Their make-believe romance

feels way too real!

His proposal is a deal she can’t refuse…

Cruelly rejected by the Stewarts after revealing herself to her birth family, Morgan Young turns to Jared Robinson for comfort. The reformed bad boy proposes they pretend to be a couple to show his own family he’s settling down. And before long, they aren’t pretending! Yet just as Morgan begins to feel accepted, secrets and all, a vicious rumor about Jared’s past threatens them both…

YAHRAH ST JOHN is the author of thirty-two books and one deliciously sinful anthology. When she’s not at home crafting one of her spicy romances with compelling heroes and feisty heroines with a dash of family drama, she is gourmet cooking or travelling the globe seeking out her next adventure. St John is a member of Romance Writers of America. Visit www.yahrahstjohn.com for more information.

Also by Yahrah St. John

At the CEO’s Pleasure

His Marriage Demand

Red Carpet Redemption

Cappuccino Kisses

Taming Her Tycoon

Miami After Hours

Taming Her Billionaire

His San Diego Sweetheart

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Secrets of a Fake Fiancée

Yahrah St. John

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-0-008-90436-4

SECRETS OF A FAKE FIANCÉE

© 2020 Yahrah Yisrael

Published in Great Britain 2020

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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To my friend Kiara Ashanti for always

encouraging me to write, write, write.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Note to Readers

Dedication

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Epilogue

About the Publisher

One

Morgan Young couldn’t imagine a more perfect place for a wedding than this La Jolla beach on a spring evening. She was touched by the heartfelt vows her boss, Dane Stewart, had just shared with his new wife, Iris. The couple had pledged their undying devotion with their son, Jayden, standing by his father’s side. The wedding was an especially happy occasion, considering Jayden was battling a rare form of acute lymphocytic leukemia, and finding the father he’d never met had provided him with the life-saving treatment he needed. Jayden had needed a bone marrow transplant and Dane’s stem cells had been just what the doctor ordered. Morgan had played an instrumental part in bringing the boys’ parents together.

Dane, however, had no idea of Morgan’s true identity.

She was his baby sister.

Over the last year working as his assistant, she’d kept it hidden. Morgan hadn’t intended to remain mum this long. On her deathbed, her mother, Crystal Young, had finally told Morgan her father was Henry Stewart. Crystal had had an affair with him decades ago. Morgan wanted to get to know him, but then she’d done her homework and learned of the man’s previous infidelities and his estrangement from her half brother Ayden. Morgan wondered if Henry ever considered the consequences of his actions.

She was going to find out tonight.

“Can I get a whiskey?” Morgan asked the bartender from where she’d been perched watching Dane and Iris cut the cake and share their first dance.

“That’s an awfully strong drink,” a deep masculine voice said from Morgan’s side.

She cocked her head and her breath was stolen from her chest. The voice belonged to the most handsome man she’d ever seen. He had skin the color of shortbread, stunning smooth bone structure, midnight eyes framed by bushy brows and a wide sensual mouth. His hair was short and his tuxedo fit his tall frame perfectly. He towered over her. Morgan was five-seven, so she figured he was over six feet.

“I can handle my liquor.”

He regarded her. “Is that right?” When she didn’t respond, he looked at the uniformed bartender. “I’ll have what the lady is having.”

“Coming right up.”

“So, what brings you here?” the stranger asked, turning to Morgan. “Are you a friend of the bride or the groom?”

“Both.” Morgan sipped her whiskey.

“Really? I’m surprised Dane would have let a beautiful woman like you get away.”

Morgan chuckled. “Dane and I are more like brother and sister.” The stranger had no idea how true that statement was. “And he couldn’t have picked a better wife. Iris is an amazing mother. The way she’s dealt with Jayden’s condition is nothing short of heroic. Jayden’s very fortunate to have a mother like her in his corner.”

The bartender returned with another glass and slid it toward the stranger. He accepted and drank a generous swallow. “Sounds like you speak from personal experience.”

Morgan glanced at Henry Stewart, who was dancing with Fallon Stewart, Dane’s sister. An ache formed in Morgan’s chest. “I do.” She downed the rest of her whiskey and placed it on the bar. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some urgent business to attend to.”

It was time she finally told Henry she was his daughter. Now was her chance.

Jared Robinson stared after the stunning beauty as he sipped his whiskey. Who was she? She claimed to know Dane and Iris, but he had never seen her before. Of course, the last time he’d seen Dane had been on a pit stop Dane made to Austin last year. He’d indicated he’d met someone, but hadn’t gone into much detail. Jared didn’t have to wait long to find out; as an A-list movie star and America’s Sexiest Man Alive, Dane’s every movement was tracked by the media. The press caught wind that Dane had fathered a child via sperm donation. Who could have predicted Jared’s former running buddy would fall hard and fast for the mother of his child? But fall Dane had.

Jared had no intention of going down the wedded-bliss path. He was merely here on sufferance, paying his respects to his friend. He and Dane had once been the screwups of their respective families. When they were younger, they’d been rabble-rousers, constantly getting into trouble. His father, Clay, had thought putting Jared in a boarding school would tame him, but that only gave Jared more access to females.

Jared had a way with the ladies and was unapologetic about it. He liked them in all colors, shapes and sizes. But today, there wasn’t anyone at the wedding who could hold a candle to the woman he’d shared a drink with.

Straight jet-black hair hung gloriously down the woman’s back. She had caramel brown skin, big expressive hazel eyes and a beautiful full mouth tinted with peach gloss that Jared wouldn’t mind placing his lips on. She wore a blush gown with crisscross spaghetti straps that showed off her slender back. She was easily about five foot six or seven with a lithe body. Jared wanted to get to know her better, but she’d rushed off. He would remedy the situation before the night was over. After suffering through Dane’s wedding, Jared was entitled to a little fun and she was it.

Morgan was determined. Tonight, she would reveal her true identity to Henry Stewart. She had no idea how he would take her revelation, but it was time to find out.

She was thwarted by the wedding planner, who was now ushering the guests toward the front driveway to send off the happy couple in a classic Rolls-Royce decked with streamers. Morgan was swept away in the melee. She now stood near the car and was handed a sparkler. From her vantage point, Morgan saw Dane and Iris kiss Jayden and hug their families.

Morgan’s eyes welled with tears. She should be standing over there with them. She shouldn’t have waited so long to tell the Stewarts the truth. Maybe then she wouldn’t feel like an outsider with her own family only a few feet away. She was about to push people aside, when Dane stepped away and came toward her. To Morgan’s surprise, he wrapped her in his arms.

