Elly’s gaze swung to mine, and she must have seen my panic. She reached for Mouse’s hand. “Good idea.”But it was too late. Nolan arrived, his voice cold. “Hello, Eleanor.”Mouse, the ever-friendly, sweet little girl she was, looked up, already smiling and ready to meet a new friend.“Hi!”He glanced down, his face contorting. I knew what he saw. A miniature version of her mother, the only difference the eyes she inherited from her father—him—gazing upward.“Hello.”“I’m Sammy. But Mr. Van calls me Mouse.” With those words, she wrapped an arm around my leg. “He made me the best bookcase in the whole world, and we have tea parties together!”Nolan looked at me, then Liv, realization dawning.“Oh, really?”“Sammy, hush. Go with Grammie.” Liv said, her voice shaking.Nolan bent one leg, kneeling close to Sammy. “No, it’s fine, Olivia. Tell me, Mouse, what else does Mr. Van do for you?”I knew in that instant we were fucked.VanElly’s teacup hit the saucer with a clatter. Liv reached ov

LivI steeled myself as I entered the trailer. I hated meeting with Nolan, and I especially hated these last-minute meetings he requested, but it was part of my job. I admit it was easier when Van or Jordan were there, but he still found ways to get his cutting remarks in and I hated the smug look he got when the guys would appear. He knew why, and it gave him more pleasure to insult me in front of them. I did my best to ignore him, and I tried not to let it upset me. That seemed to anger Nolan further and his words became even sharper, desperately trying to find a weak spot on me he could hit. I, in turn, refused to let him find it.Nolan was at his desk, and as usual, everything was in order. Papers piled neatly, folders stacked, pens gathered together in a cup holder, and the surface of the desk clean. His hard hat and boots were lined up precisely by the wall. A cup of coffee sat to his right, a paper coaster protecting the desk. I tried not to roll my eyes at his useless touch—it

“Only every day. I apply for every job that comes up, but there isn’t much these days. Building has changed. So much is prefab off site and brought in and put together like a jigsaw puzzle.” He pushed his hard hat up his forehead, wiping his brow. “I kinda miss the old days of building from the ground up and being proud of the work I’ve done. Now they just need strength and to be fast.” He shrugged. “I do what I have to and put up with Nolan because WIN pays well, and I have to think of my family. I don’t have to like it—I only have to put in the hours and go home to what really matters.”“He isn’t easy on you.”“No, he isn’t. But to be honest, I’ve worked for worse. John runs a good business. No cutting corners or shoddy workmanship allowed. I’d rather put up with the likes of Nolan’s attitude than risk my life with negligent operators or be forced to build shit, if I’m being honest.”“I can understand that.”“That’s why I do some small side jobs. I get to indulge in what I love doin

. She paused in the kitchen, shaking her head no at my offer of coffee. She turned and headed back to Sammy’s doorway, leaning on the frame.I drained my cup and followed her, standing close and observing Mouse as she nestled under the covers, her doll clutched tight, sleeping dreamlessly.I knew she would probably be the only one getting any sleep tonight.Liv began to shake. The tremors started slowly and grew. I could feel the rate of her heart picking up as her emotions began to overwhelm her.I slid my arm around her waist, pulling her back to my chest.“Shh, Liv.”“What if he wins? What if he takes her away? How am I going to deal with this, Van?” she whispered, her voice raw.“He won’t. I promise.”Her breathing became harsh. “You can’t make me promises like that.”I tugged her back to the living room, turning her to face me. The pain in her face made my chest ache.“We’re going to get all the information we need, and we’re going to fight this, Liv.”“I don’t have the resources

“Understood. Now the second part is more troublesome.” He ran a hand over his face. “I wish you had told me of your past relationship with Nolan, Liv. I realize it was personal, but a heads-up might have been helpful.”Jordan spoke up. “I knew the situation, Bentley. I have been watching it closely. Liv and Van have been completely professional in their dealings toward each other and Nolan. I can’t say the same for his behavior—especially lately.”Bentley’s gaze swung his way. “And you chose not to say anything because?”Jordan met his eyes directly. “Because Liv and Van both assured me they had it under control. There are many times we work with people we dislike. As I said, I have been watching the whole thing closely. Even Van will admit, Nolan is a complete ass, but he is getting the job done. If he hadn’t pulled this, we wouldn’t be here.”“But here we are.”“I never expected this to happen, Bentley,” Liv assured him. “Not in a million years. Nolan walked away from us and has nev