The Billionaire's Revenge (Mask #2): The Mask Series

By Margarette Grey

Brandon is back with a vengeance in a bolder, sexier story, filled with dark secrets and passion for Alayna that you'll never forget…

 

I died a long time ago. I was broken, lost, and damaged by my past. That is until I met Alayna—the most determined, impossibly passionate woman alive.
She plucked me out of the dark, unbound me from my worst fears, and showed me that life is more than just surviving.

She is my saving grace.

But I destroyed that too by abandoning her when she needed me the most. Now she can't bring herself to look at me, even without the mask I hid behind.

I am the reason why we fell apart.

Nevertheless, my plans to destroy my enemies will save us both. In the search for the truth about our intertwined pasts, we will find a way back to each other.

What Alayna and I had shouldn't have ended this way.
But since it did, my revenge begins…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Margarette Grey
• Release date: Aug 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201891626

Margarette Grey

Margarette Grey writes contemporary romance stories featuring hot billionaires and clumsy heroines. She loves the thrill of reading gripping romance novels at night, kissing alpha males in her dreams, and writing about them in the morning. She makes her home in The Pearl of the Orient Seas, where ‘leisure time’ means indulging in drawings, watching anime, Korean dramas, and Netflix series.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

BRANDON

I WAKE UP WITH A THROBBING head, the loud bell of my phone chiming. Lazily, I grope for the phone on the side table and force my eyes open. I’m hoping to see her name, but instead only see Oliver’s.

Goddammit!

I jump off my bed—no, not my bed but a plush king mattress in Vermont. I remember now. I pretty much drank half the bar in the club last night and passed out the moment I entered the suite. I gawk at my phone screen, thinking of excuses to give him. But if my memory serves me correctly, I was out of my goddamn mind last night.

I answer the call after another ring.

Damn it, Brandon. Where are you? he curses.

Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t tell you. Something came up. I massage the back of my neck.

Oh, so something came up at the club last night, and then you just disappeared? he mocks. Tell me, did you go home with that woman?

I scowl. What woman?

The one with the blue hair... or violet, I can’t remember.

I squeeze my temples. I’m all alone in this suite, Ollie. What kind of question is that?

You’re still in Vermont? he asks, surprised. You were supposed to be here an hour ago. We had a meeting. You know, your first appearance in public? At least with our employees, that is. What the hell are you doing?

I grit my teeth. Cancel the meeting. I have somewhere to go today. I don’t give a fuck about the people who demand things when all they do is sit around. I won’t answer to anyone, Ollie. Let them wait. Turn them down if you have to.

I hang up, then dash to the bathroom for a shower, get dressed, and leave the hotel.

While driving, I briefly scroll through my recent calls once more. There are endless missed calls the last several hours from Ms. Garcia, my executive assistant, Ollie, and my company’s creative director. Emails are coming nonstop too, but the hangover is still giving me a damn headache, so I toss the phone to the back seat and pinch the bridge of my nose.

It’s a quarter to twelve when I stop in front of a motel building. I frown at the sheet of paper I’m holding.

Jupiter Inn, Rm. 450

I’m sure it’s the address, but the surroundings are shady, giving off a dangerous aura. Nature has overtaken some parts of the building, making it not very reassuring. The parking is also terrible, and I have to drive into an underground cavern.

I grimace as I get out of the car. I walk back to the entrance and find tattooed kids loitering in the lobby. They’re looking in my direction. I probably stand out too much. I should’ve chosen a casual outfit rather than a blue designer suit.

The building is old with worn-out walls. The corridors are dark and unusually warm, and they smell sour. Why the heck does she want to meet in a place like this? I could’ve gotten her a suite with reliable security.

I head to the reception first, and a woman with a messy bun greets me. The smacking of her bubble gum is obnoxious. If she were my employee, I would have had her fired already.