“You’re part of the reason this was all possible,” Dane whispered in her ear. “You helped get us back together. Thank you.”

Morgan couldn’t stop a tear from escaping. “You’re welcome.”

Seconds later, Dane was gone, helping Iris into the Rolls-Royce. Morgan watched her half brother drive away to his happily-ever-after. She sighed and then glanced up to see the rest of the Stewarts watching the car wistfully.

Now was her time. She had to seize it.

Smoothing her hands down her dress, she made her way toward them. Morgan’s legs felt wobbly as if she were a newborn foal. Dane’s sister Fallon and her husband, Gage, were chasing after their son, Dylan, who was always on the move. Morgan didn’t see where Ayden and Maya had gone, but Henry and his wife, Nora, were still there in all their finery. Henry wore a tuxedo and Nora was in a one-shoulder black gown. Neither of them acknowledged her presence until Morgan cleared her throat.

“May I help you?” Nora asked, raising a brow.

Morgan ignored the look of disdain Nora gave her. Whitney, Dane’s publicist, had hooked Morgan up with a designer who loaned her the dress she was wearing, so she wasn’t sure why Nora was finding fault. “I was hoping to have a word with Mr. Stewart.”

“Tonight is a time for family,” Nora responded. “If you want to talk business, it will have to be another time.”

“It’s okay, Nora.” Henry smiled down at his wife. “I can be magnanimous. I mean, Dane got married tonight. That is worth celebrating.”

Nora sighed. “All right, but don’t be long.” She picked up the sides of her gown and walked toward the reception area.

“Thank you,” Morgan said as she and Henry stepped away from the crowd and headed toward the beach. When they stopped, Morgan allowed herself time to really look at her father.

She’d seen only pictures, and although she’d studied them religiously trying to see parts of herself in the man, it was different seeing him in person. Henry had more salt than pepper in his closely cropped hair and his eyes were just like hers, hazel gray. Morgan figured her father was slightly under six feet, but no less impressive in her mind.

“All right, young lady, the floor is yours,” Henry stated. “What can I do for you?”

Morgan swallowed. Her mouth felt dry and full of cotton. “Yes… I.”

“Well? Spit it out. I don’t have all day.”

Although she’d waited her whole life for this moment, there was no easy way to say what she had to say. She just had to spit it out. “I’m your daughter.”

Henry’s eyes grew wide with alarm. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” Morgan replied. “I’m your daughter.”

“Like hell you are!” he bellowed. “I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, young lady, but you’re off the mark. My daughter Fallon—” he pointed across the lawn “—is standing over there.”

“You have another,” Morgan stated. “With Crystal Young. You met her in Las Vegas when she was performing as a showgirl at the Tropicana. You spent one night together and I’m the result.”

“No, no!” Henry shook his head furiously. “You’re wrong!” he yelled and then glanced around to see people were starting to watch their interaction, so he lowered his voice. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I have never been unfaithful to my wife.”

Morgan’s ire rose. “C’mon, Henry. Nora wouldn’t be the first wife you cheated on.”

“So, what, you’ve done your research?” Henry huffed, “That means nothing. My first marriage with Lillian is public record.”

Morgan noticed the crowd watching them had grown and Nora and Fallon were charging toward them. “So you’re going to deny you spent the night with my mother at the Tropicana?

Henry glanced up at Nora, who was only a few feet away. “Yes. I don’t know who you’re talking about. You’re mistaken.”

“I’m not mistaken!” Morgan yelled. “You’re my father.”

A hush came over the crowd and suddenly even the reception music paused. All eyes were on the two of them. Nora had a look of utter shock on her face while Fallon’s was more of disbelief.

Henry headed toward his wife. “Nora!” But she was running through the grass. He turned to his daughter. “Fallon?”

Fallon held up her hand and shook her head. “I don’t want to hear it, Daddy. Not now. I’m going after Mom.” Seconds later, Morgan was left alone with her father.

Henry spun around to face Morgan. “You!” He pointed at her. “You did this! On what should have been one of the happiest days for our family, you come here and cause discord. I don’t know who you are and I will never claim you as my daughter. You should leave because your presence is no longer wanted.” Without another word, he raced after Nora.

Morgan stared at Henry’s back as he literally ran away from her. When she could no longer see him, she looked up and saw everyone at the reception was watching her.

Everyone.

Waiting for her to do what? Make more of an embarrassment out of herself than she already had? Well, they were in for a rude awakening. The party was over. Lowering her head, Morgan shuffled away as fast as she could and went straight for the bar. As she walked by, the crowd parted like the Red Sea. As if she carried some sort of plague. And maybe she did. She was glad she’d at least waited for Dane and Iris’s departure before confronting Henry.

Had she been hoping to be accepted with open arms? Of course not. But she hadn’t expected complete and utter rejection, either.

When she made it to the bar, she eyed the bartender and mouthed the word whiskey to him. He understood and immediately came over with the bottle. When he began pouring the requisite two thumbs she motioned for him to continue. Only when the tumbler was full did she tell him to stop.

Morgan took a swift mouthful. The liquid burned going down and it felt good. She doubted it would wash away the stain of being humiliated, but it was a start.

“You didn’t get the reaction you bargained for?”

Morgan glanced up at the stranger from earlier. Their exchange seemed like a lifetime ago even though it had been little more than a half hour since they’d shared a drink. She eyed him warily, noting he’d dispensed with his tie and undone several buttons on his shirt. “I’m in no mood for any commentary from the peanut gallery.”

“Perhaps you should have had some earlier,” he responded, his mouth quirking. “I could have told you you’re timing for that revelation was lousy.”

Morgan took another generous sip of her drink. “There was never going to be a right time. And I’d waited long enough.”

“Apparently not long enough.”

“Do you have to berate me? I’ve dealt with enough recriminations tonight.”

He smiled. “Of course not. I’m sorry. How about we start over? My name is Jared.”

“Jared.” She turned to face him. It was hard to be angry at someone as good-looking as him. Morgan leaned over to clink her glass with his and saw it was empty. She motioned to the bartender. “Get Jared another drink. We’re getting to know each other.”

Jared was just the sort of distraction she needed to help her forget this terrible night.

