Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

"Christopher?" I gasped.

I had planned to slip away quietly, but Christopher's desperate cries were so loud they drew a crowd.

It was then I realized Coral Villa looked the same as before, yet it had changed in so many ways. Otherwise, where did all these people come from?

A guard in black kicked Christopher hard in the back, sending him sprawling face-first into the ground. Another guard pinned his arms behind him, while two more stood in front of me protectively.

As I looked back, Nicholas strode forward, trailed by a line of caretakers. The scene was so absurd that I didn't know whether to laugh or sigh.

Nicholas reached me in a few quick steps and pulled me behind him. "Are you hurt?"

I shook my head and instinctively pushed his hand away, putting some distance between us. I pretended not to notice the fleeting disappointment in his eyes as I walked up to Christopher and looked down at him.

Christopher's lips as he lay on the

was wrong. Please, ask Mr. Hawk to show mercy,

You know what it's like for a child to grow up without a father,

plead like this as if each word were a knife aimed at my heart. My Tabitha

could react, Nicholas took a step forward. His leather shoes landed squarely on Christopher's mouth. I had never seen him with

let you out so you could handle your family's affairs, not

I decided not to correct

retreated, and the faint smile that

Villa long enough to know that our relationship

after I left without a word three years ago, his temper had grown more unpredictable. Even the slightest sound could set him off. If not for the high pay, the staff likely wouldn't

quietly beside me, they looked on in disbelief. They seemed to think

only gave Nicholas a sidelong glance and asked, "What do you mean by handling his