My Ex Husband The Alpha His Brother The Rogue novel Chapter 23

-Laila

My phone buzzes. It’s 7pm and I’ve just finished grading the last papers for the day.

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Working overtime on my second official day of work wasn’t really a part of the plan. But here I am… one scandal later and back to an almost normal life.

Almost.

The screen lights up with a text that draws my attention.

“Finally.” I murmur to myself as I check it, exhaling a deep sigh of relief.

Grandfather Blackwood has just texted me. He’d be dropping Liam off soon.

Liam’s kindergarten closes by 4pm and it’s a short walk from Thorneville University which makes my new role with the University a very convenient arrangement.

But today, Grandfather Blackwood had suddenly insisted on picking Liam up after school for a play date before his upcoming business trip.

Even now, the idea of having Liam out of my sight and with the Blackwoods always sends a chill of terror down my spine.

But Kael consented to it and so I couldn’t say no.

A knock sounds from the door just as I begin organizing my desk.

“Come in.” I call out, frowning. I’m not expecting anyone.

A head pops in. It’s Mr Trent, the course director.

“Ms Laila, I know it’s just been a few days but it’s really an honour to have you here.” The course director of the law department says.

“I mean, originally, you were insistent on refusing the position in favor of an out of office role.” He teases with a goodly smile.

I return the smile. An out of office role was convenient. But that went out the window after Axis Loft became a lounge area for reporters hoping to catch a clearer glimpse of my face.

It’d taken some effort to make sure the shot they got of Cameron blurred me. If I can’t protect my reputation, I can at least keep my face out of the media and be something other than a Blackwood.

The contract doesn’t say I have to submit to all of Kael’s arrangements.

I’ve only just joined the university so not many people know who I am. Blackwood is a common enough last name to keep me from drawing too much attention to myself.

14:17 Sat, Oct 11

Chapter 23

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After a brief exchange of pleasantries, I head out of the university to begin my walk to the intersection where Grandfather Blackwood’s driver would be waiting.

I’ve texted Kael the location as well. So Blake can pick us up.

Kael and I have fallen into an unspoken routine. He drops Liam off in the morning when he leaves for work, while I pick him up since Kael works late.

It’s already been a few days since the boardroom and the incident at the Blue water department store.

We’ve barely exchanged a few words since then, save for texts to let me know when Blake would be picking us up, or when he would be coming home. And if he would join us for dinner.

It’s the same routine as Ridgeway. The first few days of our return have been more dramatic than I anticipated, so this familiar cold distance is much welcome.

I arrive at the intersection not long after, just as Grandfather Blackwood’s SUV pulls up by the curb.

“Mommy!”

My heart warms instantly. I reach for the door opening it, and my lips stretch into a smile as Liam dives into

my arms.

He’s practically bubbling in his excitement.

“I see you had loads of fun with the old man.” I tease, reaching out to wipe the crumbs of cookies still on his

cheeks.

Liam giggles, nodding his head in agreement.

“Old man fun… but Uncle better!” He exclaims giddily.

I freeze. A cold chill runs down my spine as Liam’s words sink in. I turn just at the moment the door to the driver’s side opens,

It’s not Grandfather Blackwood’s driver… it’s Cameron!

My grip on Liam tightens protectively. Like holding him tightly enough would cover the truth.

Cameron walks around the car to us while I’m just frozen in place, holding Liam and staring at him.

I didn’t think I’d be seeing him so soon after the boardroom. I’d made it clear then that I’m on Kael’s side and Cameron had not looked pleased.

“Laila.”

‘He looks just as good as always! An unwanted thought sneaks into my mind.

My traitorous heart beats strangely at the thought, but I bite down on my bottom lip harshly enough to distract myself.

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Cameron sounds different than he had in the boardroom. There is some exhaustion in his tone. But he still reveals a smile, winking to a grinning Liam like they shared a secret.

I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, still, my heart drops. I don’t allow the guilt blossom. His state has nothing to do with me.

“Grandad had to attend an urgent meeting.” He explained, “I just happened to be visiting and he asked me to drop Liam off.”

“I… okay…” I stutter,

Get it together, Laila!

The mental reprimand does the trick because I immediately follow up with a proper sentence. “Thank you, Mr Blackwood.”

Cameron frowns at the address but he doesn’t comment. Instead he glances around, “Where’s your car? I got Liam a few things, if you don’t mind.”

I smile uncertainly, my heart is beating a mile per minute now and it’s taking everything in me not to take my son and run as far away from Cameron as possible.

“I don’t think…”

“Mommy…” Liam’s pouting in my arms now, his eyes wide and teary.

“It’s not just me.” Cameron cuts in quickly, “Grandad did as well. So there’s quite a few things to move out of the trunk.”

“Where did you park, Laila?” He asks again,

I shake my head slowly. “I…Blake will pick us up.”

He glances around. “I don’t see him anywhere. It’s quite late to be standing by the curb on your own.”

“I’ll drive you.” He offers, an almost tender smile on his lips.

“I don’t think there’s a need for that.” I decline politely.

Laila, Liam’s my nephew.” His tone is earnest, “I know you and Kael…

“Don’t…” I cut him off, my eyes narrowed into a glare. “Not in front of my son.”

Cameron’s expression turns apologetic and he nods. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

I turn to leave but Cameron quickly stops me, “Get in Laila. The night is chilly. I’ll drop you off at home.”

“That won’t be necessary.” I decline, gesturing to Kael’s familiar Gray Camaro pulling up a short distance away,

Cameron’s expression falls. But he nods in understanding. “Then, I’ll just have the items sent over to your address.”

14:17 Sat, Oct 11

Chapter 23

“Hmmm.” I start heading over to Kael’s car.

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“Goodnight Laila. And you too Liam.” Cameron calls out.

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I don’t respond. I just keep walking and I pretend not to notice Liam waving back over my shoulder.