Can I help you? she asks, studying me through her thick eyelashes. She doesn’t look like a receptionist at all in her crop top and pink skirt. Her manicured fingers play with her hair.

I shake my head. I draw out my wallet, take eight hundred dollars and place them on the desk. A woman checked in here under the name Samantha Smith last night. She’s blonde, about five-eight.

She studies me. Picking girls at a motel looking like that, huh? She pops her gum.

It’s not like that—

She smirks. Yeah, yeah... Just let me check. She looks at her computer and types something. Uh, yeah, she confirms. Room 450. Seventh floor.

I frown. That’s it? I just have to go there? Their security is a joke.

Anyone in an expensive suit with...—she counts the cash—an eight-hundred-dollar pass is welcome here, handsome, she says, then winks at me.  

I roll my eyes, ignore her last sentence, and head to the elevator. I search for room 450 as soon as I reach the destination floor. I knock when I find the room. Open the door. It’s Brandon.

The door swings wide open instantly, and Pauline’s swollen face appears before me. She is much skinnier than the last time I saw her. The natural glow in her eyes disappeared, only leaving dark circles. When I returned to Athens last year, she came to see me right away. I used to like her in the past, even before our families tried to set us up in a marriage. But although things didn’t work between us, I still see her as a friend.

Pauline’s parents were also interested in associating with the technology division in my company, but I had no time to engage with something that could hold me back, so I declined. Her father is hard to deal with. Damianos Florakis is notorious for taking over the firms he worked with in the past, but I do have to acknowledge that he is quite influential in the same field in Greece. He owns a multi-billion IT company, after all. But that was why he set his daughter to marry Silvanus instead—because he couldn’t get my approval. Unfortunately, Silvanus was physically hurting her. She’s shown me her bruises before, but the ones on her shoulders are new. I can’t ignore it. Other than that, I need her help too.

Brandon! She hugs me and buries her face in my chest. Taking her back inside, I shut the door behind us. Her room smells like a dead cat and the bed is terribly small. Hell, she has no kitchen.

Hey, it’s okay, I say softly. I’m here now.

I stroke her hair, trying to comfort her, but stop as I notice the purplish marks in the shape of large hands on her shoulders.

I look at her face. You should have called me. Why come to this kind of place?

She shudders in my arms. It’s safer than in any place out there. I was being followed at the airport by Silvanus’s men. I only managed to sneak out with Dina’s help, she explains, referring to her housemaid. I can’t live there anymore, Brandon.

Just what did he do to you, huh? Do your parents know you are here?

She shakes her head. Don’t tell them! I hate them. They sold me to him. This fucking rule has to stop, Brandon. I can’t take this anymore.

Shh... I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. Considering everything that happened in the past, it is actually my fault she’s engaged to Silvanus now. I refused a marriage with her or even associating with her father. Naturally, Damianos would try to set her up with someone else.

It’s not your fault. It’s my parents’ fault, she says bitterly.

But you are safe now. I came here to get you, so you will be staying at my place.

No! she screams in terror. He’ll find me there. He’s going to hurt me again.

My house is highly secured, and they can’t come into my territory. No one’s going to hurt you there. Where are your things?

Here. She points out the black suitcase lying on the ground. I didn’t unpack.

Good. I pick her luggage up, then grab her hand. Let’s get you out of here.

As promised, I take Pauline to my house. There’s no other safe place for her but here. Of course, everyone will think it isn’t smart, given my whole fucked-up situation. Alayna is in Kansas with Cassius, and there are still things I need to figure out about the death of my family. But I need Pauline’s help. Besides, she is partly my responsibility now. I can never let Silvanus hurt her again, knowing that she was hurt because of my poor decisions.

If only there weren’t a goddamn family rule, she wouldn’t be hurting right now.

I’ve always wanted to see where you live, Pauline says as she cautiously gets out of the car. Lennie is already at the front door with her two assistants.

Welcome to the mansion, Ms. Pauline. Lennie greets her with a small smile. Master Brandon.

