Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Sutton stared at her phone for another ring before answering, putting it on speaker as Keira had requested.

“Uncle Peter?” Sutton’s voice was perfectly pitched. It was shaky, like she’d been crying.

“Sutton.” Peter’s voice came through the speaker, and Blair felt her skin crawl at the fake concern in his tone. “I just heard about Blair. I’m so sorry, honey. How are you and Keira holding up?”

Blair watched her sisters‘ faces. Sutton had gone pale, and Keira was gripping the arms of her chair so tight her knuckles were white,

“We only found out a little while ago ourselves and didn’t get a chance to call… we’re not doing well,” Sutton managed. “I can’t believe she’s gone. It happened so fast.”

“I know, sweetheart. I know. Your aunt and I tried to get to the hospital, but they said…” Peter’s voice trailed off. “They said she’d already been moved to the morgue.”

“The doctors said her brain started swelling during the night,” Keira jumped in, her voice thick with manufactured grief. “They couldn’t stop it.”

“Oh, girls. I’m so sorry. Blair was so young, so full of life.” There was a pause. “Have you talked to Roman? How is he handling this? We didn’t have his number to call ourselves.”

Blair looked at Roman, who was studying the phone with cold eyes.

“He’s devastated,” Sutton said. “He loved her so much. We headed to his place the moment we heard. We are here now. He didn’t want to be alone, and neither did we.”

“Of course, of course. You girls shouldn’t be alone at a time like this.” Peter’s voice was getting smoother now, more confident. “What about arrangements? The funeral?”

“We haven’t… we don’t know what to do,” Keira said, and Blair was impressed by how broken she sounded. “We’ve never had to plan anything like this before.”

“Don’t worry about that. Your aunt and I will help with everything. Blair deserves a beautiful service.” Peter paused. “I hope you girls aren’t worrying about money right now. I want to let you know we will cover everything.”

Blair felt Roman’s hand tighten on hers.

“No, it’s ok Peter,” Sutton said quietly. “Roman wants to pay for everything.”

“Of course, yes, I should have thought. You girls are strong, just like your parents were.” His voice was gentle, paternal. “And remember, your aunt and I are here to help however we can. Within reason, of course.”

“What do you mean, within reason?” Keira asked.

“Well, it’s just a saying, of course. I didn’t mean anything by it. The business is doing well because of my investments.”

Blair wanted to throw something. How dear he. This man stole from them and most likely killed their parents to get hold of their money. As far as Blair was concerned, he could keep the money if only they could have their parents back.

Sutton said, her voice hollow, “We’re lucky Roman will cover everything. We can’t afford much these days.”

“I know. But that’s all behind us now. The important thing is giving Blair the send–off she deserves.” Peter’s voice was casual now, almost cheerful. “She may not have had much in the end, but she had love.”

Keira said suddenly, “can I ask

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“Of course, sweetheart. Anything.”

really think Blair’s accident was just an accident? I mean, she said some weird things lately about feeling like someone was following her, plus the two

went quiet for several seconds. Blair could practically hear

he asked finally, and his

And there was that thing with that car almost running her over and then that thing with the concrete almost falling on her

coincidence. Blair was probably just stressed with the end of her engagement to Dan and then getting engaged to Roman.” Peter’s voice was smooth again, but Blair caught the undertone

hard to accept that it was all so random, you know? First our parents,

pause. Longer this

is unpredictable, girls. Sometimes terrible things just happen to good people.” Peter’s voice was almost philosophical. “Your parents‘ plane crash, Blair’s accident–there’s

casual way he mentioned their parents‘ deaths, like they were just another example of bad

you’re right,” Sutton said quietly. “It’s just so hard. We

girls still have each other, and you have your aunt and me. We’re family.”

“We’ll get through this together, just like we did after your parents

They had been the reason why she and her sisters were where they were today. It was

so

think our parents would be proud

sweetheart, of course they would. Your parents always knew that money wasn’t everything. They’d be proud that you girls have stayed strong, even after… well, even after all

debts?” Keira asked. “The ones that took

discovered how bad things really were. But we got through it.” Peter’s voice held a note of satisfaction that made Blair’s skin crawl. “Sometimes these things are

was murderous. Sutton looked like she was going to be sick. And

guess you’re right,” Sutton managed.

you’ve done! Blair found love with Roman. You girls are making your own way in the world…” Peter’s voice was filled with fake pride. “Your parents would be

married,” Keira said softly. There really were tears in Keira’s

I suppose now…” Peter trailed off.

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scream at his

speak at the

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