Two

“My name is Morgan.” The beauty gave Jared only her first name. He was surprised Morgan wanted to stay, considering how her father’s rejection must have hurt and Henry had asked her to leave. She was licking her wounds and looking for a distraction and that was fine with Jared. He could use some unadulterated fun without any pesky emotional attachments. He didn’t do serious.

His longest relationship had lasted three months. His girlfriends were short-term with a shelf life of a month. After the thrill in the bedroom was gone, it was on to the next beautiful woman. And Morgan wasn’t just beautiful. There was a fragility to her, which spoke to his masculine side. He was no hero, but he wouldn’t mind being hers for the night.

Another whiskey appeared and Jared accepted without hesitation. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Morgan.” He tipped his tumbler to hers.

Their eyes met and held for endless seconds over the rim and Jared could swear he felt his stomach turn upside down. He was the first to look away and put down his glass. “How about a dance?”

“So everyone can watch me?” Morgan inquired, taking a large gulp of whiskey. “No, thank you.”

“I’m sorry to tell you, but everyone was watching you the moment you announced to the world you were Henry Stewart’s daughter.”

A hint of a smile touched Morgan’s lips. “I can’t argue with that.” She swallowed the remainder of the whiskey and took his hand.

“You need to go easy on the whiskey,” Jared replied. “Otherwise, you’ll have a helluva hangover tomorrow.”

“I know what I’m doing.”

Jared wasn’t sure, but for some reason he felt compelled to stick around and find out.

Jared’s hand threaded through Morgan’s and a riot of sensations shot right through her belly like a fire to dry tinder. Morgan glanced up to see if Jared felt it too and he had. His eyes were dark and cloudy. Nervously, Morgan followed him onto the temporary wooden dance floor on the grass.

Jared pulled her into the center, ignoring all the openmouthed stares around them, placed his hands on her hips and began to move. Morgan wound her arms around his neck and joined in his sinuous rhythm. Jared was an excellent dancer.

“You’re pretty good at this.”

Jared flashed her a grin. “You’re not bad yourself.”

“I learned how to dance as a child.”

He smiled as he thought of a young Morgan in ballet slippers. “Did you have a dance mom making you take ballet and tap? Or was it hip-hop?”

Morgan laughed. Her childhood was a far cry from what you saw on television. She didn’t have Clair Huxtable from The Cosby Show as her mother. “Nothing as grandiose as that. I hung around backstage while my mom danced at the Tropicana in Vegas.”

“Intriguing. I’m sure there’s a story there.” He used his thumb to push up her jaw and their eyes met. Attraction and lust were in those onyx depths.

“It’s not one I plan on telling anytime soon.”

“A woman with secrets,” Jared surmised. “I like.” He pressed forward until their bodies were flush.

Incendiary sexual heat slid up Morgan’s spine. She wasn’t used to this. Usually when things between her and a man heated up, she cooled off. But not tonight. Jared wasn’t like other men she met. She dropped her nose to his chest and opened V of his tuxedo shirt. She inhaled his spicy scent. It was very intoxicating.

When he splayed his hand across her nearly bare back, Morgan stumbled, but Jared was right there, swaying them back and forth, pretending they were dancing. Morgan knew what this was—it was seduction. When his hands went lower and settled on her bottom, Morgan was shocked, but she didn’t complain.

“You want to come to my room?” Morgan didn’t know what possessed her to make such an outrageous proposition, but once it was out there, she couldn’t take it back. With Jared, she didn’t feel fearful like she did with other men. Maybe it would be okay to allow herself the one night. Maybe he could banish all the bad memories and she could finally be who she was meant to be.

Jared glanced down at her. “I don’t know, Morgan. You’ve had a lot to drink and something tells me you don’t normally operate this way.”

Morgan glanced up at him in confusion. He could tell she was new at this? Was that why he wasn’t rushing to take her up to her hotel room and have his wicked way with her? She’d already fumbled on revealing her true identity. Apparently, she couldn’t even pick up a man, either.

She pushed away from him and Jared frowned. “Morgan, what’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry to have bothered you. I was mistaken about your interest.” She walked off the dance floor. She was grateful the crowd had begun to fade so no one witnessed her second rejection of the night. Morgan made her way back to the bar.

“Morgan, wait!” With his long strides, Jared caught up to her in no time. “It’s not like that,” he said when he finally met her back at the bar where she ordered another whiskey.

“Keep them coming until I tell you to stop,” Morgan told the bartender, and slammed the entire glass down.

“Listen, Morgan. You’ve had a rough time tonight and I don’t want to add to it by being a decision you regret in the morning.”

“Then leave,” Morgan replied. “I don’t need a hero. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time and tonight will be no different. So get lost, Jared.”

Jared stared at her for several mind-churning seconds, turned on his heel and walked off. Good riddance, Morgan thought. He was probably too perfect to be her first anyway.

Jared wanted to ring Morgan’s adorable neck. Drinking away her troubles wasn’t going to solve anything, but was she willing to listen to the voice of reason? No.

And why was he being the voice of reason? Because…he’d never taken advantage of a woman in his life and he wasn’t about to start now. Morgan was emotionally on the edge and well on her way to tying one on. Jared had been that way in his youth, but not anymore. And when he was with a woman, he wanted her to remember him when he was gone because he was nothing if not a giving lover.

He left her at the bar as she requested, but he didn’t go far. Instead, he engaged in conversation with an acquaintance near the dance floor.

“So I hear you’re working at Robinson Holdings,” the older man said. Milton Brooks sat on the board of his family’s company and often was in everyone’s business.

“Yeah, in the marketing and public relations department.”

“Your brother, Chris, has been making some big moves buying that La Shore development.”

“Yes, well, Chris has an eye for such things,” Jared said, keeping an eye on Morgan. He saw Pete Harris, an unscrupulous fellow from his and Dane’s past, talking to Morgan, and Jared didn’t like it one bit.

“He has a sharp eye, that brother of yours,” the man said. “He’s destined for big things.”

His comment caught Jared’s attention and rankled him. His older brother, Chris, was the favorite son, and it grated on Jared’s nerves to hear the man’s unabashed praise. Chris had been running Robinson Holdings since their father, Clay, unexpectedly stepped down due to a health crisis a year ago. Chris had doubled revenue and business was booming.

“Chris does seem to have the Midas touch,” Jared replied. He turned in time to catch Pete putting his hand on Morgan’s shoulder and her pushing him away. Pete wasn’t taking no for answer and was getting handsy. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some unfinished business to attend to,” Jared said, taking his leave of the older man.

