Page 23 of Phoenix Rising
But I would fight for the people on the block I knew; Mr. and Mrs. Moretti, who owned the fabulous Italian restaurant open for four generations along with their son, Gio, who ran it now and made food to die for.
Lacy Sullivan, who owned the flower shop and taught me all about orchids and African violets when my first few died and understood my obsession with plants.
The bike shop where customers would take a test ride around the neighborhood, and the sandwich shop that made the best roast beef in Boston.
There were other shop proprietors who I’d waved to, but haven’t yet visited. But after this, I planned on getting as many owners to fight against my father’s horrible gentrification plans.
“I know that look,” Luka said.
Burton giggled before he waved everyone inside. Rather than following them, the two men stood at my back and glared at Hale.
“You know I always get what I want,” Hale pouted.
“Not this time. I’ve always understood you hated me and I’ve accepted it, but to force others out of business because of nothing more than spite is a petty and… well, it’s a fucked up thing to do. I’ll fight you all the way.”
And he chose this moment to shake me to the core.
“All the contracts I have with the two gentlemen behind you will be void if you decide on this course of action. It’ll be a loss no business can survive.”
I jolted where I stood as Luka let out a booming laugh. Burton joined him and as they leaned into each other, guffawing the entire time.
Empty threats.
I crossed my arms and glared at my father. Luka cleared his throat before he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me against his sculpted chest. Warmth flooded me at his casual, yet possessive touch and I melted against him, my rapid pulse calming.
“All our contracts are iron clad because of the lawyers we’ve involved. Although we’ve done business with you for years, we never trusted you, Aalto. But since you’re threatening our livelihood, consider us no longer available for your projects. Good luck coming in under budget or getting the job done at all.”
To a certain extent, the mature adult I hid behind the bright decorations, millions of plants, decadent sugar and dough creations identified the hole my father had dug himself into and didn’t take pride in the fact he was destroying his career on the petty and disgusting grudge he held against me for being alive. But the other side of me, the one who buried every hurtful comment and aggressive snipe my father had become an expert in, celebrated with glee.
His eyes flashed to me, his usual punching bag. “What are you smiling at, you fucking waste of space?”
“Your downfall, and it’s funny as hell because you believe you’re right. By the way, you’re still an asshole and getting worse with age, so get the fuck off this property and don’t come back. Ever. Also, you’re banned from Phoenix Rising for the rest of your life.”
“You—”
“I’ve held Arthur back for years. He’s a vicious bitch who will humiliate you with a wave of his hand. I predict your reputation is going to take a hit over the next few months, so a word of advice about my best friend. He won’t stop until he destroys you and Jude will do anything to protect his husband, so don’t start a war you can’t finish,” I snarled.
Without waiting for an answer, I stepped back. Luka and Burton stood tall next to me the entire time without jumping in, and I appreciated their support. We moved as one until we were past the threshold. Once inside, I gave Hale a bitter smile and slammed the door in his face, locking it, knowing he needed the last word.
After a typical confrontation, I’d shake for several minutes afterward and replay the conversation, coming up with all the things I would have said to him if I’d found the right words. But as I stared at the door, determination washed over me.
“I’m going to bury that motherfucker with his contrivances.”
“And we’ll help.”
I squealed and turned toward the voice, forgetting we had visitors, only to be blocked by Luka’s frame. I clamped my hands on the back of the tee he wore and peeked around him, making another sound when I noticed four sets of eyes on me.
“Hi, honey, I’m Naomie and this is my husband, Vani. We’re Burton’s parents.”
Not wanting to seem rude by hiding behind my two men, I popped out and shook both of their hands. As I studied them, I noticed the familiarity between Burton and his parents. His father was the same height as his son. Although the hair around his temples was a gorgeous silver, the rest was the same shade of familiar light brown. His mother was the epitome of a gorgeous blonde, but her kind green eyes matched Burton’s as she studied me.
“It’s nice to meet you both.”
Luka’s mom stepped forward and enveloped me in a hug, which brought tears to my eyes. I inhaled and fell in love since she smelled like the earth and greenery.
“Oh,zaja, you are the sweetest. No wonder they fell for you.”
“Um, yeah, what did you call me?”