Good afternoon, Lennie, she greets back. It’s been a long time.

Yes, you were just a child back then.

Pauline holds Lennie’s hand. Just call me Pauline. I’ve missed you. You still look as young as ever.

Lennie grins kindly. Oh, thank you. You are lovely as well.

Lennie, I interrupt. Please help us take her things to her room.

Right away, Master Brandon. Lennie snaps her fingers in the air and orders the maids to take the luggage inside.

Lennie’s going to take you to your room, I say. I’m right behind you. I think I need to answer some questions. I groan as I see Casey furiously walking in my direction.

Pauline glances at me once more and follows Lennie inside.

Casey, my sister and my chef at the moment, crosses her arms, shaking her head. I heard the news. I guess it is true then.

She needs a place to stay, I reply simply, striding to the living room, and she keeps up with me.

And you think this is the right place? You are completely out of your mind!

Casey, I don’t have time to deal with you. And I don’t have to explain anything to you.

Ha! Try me, she taunts. I heard that you ditched Oliver last night. Are you with her?

I scowl. Excuse me?

Don’t complicate things like this, Brandon. I can’t believe how much you’ve changed.

I sigh sharply. Let’s not do this today, Casey, okay? Why don’t you cook us something now? I’m starving—

Alayna’s coming back this week! she snaps. Are you going to parade this woman in front of her?

"Her name is Pauline, Casey, I say tightly. Did you not see her? She has bruises on her arms; her eyes are swollen. I run my fingers through my hair. How am I supposed to sleep at night if I just left her in a motel?"

What about Alayna?

Isn’t she with Cassius now?

She tenses up. You know nothing is going on with those two.

Is there really nothing? She took Cassius to her family!

You brought Pauline here! How is your relationship with her any different? I’m sure you would lie to me about that as well.

How many times do I have to tell you that Alayna and I broke up? I say bitterly.

She grunts. I don’t fucking care!

Watch your words, Casey.

I said she’ll be working here again. She’s in pain too, and it’s all because of you.

I have had enough of this. Is this her house?

What?

I said, is this Alayna’s house?

No... but that’s not what I meant. She lowers her tone, avoiding my eyes.

Then I will do whatever the fuck I want in my house and bring whoever I want here. Do you understand? Not waiting for her answer, I march away.

I go to my desk in the library and pull out the drawer. I grab the photographs I received from the tail I hired to check on Alayna and Cassius.

It’s pictures of them holding each other’s hands in front of a coffee shop in Lawrence last week. As much as this photo infuriates me, I can’t do anything. Not in our current state.

I slam my fist on the desk. I wouldn’t have done everything I did if it weren’t for the incident last year. They got even more information about Alayna when she came to see me in Athens. Of course I couldn’t face her when I’d only draw attention, but I guess it didn’t matter to them.

I couldn’t understand their obsession with bringing me down by using Alayna as their target. She wasn’t even from the Stavros or the Dragoumis family, just an average citizen working as a chef to make a living. So what did they fucking want from her?

This is all because I wanted a normal life and let myself love someone again. But, unfortunately, it seems I still don’t deserve such a thing.

Goddammit! Everyone is accusing me of letting her go with Cassius because I couldn’t make a firm stand. Even though I’m doing my best to protect everyone, I’m still viewed as the villain. But why wouldn’t they? I broke up with the only person and the reason I’m doing all of this anyway. Alayna has given me a chance to hope and live again, but I hurt her in every way possible. My enemies are after her family, and she’s now also in danger because of me. Nevertheless, I will protect her in any way I can, even if it hurts us in the process. She can resent me as much as she wants, but what’s important for me is her safety.

I crumple the photo harshly and toss it into the trash bin.