He quickly strode over to where Pete now had his hands wrapped around Morgan’s waist. He caught the man by the collar and shoved him away.

“Hey…” Pete began, but stopped when he saw who it was. “Oh, hi, Jared.” He held out his hand, but Jared glared at him, so he pulled it back. “Me and the little lady here were having a disagreement.”

Jared turned to Morgan. Her face was flushed, and looking in her eyes he could see she was genuinely frightened. “Back off or I’ll make you regret it.”

Pete held up his hands. “I’m sorry.” He quickly rushed off.

“Are you okay?” Jared asked, peering down at Morgan.

Morgan sucked in a deep breath. “Yeah, I’m okay now.” She gave him a halfhearted smile, but he noticed her hand was shaking as she put her glass down on the bar. “Thanks for the assist.”

“That’s what heroes do.” He offered her a wide grin.

“Well, thanks.” She mussed with her hair for a few minutes, running her fingers through it, something Jared would sorely like to do. Then she turned back around and motioned to the bartender for another drink.

Jared stepped forward and put his hand over her empty glass. “You’re done.”

Her eyes flashed fire at him. “Just because you helped me out of a spot doesn’t mean you get to tell me what to do.”

“It does when you aren’t capable of making good decisions. C’mon.” He clasped her by the arm and started moving across the lawn toward the hotel entrance near the beach. “I’m going to walk you to your room and leave.”

“Really?” Morgan asked mockingly as if she knew how much he wanted her and didn’t believe for a second he’d walk away. “I doubt that.” She stalked in front of him giving Jared a view of her delectable backside in her dress.

Damn her. She was not making it easy for him to walk away and do the right thing.

When they reached the bank of elevators, Morgan pressed the up button and they waited. The atmosphere was charged. When the elevator came, they both entered. It was empty and the air between them crackled with sexual tension. Morgan pressed the button for her floor and Jared went and stood on the other side of the car.

If he came any closer, he knew he would lose the control he was battling for. Need pulsed through every cell of his body. But he reminded himself Morgan wasn’t like the other women he dated who knew the score. She was acting as if she did, but there was a certain naivete about her that told him he couldn’t act on his desire.

The elevator bell chimed. They disembarked and walked the short distance to her room. Morgan fished a key from her clutch and opened the door.

“This is where I take my…” Jared never got to finish because Morgan pulled him inside and shut the door.

Morgan didn’t know what made her pull Jared into her room. She just knew she had to. She craved his touch and was desperate to know what he would taste like. And if anyone could make her forget tonight, it was Jared. When the door slammed, she suddenly found herself pushing him back against it and angling her head for a kiss. Her mouth covered his and she was surprised to find his lips were deceptively gentle, luring hers into a sensual whirlpool.

“You really shouldn’t have done that,” Jared rasped, lifting his head. Then he was drawing her closer until their lower bodies touched, pelvis to pelvis. His hands slid through the strands of her hair, then he lowered his head and took. His lips ravished hers with gentle pressure before his tongue glided into her mouth and discovered every secret she’d kept hidden with other men.

Something unraveled inside Morgan, something she’d long suppressed.

Lust.

She gave into the cascading shivers of desire by linking her arms around his neck and leaning into him. She loved the taste and feel of him. Jared’s hands were already sliding down her hips and holding her tightly against his erection. Her breasts were pushed firmly against his chest and she could feel the ridge of his muscles underneath his tuxedo.

Jared groaned and his mouth engulfed Morgan’s, further spinning her senses out of control and making her core contract with a need she’d never felt before. Whenever she got too close to a man, she clammed up, but not with Jared. First there was the dance and now this kiss. He had her under some sort of spell, so much so she was kissing him back with greedy fervor. Their tongues darted back and forth, dancing with each other in a brilliant tango Morgan never wanted to end. Jared had her entire body on fire. She wanted more, but like a cruel joke, her stomach churned.

She pushed away from Jared as quickly as she could and rushed toward the bathroom. Morgan made it in enough time to relieve her stomach of its contents. It was a horrible feeling knowing the sexy man of her dreams was on the other side of the door and she was retching because of the whiskey she’d imbibed earlier. He’d been right. She should have stopped while she was ahead and now she was going to pay the price.

Those were the last thoughts she remembered as she laid her head on the cold tile floor and passed out.

“Morgan?” Jared knocked on the bathroom door. She’d been in there a long time and there was no amount of exhaust fan noise to cover the sounds of her being sick. He’d tried to stop her from drinking too much her earlier, but she’d stubbornly refused to listen.

Jared ran his hands over his head. Fate had set the course of the night. When he’d walked Morgan to her room, he had every intention of leaving her at her door untouched. But when she’d pulled him in and kissed him, he’d lost all self-control. He wanted her with a burning ache that pulsed in his loins, even now. Jesus, he had to get the hell out of there, but first he had to make sure she was okay.

Easing the door open, he found Morgan on the floor.

“Morgan!” He rushed over and checked for a pulse.

She was okay. Just seriously inebriated. Lifting her in his arms, Jared carried her into the bedroom and laid her on the bed. She looked so youthful and innocent in that blush dress, with her jet-black hair spread out over the pillow. Since she’d just gotten sick, Jared suspected Morgan would prefer to be out of the dress as to not soil it further.

Decision made. Jared reached behind her, unzipped the dress and pulled it over her head. Morgan barely moved a muscle. She was out like a light. But Jared had to suck in a deep breath. She wasn’t wearing a bra. Her breasts were small and round, but enough for a handful. She had a flat stomach and shapely legs. A tiny scrap of material covered her femininity but did little to staunch his hunger. Quickly, he reached for the comforter and slid it over her naked yet beautiful body.

She was going to be hurting tomorrow. So he called room service. When a waiter delivered the bottled water and aspirin, Jared placed them on the nightstand, ensuring they’d be waiting for her tomorrow. Then he left the room. Once in the corridor, Jared leaned against the door and closed his eyes. He was thankful it had been him and not Pete. When she awoke the next morning, she’d know her hero, although tempted, had done the right thing.

Three

“Ugh!” Morgan clutched her pounding head as she rolled over in bed the next morning. “What time is it?” She glanced at the clock on the nightstand and saw it was nearly noon. She had slept the entire morning away. Memories from last night came flooding back. Henry’s rejection at the reception. Her throwing back whiskey after whiskey. And then there was Jared.

Oh yes, she couldn’t forget Jared.

