain. Not to mention the booty I swear I got after having Penny. Candy assures me it looks the same, but I’m not convinced.

“Ah, hi,” I murmur.

Landon comes over, a huge smile on his face. “I knew we’d get to meet you properly and be friends sooner or later.”

“Friends?” Wyatt snorts. “Dude, you can’t be friends with your sister.”

Landon scoffs. “Course you can, idiot.”

Ford stares at the ceiling, running his hands through his hair. I feel his pain.

“Ah, well, it’s nice to see you both again.”

They both study me. “You’re still hot. I guess you did get our good genes.”

I glare at Landon, who is grinning huge at me. Wyatt chuckles. “He means that in the most un-incest kind of way.”

“Un-incest is not a word,” I point out.

Ford snorts. “Glad someone made note of that.”

“Ah, fuck you, Ford. At least we are trying to get to know her,” Wyatt throws at him.

“Aren’t I livin’ with her?” Ford throws back.

I roll my eyes.

“Boys,” I say, putting my hands up. “Can we all just get along?”

“You know what would help us get along?” Wyatt chimes in.

“Enlighten me,” I mutter.

“A night out together, as one big happy family.”

I narrow my eyes at them. “You want me to go out with you? All of you?”

“You’re our sister, are you not?” Landon asks.

“Well yes, but . . .”

“Then we deserve to get to know you. Or are you too good for that?” Wyatt crosses his arms and studies me.

“Of course I’m not,” I scoff. “Fine, I could use a night off.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a night out. I am in desperate need of something to take my mind off everything that’s going on, and I know just the person who can come with me to make sure that happens.

“I’m going to ring a friend, see if he wants to come. Then I’m going to talk to Candy and see if she’s okay to take Penny.”

“Our niece is so freaking cute.” Wyatt grins proudly. “She likes me.”

“Dude, she bit your face.” Landon laughs.

I can’t help but laugh at that. My girl doesn’t take any crap.

“Candy is still here,” Ford mutters, but I swear his eyes move up to the stairs longingly. Oh, Candy could get some of that action if she wanted it.

“Thanks.”

I turn and rush up the stairs. Candy is in the room with Penny, who is sleeping soundly.