ALAYNA

THREE WEEKS OF VACATION in the place where I was born seemed like a short time, so naturally, I wished I could stay. I’ve missed my family terribly—my mother and my twelve siblings. If I go back to New York, I’m only going to remember the hell I’ve been through with Brandon, and it’s a reality I can’t avoid. Nonetheless, it’s impossible for me to move on. Brandon and I never really had a long time to get to know each other, but it still hurts so much that I’m afraid it’d take long to finally let go of my feelings for him. To heal.

Cassius believes that this is for the best. I’ve tried hard to put the negativity away and give myself more time to adjust. He wants me to enjoy myself with my family, but it’s not that easy. I know everything is temporary.

Mom thinks Cassius is my boyfriend—and my boss’s cousin. I told her we’re only friends, but she wouldn’t believe me. Who would? Every day he’s in our house, and he only returns to the hotel after dinner.

I don’t give much thought to our odd relationship either. We are only holding hands, often we are hugging, but Cassius is too much of a gentleman to make a move. He never mentioned anything and respects my decisions. He is very patient with me, and he’s polite to Mom. My siblings like him too.

I like being with him. Other than Oliver and Casey, Cassius has given me the attention and care.

Why didn’t I fall in love with a man like him?

I’m in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, and Cassius is sitting by the island, an iPad in his hand, tasting everything I serve him.

It’s Casey’s birthday in three days, he suddenly says, looking up at me. What’s your plan?

Your sister is into parties. I remember she said it once. But what sort of party? I carefully spill the lemon nectar on the cooked rice, followed by sliced vegetables, and mix everything.

She likes to dance. Cassius shrugs. Don’t you think it’s time for us to return?

After mixing the rice, I place a portion on a plate and put two slices of bacon on top before giving it to Cassius. This smells nice. What is it?

It’s from a Chinese recipe, but I tweaked it a bit. Try it.

He shrugs again and picks up the spoon, then tastes a mouthful. I can taste the lemon, but it’s complementing the rice.

Eat it with bacon. I cured that myself. I grin. When cooking, I miss Oliver. He’s always the one who tries my cooking. God, I really do miss him a lot! In the past year, he and Casey have been the only people listening to me. I feel I can tell Oliver about everything. He stayed by my side during Brandon’s absence, making sure I wouldn’t break down.

Cassius eats another spoonful, and his eyes widen. Hmm! It’s delicious. He grins.

Right? I giggle. The secret is in the lemon juice and the bacon marinade.

Great, because I can’t stop eating. He laughs and eats more.

Um, about coming home, I say, going back to his question. I like it here, Cassius. I wish we could spend more time here.

I want that too. I love spending time with your family. They are all so like you. But Casey would love you to be there on her birthday.

I put down the bowl I’m holding and perch on the barstool next to him. I feel so relaxed here. Maybe I can just stay. I laugh.

What about me? he jokes, smiling.

I smile back. You can come here whenever you like.

You know that’s impossible, right? he whispers, searching for my eyes. Everything we have now is temporary.

I bite my lip as the awkward silence stretches between us. Why do you have to be Brandon’s cousin?

I gaze at his face and start to realize things. He lets out a soft laugh but doesn’t answer.

Cassius is here to help me, guide me, and make me forget the pain of losing Brandon. I don’t want this to appear like he’s a rebound, but his embraces are real—he comforts me. I know it’s selfish, but I like the affection he’s giving me. I know he has feelings for me, but I couldn’t give him the same affection.

Do you think if we didn’t meet the way we met, we could have a chance? he asks.

I don’t know.

But do you know what I think?

What?

I believe that this is the only way. Are you worried about me now? He smiles sweetly again, but there’s sadness in his eyes. Don’t be. I wanted this.

I’m sorry, I’m a burden.

You’re not a burden, Alayna. I had every chance to go back to Manhattan when you told me to, but it’s my choice to stay because I like being with you. I can even marry you if you want to, he jokes again, chuckling.

Are you proposing to me? I tease.

No, but a lucky girl must be out there somewhere.