The mysterious stranger who somehow made last night bearable. Morgan remembered their flirting, that first dance when they’d damn near dirty danced and then the amazing kiss up against her door. She glanced at the scene of the crime. When she closed her eyes, she could feel the pressure of his mouth, the glide of his lips against hers and then—the unthinkable.

She got sick. In the throes of her one and only make-out session with a hot guy, she’d ruined it by rushing off to the bathroom. But what happened afterward? She glanced at the space beside her; that side of the bed was untouched. Jared hadn’t deigned to stay the night. Why would he? Sex was probably the last thing on his mind after witnessing her self-destruction. And she’d done it in epic proportion.

Glancing at the nightstand, she saw the bottled water and aspirin. She glanced upward and silently thanked Jared for his kindness. Swallowing two tablets, Morgan washed them down with water. He could have taken advantage in her weakened state, but he hadn’t.

He’d been her hero.

Slowly, she sat up in bed and that’s when she realized the state she was in. Naked. Lifting the covers, Morgan noted she still had on her underwear, but that didn’t mean anything. Had she gotten it wrong? Had Jared done the unthinkable? She didn’t feel any different. And wouldn’t she? If they’d had sex, she would know. She was a virgin after all.

Yeah, the last of her kind, Morgan was sure. Most twenty-five-year-olds had had sex, but then again none of them had been raised by a mother like Crystal. But that was beside the point. If nothing happened between her and Jared, that meant he’d undressed her, seen her naked and left anyway. Morgan wanted to cheer in appreciation, but was also mortified to know after seeing her naked, it had done nothing for him. Then again, she doubted Jared wanted a corpse in bed.

Throwing back the covers, Morgan headed to the bathroom. As she brushed her teeth, she determined to look at the bright side. Jared was a good guy who’d saved her from a worse fate. Who knew what could have happened if he hadn’t stepped in? When she was done, she wiped her mouth, turned on the taps for the shower and stepped in. She wanted the stench of last night off her.

She wasn’t a heavy drinker. Or at least not usually. But yesterday was not ordinary. It wasn’t every day the father you’d longed for your entire life rejected you. She had cause to drink, but Morgan vowed to never put herself in another situation like last night ever again.

When she was done, she turned off the shower and began toweling herself dry. In the closet, Morgan found her standard outfit of black jeans and a black T-shirt. She dressed like that every day to stay in the background as Dane’s assistant. She was certain she wouldn’t have a job for much longer once Dane found out what she’d done, but she was a college grad. Surely, she could find a new gig to pay the bills.

In the meantime, her role in Dane’s life also gave her advantages because Morgan knew the Stewarts’s schedule. They planned on leaving today to head back to Austin. She would have to go onto their turf to fight this battle. She wasn’t going to cower and run off into the night like some poor relation. She was his daughter and Henry owed her. Owed her for all the missed birthday parties and Christmases. He owed her for not looking after her welfare and ensuring she had a happy, loving childhood.

And she was going to claim her due.

“Jared, are you listening to a word I’ve said?” his mother asked as he sat across the table where he and his parents were having Sunday brunch. It had been a weekly event ever since he was a kid. They hadn’t stopped even after his father’s heart attack and open-heart surgery a year ago.

“I’m sorry, Mom. What was that?” Jared asked. He’d been distracted the last week. He supposed it had something to do with a certain brunette he hadn’t been able to forget. He’d been sleeping fitfully, tossing and turning thinking about the hazel-eyed beauty.

Jared wondered how she was faring. News of Morgan’s relation to Dane had been leaked to the press and the story was splashed over the tabloids. Dane was on his honeymoon while Morgan had disappeared.

“I asked you if you knew where your brother, Chris was,” Mary Robinson inquired. “It’s not like him to miss Sunday brunch.”

“No. I haven’t talked to him,” Jared answered. “His assistant said he took the week off for personal business.”

“Chris is a workaholic, same as me,” his father said. “I’m glad to see he’s learned a lesson from me and is taking time for himself.”

“What about Dane?” his mother asked. “I tried calling Nora about the tabloids’ claim that Henry has an illegitimate daughter, but she didn’t answer. Do you think it’s true?”

“C’mon, Mary, you can’t believe the gossips.”

“It’s not gossip, Dad,” Jared replied.

His father frowned. “How would you know?”

“I met Morgan at the wedding. We talked and she’s a lovely young woman.”

“Who’s no doubt after the Stewart wealth. She might be shocked to learn that not everything is what it seems. Henry hasn’t been rolling in it for years,” his father said. “If it wasn’t for his son-in-law Gage and Fallon’s business acumen, the company would have gone belly-up years ago.”

“Not everything is about money,” Jared said. “Morgan just wants to be recognized.”

“So you’re on a first name basis with her?” his mother asked, quirking a brow.

“You know our son can’t resist a pretty face,” his father responded. “She must be a looker.”

Jared’s spine stiffened at the affront and he wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I’ve lost my appetite, so I’ll be on my way.”

“Run away like you always do,” his father countered.

“I’m sorry your favorite son couldn’t be here for brunch, but don’t take it out on me.” Jared walked over to his mother and kissed her on the cheek. “Mom, I’ll call you later.”

Jared didn’t bother saying goodbye to his father. They were never going to see eye to eye, so he’d stopped trying. He was curious about Morgan, but perhaps it was for the best he hadn’t seen her since that night. He hadn’t recognized himself around her and Jared suspected if he ever saw her again, he would be in trouble. He doubted he could walk away again.

Morgan sat in her car outside the Stewart mansion that afternoon. It had taken a week to get her affairs in order, which included starting the paperwork to legally change her name from Morgan Young to Morgan Stewart. It was time she took her rightful name and place in the family. She’d also sent a letter of resignation to Dane. Within days of the wedding, news had broken that she was Dane Stewart’s baby sister and the tabloids were staked outside of her small apartment in Culver City. Thankfully, she’d packed in advance and decided to drive to Austin. Flying would have drawn too much attention. She lived frugally and Dane paid her well, so she had savings to tide her over for a while.

And now here she was, waiting for security to approve her entry to the hallowed grounds. Morgan fumed in her car. She was a Stewart, after all, and was being treated like she was an outsider. But wasn’t she?

She hadn’t been raised on this estate like Dane or Fallon. They’d had everything. The best house. Clothes. Cars. Education. While she’d had nothing. She had a right to be here. Henry was going to own up to being her father. Morgan wasn’t going to leave until he did.

