Free Wicked All The Way (Wicked Lovers) by Shayla Black

was speaking. “There’s no way I was going to let him or anyone else
speak to you like that. Not ever, Lottie.”
    “I appreciate what you meant to do, Caleb. But I am a grown,
capable woman. And I am fine. I did not need you to speak for me.” She put a
gentle hand on his arm.
    “If you weren’t going to stand up to him, then yes, you did.
That’s my role.”
    “He can only hurt me now if I let him. He was worth neither
my anger nor my words. He wanted a confrontation. Why should I give him what he
sought?” She blinked up at him, willing him to understand. “I know what sets
Gordon off. Do not be surprised if he slashes his own tires, then calls the
police to blame such a thing on you.”
    “I don’t give a shit, Lottie. He treated you with terrible
unkindness and disrespect. I won’t have that.”
    “I would rather not listen to it. However, if it means
keeping the peace, his insults, which no one else will hear, mean nothing to
me.”
    “It means something to me. Pissant bullies like that only
understand strength. Silence is weakness to them. He would have continued to
browbeat you until he found just the way to make you feel every bit as
miserable as he does. He’s angry and jealous and determined to at least ruin
our evening, if not ruin your life. I’ll be damned if I’m going to let him.”
    “I would rather not give him the satisfaction either.”
    “So don’t!”
    “I am handling it in my way, and you took that choice from
me without discussion. You silenced my voice, just in a different way than
Gordon.”
    “Are you going to compare me to that asshole?”
    Around them a family gave them a wide berth as they walked into
the restaurant. A laughing couple in their twenties walked out with bright
smiles, the woman wearing a Christmas sweatshirt that said, “BE NAUGHTY. SAVE
SANTA THE TRIP.” A nip was finally beginning to fill the air.
    And standing here knowing that Caleb did not grasp her point
of view—and worried that he might never—very nearly broke her heart.
    “No. I will merely tell you that I do not need and will not
have another man taking over my life. Will you drop me at Mari’s house,
please?” She walked toward his truck, clutching the Styrofoam and forcing
herself not to look in his direction.
    “I was going to take you home and—”
    “I think it is best if we say good night.” She drew in a
shaking breath. “And good-bye.”

 
 
 

Chapter 6
    December 22 –
Lafayette, Louisiana

 
    Carlotta pulled up in front of Kata and Hunter’s apartment
and waved at her daughter, who stood on the balcony with a smile and gestured
her inside.
    The late afternoon sun blinded her as she exited her sedan
and headed up the stairs. Kata popped back through the apartment and met her at
the door with a hug.
    “It’s good to see you, Mamá. I’m so glad you’re going to
spend Christmas in Lafayette. Hunter is en route home now. I expect him in the
middle of the night. Mari had Carlos take the boys to a movie, so she’s been
baking and waiting for you.” She frowned. “It’s Christmas and we’re all going
to be together. Why do you look so sad?”
    She tried to paste on a bright smile for her daughter, but
felt anything except happy. In fact, she had been unable to feel happy for
nearly three weeks. “I am tired.”
    Kata only narrowed her eyes and dragged her to the sofa.
“And I’m Santa Claus. Out with it.”
    “I do not wish to burden you.”
    “You’re my mother, not a burden. You’ve always been there to
help me with my problems. You kept me from making the biggest mistake of my
life and divorcing Hunter. You raised me and loved me and…how can you think I’d
ever do anything but listen and try to help?”
    Carlotta fidgeted. Kata really should know something. On
Christmas Eve, there would be a big surprise party at her new house. Kimber,
Tara, and Delaney had all been planning it feverishly and keeping her apprised.
Luc and Alyssa were catering from