I didn’t even say no yet. I guess you can tell Casey we’re coming back.

Are you sure about that?

I nod. We’re going back anyway.

Laynie! A loud, high-pitched voice suddenly echoes in the kitchen. Laynie, we want some food! We want some! Three more kids storm in the kitchen and run around me; then the youngest, Mirabelle, shows me her empty bowl.

Gimmie some, Laynie, she says in her cute little voice.

All right, all right. Give me your bowl. Mirabelle hands me the bowl and I give her a small serving of rice. Tracy, don’t run! Elman, can you take a look at Martin? He’s picking the rug again! I shout so he can hear me in the living room.

I have a rather huge, happy family. Never in any day has our house felt empty. Mom and Dad loved adopting kids from the children’s home my father used to work at. All my siblings are adopted, yes, but we don’t mention it in the house, even if they all know I’m not their sister by blood. They are my siblings, that’s all there is to it.

Elman is sixteen; he’s the eldest among twelve, and he’s really tall. He’s their big brother whenever I am away. I was in fifth grade when Elman was adopted. Next is Rosy, the second in command—as Elman calls her—and she’s fifteen. Then Spencer, he’s thirteen and the biological brother of Jenny, who is eleven years old. Jenny is followed by Jim, the smartest one at the age of ten. Then Clay and Michelle: they’re both nine. The younger ones are Kurt, Tracy, Kit, Martin, and Mirabelle, with a year gap between each. I can still remember the times when each of them came into our house...

Seconds later, I hear the other kids’ footsteps coming from upstairs. Their giggles and whispers fill the house.

Hey! I told you not to run on the stairs, I scold.

Yes, Laynie!

Cassius chuckles. I just love hearing your nickname, Laynie.

Ugh! Don’t call me that. It’s childish.

Why not? I like it.

Laynie, can you feed me? Mirabelle looks up at me.

I grin. Of course. Come up here, I say, offering her the seat next to me.

Come here, Mira. Do you want big brother Cassius to feed you instead? Cassius asks, and Mira blinks her big round eyes at him. Come here, then.

Still a little hesitant, Mira walks to him, and Cassius puts her on his lap. What is this? she pokes Cassius’s dimple.

Cassius laughs. Those are my dimples.

Can I have those?

I’ll give them to you later, but you should eat your rice first.

Okay! She smiles and kisses his cheek. Cassius lifts the spoon of rice and feeds it to her. Mirabelle munches the food heartily and contently.

I told you I hold a special charm for little girls. He winks at me.

Shh! Stop boasting.

I’ll check your mother’s blood pressure after this, and I’ll give her something for her back pain. Do you mind getting my things ready?

I can’t help but smile fondly at him. Now, that’s what I call charm.

CHAPTER TWO

BRANDON

COME IN, I CALL, HEARING the swift knock on my door. Oliver and Casey stride inside and place a tray of food on my desk.

I check the clock, and it’s almost seven in the evening. I realize I’ve already been in front of my computer for six hours straight in a meeting with Grethe and Elga Enterprises executives. I ended the meeting after the last executive’s speech, but it pretty much gave me a damn headache. As chairman and founder, all of them answer to me. I didn’t do much of this in the past, given my previous situation. Oliver used to do these things for me. I can’t lie: This fucking tires me.

Brandon. Casey greets me first. Here’s your dinner. I squeezed you some fresh lemon juice. Is there anything else you want to eat?

That’s fine, Case. Thanks.

Hey, can I speak with you? she asks, but I ignore her. I have more pressing matters to cover with Oliver. Ollie? Any news?

I searched everywhere, and I can’t find any Katrakis named Marcus—

I hold up a hand. I need to speak to him alone. Casey, can you leave us, please?

Why? I was the one who asked first, she complains, her voice irritated.

Not tonight, please. I have a lot on my mind right now.

Fine! Just don’t get mad if you find out from someone else. This is important.