The security guard placed the receiver of his phone down and leaned out of the guardhouse. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m told you don’t have an appointment. You’re going to have to turn around.”

“You can’t keep me out,” Morgan insisted. “I need to talk to my father.”

“I’m sorry, miss. But you’re going to have to leave. If you don’t, I’m going to have to call the cops on you for trespassing.”

“Trespassing?” Morgan’s voice rose. “Well that’s rich. Imagine what the press will say when they find out Henry kicked his own daughter off the grounds.”

A horn sounded from behind Morgan and startled her. She turned as a red Audi pulled up beside her Honda Accord. The window rolled down and Fallon leaned out, but she wasn’t alone. Ayden, their older brother, sat beside her. “It’s all right, Drew. She’s with me.”

“Are you sure? Your father was insistent she not be let in.”

“I’ll handle my father,” Fallon responded evenly. “Morgan—” Fallon glanced in her direction “—follow me in.”

Morgan nodded mutely, put the car in gear and followed the Audi up the manicured road. When they finally stopped in front of the two-story mansion, Morgan sucked in a breath as she looked around.

After turning off the engine, Morgan exited the vehicle and found Fallon leaning against her car. She looked poised and sophisticated in jeans, a tank top, knee-high boots and a long duster. Morgan was sure the outfit was designer while her own was off-the-rack. Although Dane paid her well, living in Los Angeles was expensive and Morgan couldn’t afford designer clothes.

Ayden, meanwhile, stood nearby, quietly assessing her. Morgan wished the situation was different and he would wrap her in a big brotherly hug. Wasn’t that what she’d always wanted? A family of her own. Not just her and Crystal and the revolving door of men in her mother’s life.

“Morgan, it seems we have a lot to talk about,” Fallon said, her hazel eyes trained on Morgan. They were the same eyes Morgan saw every day when she looked in the mirror.

“No offense, Fallon, but we don’t,” Morgan said, folding her arms across her chest. “I need to talk to your father, I mean, our father.”

“I disagree,” Ayden said. “This involves all of us. Henry has a lot to answer for. It’s why we both came. For answers.”

“And I’m here to be a mediator,” Fallon added. “I know neither of you is Daddy’s biggest fan, but after your revelation last week, my mother was distraught. Inconsolable. She came home with me and Gage and has been there all week. She asked me to bring a few things, which is why I’m here.”

“I’m sorry,” Morgan said, “but that’s not my fault. I didn’t cheat on her. Henry did.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time,” Ayden said underneath his breath.

Fallon gave Ayden a hard stare. “That might be true, but surely you could have revealed your existence in a less public way?”

Morgan sighed. Fallon had a point. “I—I didn’t know another way, Fallon. He didn’t know me from Adam. I knew he would stonewall me. And as you can see from today, I was right.”

“That’s because he’s hurt and lashing out.”

“Do you always make excuses for him?” Morgan asked.

“Yes.” Ayden nodded.

Fallon laughed. “I know Daddy isn’t perfect.”

“He’s my father, too,” Morgan responded hotly. “And it’s time he acknowledged that.”

“Let’s go inside and talk. But I warn you he’s not in the best mood.”

Morgan followed Ayden and Fallon through the gilded doors with gold-plated handles into the foyer. She was amazed at how beautiful the mansion was. The terrazzo floors gleamed and the two-story spiral staircase was breathtaking. Morgan could see the European influence in the decor. It resembled a French chateau with cathedral ceilings and baroque adornments throughout. Fallon led Morgan into a sitting room that had a massive two-story fireplace and a baby grand piano.

Fallon sat down on a chaise and Ayden took the spot beside her. Morgan envied the easy comfort they shared and hoped one day she could have the same.

“Why do you think he’s your father?” Fallon asked.

Morgan sighed. She didn’t care to explain herself, but apparently she had to. “My mother met Henry when he was attending a tech convention in Las Vegas. They spent one night together. I’m the result. It’s as simple as that.”

“Why didn’t she ever come forward? I mean, she could have gone to court and gotten my father to acknowledge you and pay child support. It’s what I would’ve done.”

“If you recall, my mother didn’t fight to ensure Henry took care of me, either,” Ayden interjected. “It’s not easy coming forward.”

“Thank you, Ayden.” Morgan appreciated the backup considering their background was similar when it came to their father. “I doubt my mother knew how to find him. She said she didn’t know who he was until a magazine article came out on Stewart Technologies, but she never told me until she was dying in the hospital.”

“I’m so sorry,” Fallon replied.

“It’s all right. My mother and I didn’t have a great relationship, which is why I wanted a father so badly.”

“Then why didn’t you tell us the truth sooner?” Fallon inquired. “You’ve been working for Dane for over a year.”

“Fallon’s right. We would have accepted you,” Ayden said.

“I wanted to, but I was scared of how I would be received. Dane is a huge superstar. Considering his position, he might have thought I was trying to shake him down or something.”

“Well, aren’t you?” a harsh tenor voice sounded from behind them.

Morgan turned to see Henry. She didn’t know how long he’d been standing there listening to their conversation.

Her father sauntered into the living room and Morgan felt his negativity from where she sat. It enshrouded him like a dark cloak. He looked foreboding even though he was dressed casually in navy trousers and a checkered button-down shirt. “You’re here to claim what’s yours? Isn’t that right?”

“Daddy.” Fallon rose to greet him. Morgan watched as Henry embraced his eldest daughter and accepted the kiss on her cheek, but his eyes never left Morgan’s.

Morgan spoke quietly yet succinctly from the couch. “I’m here because it’s time you acknowledge I’m your daughter.”

“I don’t know what lies your mama has been filling your head with, but I’m not your father.”

“Prove it,” Morgan stated. “Take a DNA test. If I’m wrong, which I don’t think I am, I’ll publicly admit I made the whole story up. But if I’m right—you have to claim me.”

“I don’t have to do a damn thing,” Henry responded, moving toward her until he was inches away. “Who do you think you are? Steamrolling your way into our lives, into my home, and making demands?”

“Back off.” Ayden jumped to his feet. Morgan appreciated that her big brother was ready to defend her from the big bad wolf, but she could fight her own battles.

“I’m—I’m your daughter.” Morgan’s voice broke. “How can you treat me this way?”

Fallon stepped between them and pushed her father backward. “Daddy, please…don’t make this any worse. Do you have any idea how upset Mom is? I know you’re no saint, but admit what you did. Maybe she can forgive you, but if you continue to act as if nothing happened—” she glanced at Morgan “—you’re going to dig yourself deeper into a hole.”

