Power Switch (Power Play #3) - Kennedy L. Mitchell Page 0,60
ever, I see.” I’d laugh if the situation weren’t what it is. “And I said yes because I wanted to see you, and Mom, it’s fucking—”
“Don’t fucking cuss, damnit.”
Taeler’s eyes roll to the ceiling. This time I can’t stop my smile at the familiar move. “Anyway, it’s Camp David. I wasn’t going to miss this opportunity. Plus, Chad checked the guy out. So here I am with you yelling at me for trying to do something nice for you.”
“Taeler.” Randi groans. “You have no idea what you’ve stepped into.” Massaging her temples, she sways a little on her feet, catching herself before she topples over.
For the first time since we arrived, Taeler seems to take in her mom. Really see her. The annoyance drains from her features, leaving her blue eyes tight with worry. “You okay, Mom?”
Over the earpiece, someone states they’re coming in just as a light knock sounds, halting Randi from responding. Champ strides in, scanning the room as he moves toward Randi.
With a smile of relief, she takes the pill from his outstretched hand and the glass of water from the other. She wastes no time downing the medicine and the entire contents of the full pint glass.
“Are you sick?” The leather groans as Taeler pushes to a standing position. Her steps are hesitant as she closes the distance between her and her mother. “You look terrible, Mom.”
“Thanks,” Randi rasps. “I love that I get to see you, Tae. I really am so, so happy to see you.” With that, she reaches out and pulls Taeler in for a tight hug. Through her daughter’s blonde hair, Randi's focus falls on me, and she mouths, “Sorry.”
“You smell funny,” I hear Taeler say into her mom’s hair.
Randi chuckles, the laugh sounding forced. “So I look like crap and I smell. Thanks, Taeler. So glad you could come. Now it's time for you to go back to Austin.”
“I'm not leaving.” Hands on her mom's shoulders, she pulls back at arm’s length. “Something's going on with you that I need to know about, and I miss you. So there are two great reasons for me to stay through the weekend as planned.”
“The weekend?” Randi and I both say at the same time. We share a concerned glance.
Randi shakes her head. “These people are terrible human beings, Tae. I don't want you anywhere near them. Hell, Texas might not be far enough away from their games. It's why I've never invited you to visit me in DC. You’re my main priority. I need you safe. And now you're here, brought here by my manipulative asshat of a boss, and I’m pretty sure he did it to use it against me in some way.”
Realization of the situation seems to settle over Taeler. Swiping the hair behind her ear over and over, almost like a nervous twitch, she shifts on her feet. “How would he be able to do that?”
“To prove that he can get to you without her, or us, knowing.” The two women turn to face me, worry etched across both their faces almost identically. “He wants to prove he can hurt Randi without laying a hand directly on her. He's tried twice—” Randi slicing her hand across her throat freezes the next words in my throat. “He's a brilliant motherfucker, I'll give him that.”
“I need to get back out there and schmooze those jackasses. I can’t let them know how much their plan affected me.” Randi groans, her concerned gaze flipping between me and Taeler. “Trey, would you stay with her?”
“I don't need a fucking babysitter.”
“Watch your fucking language, Tae.” With an eye roll that makes my head hurt, she turns back to me. “Please. I need to know someone is with her at all times.”
“She has her own team, Randi. You need someone with you at all times too.” Lifting the cuff of my sleeve to my lips, I order Grem into the room. After several tense moments, the heavy wooden door swings open, allowing Grem to march through. Neither Randi nor I miss the way Taeler's face lights up when she sees him.
I hide my knowing smirk behind the fist at my mouth covering a fake cough.
“We need at least two men with Taeler at all times while she's here,” I order. Grem responds with a firm nod, lifting his own sleeve to his lips.
“And keep that asshole Shawn and cuntcake Kyle away from my daughter,” Randi adds. “If they so much as get within five feet of her,