I exhale. Okay. What is this about?

Oliver whispers to her and gives her a warning look, but she only glares back at him and points her finger to the door.

Listen, Case... I’m busy with—

Shut up, Brandon! she snaps. I’m swamped, too, with working in the kitchen alone while doing my thesis. Just hear me out before you freaking open your mouth.

I’m stunned.

Ollie, just a moment, please. Oliver takes a chair to the side. You can’t just do this anytime you want, Casey.

It’s going to be my birthday soon, she reminds me.

Of course, I remember. How can I forget? She’s the only sister I have left.

All right, what do you want for your birthday? I stretch my back.

She crosses her arms over her chest. I don’t want or need anything, and I’m not going to ask you about something. All I want is a simple celebration, but I just have one wish. Only wish.

Let’s hear it.

I’m turning twenty-five, and I know that I’m not young enough to ask for wishes. She holds her head high. I wish Pauline to be removed from the house. Find her another place to stay.

I thought we were done talking about this?

You might be, but I’m not. If you don’t want Pauline to stay in hotels, you can rent a suite, house, mansion, or palace for all I care. Just get her out of here, please. I’m not comfortable with having her here. If I want to celebrate my birthday, I will celebrate it without her.

"Casey, enough of this. I’m tired of explaining myself. My decision is final. This is my house. My rules."

How can you put a stranger inside your house? she retorts, raising her voice. Take her out of here or I will, Brandon.

She’s not a stranger. She’s Pauline. You know her from Athens. You used to see her on family occasions. What’s the matter? No one is leaving this house. Now get back to whatever it is you are doing, and let me and your brother finish our business.

Alayna is coming back, she says angrily. Stop being a jerk. I’m beginning to hate you for doing this.

Goddammit! I slam my fist on the desk, and she jerks in surprise.

If she’s coming here, it’s because she signed a contract. So, for the last time, I don’t want to tell you again. Now, leave this room while I’m still asking nicely.

Casey, Ollie says softly. You don’t want to fight Brandon over this again. We will discuss your birthday later, okay?

Casey shakes her head in disapproval, and tears are already rising in her eyes. Fine, but don’t ever think I will approve of her, Brandon. I know that I don’t have any right to tell you what to do, but doing this isn’t the right thing. I see that you don’t really care anymore for anything, but that woman... She glares at me once more before she marches out of my room and slams the door.

I groan. Clearly, I got misinterpreted again. Casey will not understand now, but afterward, she will understand. Besides, I don’t want to hear any more about Alayna and Cassius because I might lose my head again.

You know Casey, Ollie says. But I think you should talk to her. She’s hurt.

You know that I can’t take Pauline out of here, right?

Relax. Casey is Casey. She gets mad when she doesn’t get what she wants, but you cannot blame her. She’s very fond of Alayna.

God, this is insane. I grit my teeth.

Tell me honestly, and remember you cannot lie to me, Brandon. I know you too well. The whole setup affects you. Alayna and Cassius in her hometown together with her family? It’s almost like a serious thing. Doesn’t it bother you?

Of course, it fucking bothers me, I hiss, clenching my fist. But what can I do? She’s hurting because of me. Her family and her life are on the line.

I know, and I understand what’s going on with you, he answers calmly. But this can’t go on for too long, or you might lose her again. This time, it’s going to be for good, now that Cassius has an advantage. I just don’t know what she would think about Pauline being here.

Do you think I don’t know that? She’s out there living the life I wouldn’t be able to give her. I need to bring my enemies down, and if I don’t do that, we can never have a normal relationship. This is a war between families, Ollie. I can’t involve her in that until I resolve this issue.

Then why don’t you just tell her what’s going on, Brandon?

I can’t. Not when my plans include Pauline. You know that it’s not going to be good.

You wanted her family’s allegiance because you needed more power. I get it. Ollie nods.

I have to look more convincing if I have to do that.