“Fallon, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but my relationship with Nora is mine alone. I don’t need your interference.”

“I think you do,” Fallon responded hotly. “Look at her!” Once again, Fallon’s gaze rested on Morgan. “She has our same eyes, Daddy. I’m surprised I never saw it before, but I suppose I wasn’t looking.”

“Admit it, Henry!” Ayden snarled. “You cheated on Nora. Just like you did my mother. Be a man about it and own up to what you’ve done!”

Henry walked up to Ayden. And Morgan thought if looks could kill, both men would have been struck dead in an instant. “Don’t get in the middle of this, Ayden, and start stirring up the past. We’ve come to a truce. Let sleeping dogs lie, son.”

Ayden shook his head. “I won’t let you deny another child. Not this time and not on my watch.”

“Why are you both ganging up on me?” Henry asked, looking at Ayden and Fallon. “Isn’t it enough my marriage is in shambles because of this girl?”

“This girl?” Tears sprang to Morgan’s eyes. “This girl grew up poor with nothing to call my own. No friends. We moved from pillar to post as my mother tried to find work, but it’s not easy for an aging Vegas showgirl to find work. She turned to men, hoping they’d take care of her. There was an endless stream of them in and out of her life. In and out of my life. So I never had a father, much less a home. And when the men were gone, the drugs started—until eventually her body gave out from the drug use.”

“I’m sorry for your childhood. Truly I am, but I owe you nothing. And if either of you—” Henry glanced at his other children “—are with her, then you can show yourselves out because I’m done with this conversation.”

Morgan watched in astonishment as the father she’d hoped would acknowledge her walked out of the room. Morgan pulled the knife out of her heart and stood ramrod straight.

“Wow! I can’t believe the nerve of that man.” Ayden scrubbed the stubble on his jaw. “Just when I think he can’t sink any lower, he proves me wrong.”

“I have to go.” Morgan started toward the exit.

“Wait!” Fallon reached for her arm. “Don’t go. Give me some time to talk to him. I can get through to him.”

Ayden nodded. “If anyone can, it’s Fallon. She’s his favorite.”

“Ayden…” Fallon glared at him.

He held up his hands in mock surrender.

“Please stay,” Fallon said softly. “We can figure this out. As a family.”

Morgan snorted. “Didn’t you hear him?” She pointed at the empty doorway. “I’m not your family. I’m a nothing. A nobody. So leave me be. I want no part of any of you!” She wrenched her arm away and ran out.

When she got in the car, Morgan was hyperventilating and tears were streaming down her cheeks. She slammed her fists against the steering wheel.

Damn him!

Why had she let him get to her? She had been determined to be strong and demand what was rightfully hers, but instead Henry Stewart made it obvious he had no intention of recognizing her as his daughter. Instead, he was going to keep his head in the sand and act as if she didn’t exist.

Morgan was done with being nice. She was going to the press with her story and give the press an exposé on the great Henry Stewart. She wouldn’t allow him to ignore her ever again.

Four

“I need to see you right away,” Ruth Robinson told Jared later that evening.

Jared rarely received a summons from his grandmother. In fact, he tried to stay off her radar. Similar to his father, his grandmother wished he was more like his brother. Chris was the smart one with the brains and business acumen to run Robinson Holdings. Chris had never caused their parents a moment’s worry. He did exactly what was expected of him. Attend Harvard. Check. Attain an MBA. Join Robinson Holdings. Check. Check.

Jared, on the other hand, was the screwup. He’d attained his bachelor’s degree in marketing by the skin of his teeth. He’d been too busy partying it up with his fraternity brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi and taking the ladies to bed to bother with classes. After graduation, he’d taken a year off to travel Europe and then returned home to work at the family business.

After driving through the hills of Westlake overlooking Austin’s skyline, Jared pulled his Porsche Cayman GTS through the gates of his grandmother’s estate and parked. The grounds were kept immaculate by her staff and the house was nothing short of castle-like.

Stepping out of the car, he walked the short distance to the front door and rang the doorbell. A uniformed butler greeted him. “Hey, Antoine.” He patted the older man’s back as he entered the sprawling home. Antoine had been with his grandmother for years and was devoted to her. “Where’s Grandmother?”

“In the library,” Antoine replied. “Allow me to show you there.”

“No need to stand on ceremony. Go back to whatever you were doing. I can find my way.” Jared strolled down the Italian marble corridor until he found his grandmother in the mahogany-paneled library seated in a gold leaf armchair.

“Well, look who finally decided to make an appearance.” She rose to her feet as he walked over and placed a kiss on her cheek.

Ruth Robinson was nothing short of regal with smooth café au lait skin and expert makeup. Even at seventy-five, she looked amazing in a crisp white shirt with billowing sleeves, black slacks and pearls. Her blondish gray hair was in an elegant coiffed bob that reached her shoulders.

“Grandma, it’s good to see you too,” Jared replied. “Would you care for a drink?”

“Would love one.”

Jared crossed the room to a small bar tucked in the corner. He poured himself a Scotch and a sherry for her, then brought her the glass and settled on a plush tan leather sofa. He leaned back and took a swallow of his drink.

His grandmother sipped her sherry and looked him directly in the eye. “You’re going to have to learn the value of time once this scandal hits.”

Jared sat upright at her comment. “What are you talking about?”

“Mimi, a dear friend of mine who owns one of the Austin newspapers, gave me a call about an exclusive story hitting their paper tomorrow.”

“Oh yeah? What’s it about?” Jared brought his tumbler to his lips.

“Your brother knocking up an exotic dancer,” Ruth stated unceremoniously.

Jared’s drink sputtered from his lips. “Excuse me?”

“For Christ’s sake, Jared.” His grandmother rolled her eyes. “Clean yourself up.”

Jared jumped to his feet, swiftly walked to the bar and grabbed several napkins, then dabbed at his shirt. When he was finished, he returned to stand in front of his grandmother.

“Sit.”

Jared didn’t argue and sat down. “I don’t understand.”

“What I’ve told you is as much as I know,” she responded. “Chris has been MIA from Robinson Holdings the last week. He must have known the story was coming. But the worst part is he got the young woman pregnant. It’s a travesty. I had such high hopes for your brother, but I guess that leaves you.” Her eyes rested on him and Jared shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Chris has shown poor judgment. If he can’t manage his own love life, how can he be expected to run a billion-dollar real estate company? The answer is simple. He can’t.”

