Claim - Page 73

I joined my brothers and their women at the island.

“How’s Bell doing?” Dante asked.

I glanced at her to see her doing a cartwheel for an ecstatic Daisy. “Okay. A little shellshocked, but she’s holding up.”

“She’s tough,” Mila said. “She’s had to be to survive this long.”

London nodded. “I looked up Carr.” She shuddered. “He’s a nightmare.”

“And now Bell’s moved in with you,” Colt said.

“She’s staying at my place for now. It’s the safest option.” They all looked at me, and I gritted my teeth. “It’s temporary.”

“Mmm,” Dante murmured.

“It is.”

“Did you give her that pretty necklace?” Kav asked.

Shit. I shouldn’t have gotten her the necklace. I lowered my voice. “She’s twenty-three for God’s sake. Thanks to Carr, she hasn’t had a chance to live her life. The last thing she needs is some older guy—”

“You’re in your late thirties, Beau,” Macy said with a huff. “Hardly ancient.”

“And Bell looks happy when she’s with you,” Mila said. “Why don’t you let her decide what she wants.”

I grunted. “Here she comes. Let’s eat.”

“Something smells great,” Bell said.

“That’s me,” Kavner replied. “My new cologne.”

London slapped his arm.

“Bell, come meet the best cook in all of Louisiana.” I took her hand and waved at Lola. “Lola, this is Bell.”

“Lovely to meet you.” Lola engulfed her in a big hug. “You’re too skinny. You need to eat. Sit, and I’ll serve you up a plate.”

“Don’t eat too much,” Mila said. “We have a party tonight, remember?”

Lola made a scoffing sound. “There are plenty of hours between now and your party.”

“Lola, I’m staaaarving,” Daisy declared.

“Good girl.” With a brisk movement, Lola straightened and tightened Daisy’s hair. “Wash your hands and up to the table.”

As we sat at the large wooden table, passing plates and condiments around, Kavner opened a bottle of wine. There was joking and laughing, and I saw Bell smiling, taking it all in. Daisy only stopped talking to chew and swallow her food.

“Uncle Kav, can I come to your party tonight?” Daisy begged.

“Yes,” Kav replied.

“No,” Colt countered. “It’s for adults, and it’s past your bedtime.”

The little girl pouted.

“Don’t worry.” Lola ran a hand over Daisy’s ponytail. “It is you and me tonight. I made you something special.”

“Gelato!” Daisy cried.