Because if Damianos finds out about your relationship with a woman other than his daughter, he’ll turn against you.

Yes, that’s exactly who he is. I don’t want more enemies. The alliances with these families have been broken for a long time without our knowing. The Dragoumises are already siding with Alfio.

But in the end, this will hurt both you and Alayna. You’re willing to sacrifice your relationship for this alliance? Is there no other way? This is too much.

Either my enemies or Damianos targets her, it doesn’t make a difference. I have no other choice. The Stavros are as powerful as our family—

Or maybe because you just don’t want Alayna to assume you’re choosing Pauline over your relationship? You are already doing that now, he says tersely. I can understand his concern for Alayna. They’ve become very close.

I’m not choosing Pauline, Ollie. You know that. At the right time, I’ll tell Alayna about this. I just need to tell Pauline my plans first.

This will hurt Pauline too. Another fact, and I can’t deny it.

Her family will benefit from this too. Pauline’s father wants my technology. But anyway, Cassius will take care of Alayna more than I can. At least for now, I say, mostly to convince myself. But I know inside that I’m losing her to Cassius. Ollie, what about the investigation? About Marcus?

He hurls out a frustrated breath. No record of Marcus Katrakis. There was no person with that name in our family. Are you sure you heard it correctly?

Look at me. Do I look like I’m unsure?

All right. He raises his hands. I’m going to ask the detective to continue the search.

Do that, please, I mutter. I still have work to do.

Why don’t you eat first? You need a rest too, Brandon, he advises.

Well, I don’t think I would be able to get a rest. Every fucking thing is haunting me.

The unknown man lurking around Alayna’s hometown. He’s probably Alfio’s man, or maybe Marcus.

The murder of my family.

Annette.

Pauline. Her family. Silvanus.

The pain still in my chest.

Alayna and Cassius in her hometown together.

I just fucking hate all of it.

ALAYNA

MOM, DON’T CRY, PLEASE? I know it’s hard that we’re going to be apart again, but you know I have to leave, right? I hold her face between my palms then brush her tears away. Elman, can you take care of everything for me? Can I count on you? I ask him as the eldest.

Elman sniffs back his tears and wipes his nose with his shirt. Yes, Laynie.

They are all crying like there’s no tomorrow. It breaks my heart every time I leave home.

Oh, Alayna. Mom envelops her arms around me. She can’t stop crying. "Can you call me face-to-face when you return to New York?"

Yes, I will, of course.

Laynie, Cassius calls, using my nickname. Everything’s packed. We’ll leave whenever you’re ready. He closes the cab’s trunk after settling our things inside.

Your boyfriend. Mom looks into my eyes. He’s a good man. You better be good to him. She sniffles again. No one’s going to check my blood pressure every morning now, she adds, a final attempt to get us to stay.

I chuckle between tears. Cassius will call you too, so you better not forget his advice. Don’t cry, please?

She nods, smiling faintly, then smooths the strand of hair behind my ears. You are crying too.

I love you always. We’ll all be together soon, okay?

I love you too, Laynie. I know you are keeping your promises. She presses a small kiss on my temple and releases me. I face the kids and rest my hands on my waist. Now, let’s start a headcount, shall we?

Yes, Laynie! they all reply in a chorus.

Elman, Rosy, Spencer, Kit, Jenny, Jim, Clay, Kurt, Tracy, Michelle, Martin, and Mirabelle—where’s Mira?

The little miss is here. Cassius carries the youngest sibling in his arms, and she rests her head on his shoulder.

Don’t go, Cassius. Can I come with you, Laynie? she asks in her tiny voice. She’s on the verge of crying.

Of course you can, I say. When you get older.

She lifts her head and smiles innocently. Promise? When I’m ten?

I laugh. Yes. When you’re ten.

Okay. Goodbye, Laynie... Cassius. She kisses his cheeks, and Cassius puts her down. Mira springs toward Spencer and hides behind him.