“Yes, he can,” Jared replied. “So what he got a girl pregnant? It happens. It’s not the end of the world. You’re making too much of this.”

“I disagree. Your grandfather and I worked too hard building up the business and our image as respectable stewards for our investors. We can’t allow your brother’s bad behavior to negatively impact the company. He’s out. And you’re in.”

“Me?” Jared couldn’t contain the disbelief in his tone. “You’ve got to be kidding. Chris has been groomed to run the company. He’s your man. Furthermore, I’m not interested.” He tipped back his glass, finished his drink and placed it on the cocktail table in front of him and stood.

“Sit down.” His grandmother’s voice rose.

“Grandma…”

“I said, sit down, Jared. I won’t repeat myself.”

Jared sighed, but did as she instructed. “I’m not cut out for this. I don’t know the first thing about running the company. I’m in marketing.”

“With the right people behind you, you’ll learn.”

“No.” Jared shook his head and pursed his lips. “I can’t do it.”

“You can and you will.” His grandmother stated unequivocally, dismissing his protest. “For too long, we’ve allowed you to monkey about, but no more. You will pick up the mantel like your father and brother before you.”

Jared hated being pushed into a corner and he certainly didn’t relish going up against the matriarch of their family, but what she was asking was ridiculous.

“You will start tomorrow.” Ruth spoke as if Jared’s taking Chris’s place was a foregone conclusion. “I’ve taken the liberty of requesting the files on Chris’s current acquisitions.” She rose to her feet and went to a side table containing a stack of files. She handed them to Jared. “Read them over tonight and we’ll talk in the morning.”

He stared at her incredulously. “You’re serious about this?”

“Of course. You should know me well enough to know when I make up my mind, it’s done.”

Jared did know and that was exactly what he was afraid of. He wasn’t cut out to run Robinson Holdings. He was good at being a ladies’ man and working when he felt like it, but this, this was too much. And he had no idea how to get out of it. God help them, because the business and their family were in for a bumpy ride.

When Jared made it to his penthouse after leaving his grandmother’s, his first call was to Chris. But it went straight to voice mail.

What was going on?

Chris’s silence was unusual. He never ignored Jared’s calls—usually because he was bailing Jared out of a mess of his own creation. But this was different. On his way home, Jared stopped by Chris’s usual spots—the gym, the office, a gentleman’s club he sometimes frequented—but nothing. Chris didn’t want to be found.

Jared couldn’t understand his brother giving away everything he’d worked so hard to earn. For what? A woman? They were interchangeable at best or had always been for Jared. He had never met a woman who made him want to risk it all for love. Because that’s exactly what Chris was doing. Their grandmother was ready to disinherit him for this stunt.

But this time, Jared was left holding the bag. Was this what it felt like when Jared went MIA after causing trouble? Now that the shoe was on the other foot, Jared was not pleased. He was used to Chris saving the day, but his grandmother was looking to him.

The responsibility she was putting on his shoulders was heavy and Jared felt the weight. He felt unsure. Unworthy. How could he ever live up to Chris? He couldn’t. He would have to prove his worth until he earned his grandmother’s respect, but it wouldn’t be easy. The question was whether he was up to the task.

Morgan curled up on the sofa in her hotel room with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream she’d picked up on her way back from the Stewart estate. She’d already consumed half a pizza and two beers and was doing her best to eat herself through her troubles.

The last week hadn’t been stellar. The only bright spot had been seeing Dane and Iris get married and ride off into the sunset. Maybe she’d been wrong in approaching Henry after the reception, but she’d thought confronting him in public would force his hand. Make him own up to the truth that he’d cheated on Nora and had a child with another woman.

Morgan hadn’t banked on Henry’s temper. Or that he would completely shut her out and refuse to acknowledge her existence. Even when confronted by his own children, who begged for the truth, Henry refused to admit it.

Maybe she was better off not having a father?

None of the men her mother ever brought into her life had been father material. They were interested in using Crystal only for their own pleasure. Morgan hated seeing her mother dependent on them and so desperate for attention she’d take it from anyone. Including him.

Morgan sank her spoon into the chunky mixture and kept eating as she recalled one of those men. Troy Wilkins had been one of her mother’s boyfriends. Often, he’d stay the night and when he did, Morgan locked her bedroom door. She’d hated him on sight. He was lean and wiry with ominous-looking eyes that were always roving over her. Morgan tried to steer clear, but one day when she’d come home from high school, he’d been at their apartment. Troy told her Crystal had gone to the grocery store.

Immediately Morgan invented an excuse and tried to make a quick exit, but Troy was faster than her. He’d slammed the front door and put the chain across, locking her inside with him. Morgan had been terrified and rightfully so. Troy told her it was time she was friendlier to him and had grabbed her by the arm and hauled Morgan into her bedroom.

He’d thrown her on the bed and covered her with his weight before she could move. She remembered the stale scent of cigarettes permeating his skin, the smell of alcohol on his breath. Then he was lifting her shirt up, palming her small breasts and rubbing his crotch against her. Morgan tried to fight him off, knowing if she didn’t, he would assault her, but he was too strong. His hands were reaching for the snap on her jeans when they both heard the door. Her mother was calling out to them.

“If you tell your mother, I’ll deny this ever happened. Who do you think she’ll believe?”

Morgan would never forget the look in his eye. That was when she’d known she couldn’t stay there. She’d had to get out. If she didn’t, he’d come back and there would be no guarantee she’d be as lucky the next time. And so she’d run. She’d packed her meager belongings and left. She’d gone to her mom’s friend Marilyn, another dancer, and begged to sleep on her couch. Even though Marilyn had two kids of her own, it was better than living in fear.

Marilyn allowed Morgan to stay on the sofa so long as she cooked, cleaned and tended her two kids while Marilyn worked nights as a dancer. Morgan happily agreed. The funny thing about it was—Crystal hadn’t cared. She seemed happy to be rid of Morgan because she was cramping her style.

Somehow Morgan found a way to finish her senior year. Due to her good grades, she’d been able to attend the University of Southern California on a full scholarship.

When she thought about it, all her struggles were because both her parents refused to do right by her.

Morgan put down her ice cream on the cocktail table and reached for her iPad. Searching the web, she found the email for a local gossip blogger in Austin.

It was time one of her parents—Henry Stewart—paid the price.

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