Page 76 of Love Gamble

She must.

“He’s joined another motorcycle club, which we are having issues with,” is all Romeo says back to her, clearly uncomfortable with the question. And fair enough, because how could she not know?

“Wow, okay,” she mutters, absently touching her eye patch. “How long do you think I’ll have to stay here for? I have animals I’ve left at home. The neighbors can feed them for now, but I’d like to go home as soon as I can.”

“I’m not sure. A couple days at most, hopefully,” he replies, looking over at Corey. “Maybe you could spend some time with Corey while you’re here.”

Lisa gazes at her daughter. “Yes, well, I guess we will both be stuck here until the threat is gone.”

The vibe in the house is definitely different with her here, with more tension filling the room. Romeo asks Corey to show her to her room so Lisa knows where she is staying, and Corey takes her down the hall. I stay in the kitchen to give them some time alone, although that might not be the best idea.

“She’s very cold to her,” Bella whispers, frowning with concern in her gray eyes. “I know River said they have a strained relationship, but that was awkward to be around.”

“I know. I don’t know why she’s like that with her, but nice to everyone else around her. She can’t seriously blame her for Matthew’s death? She had nothing to do with it,” I say, deciding to follow her to make sure that she’s okay.

I stop at the door as I hear Lisa’s words. “Are you pregnant? How did you get a man like that?”

My jaw clenches hard at her cruel words.

“No, I’m not pregnant, Mom,” Corey replies, sighing. “I don’t even know if I want kids. Damon loves me for who I am.”

Lisa makes a scoffing sound. “You don’t want children? I suppose that’s probably a good thing.”

The anger that fills me is second to none. How dare she speak to Corey like that? Sweet, beautiful Corey, who is so kind to everyone.

“Why do you hate me so much?” Corey blurts out, and I know it must have taken her a lot to ask that.

“I don’t hate you, Corey. But it’s just hard to look at you when I think about Matthew. He died protecting you. I can’t help but think if you had just stayed home that night, maybe he would still be here. I miss my son every day.”

“I miss him, too! And it wasn’t my fault he died—he was in an MC, and there are risks with that. Which is why you’re here right now! I wish I could redo that day, but I can’t, and I don’t think it’s fair that you blame me for his death. I didn’t kill him. I would have done anything to protect him,” she says, and the pain and emotion in her voice makes me want to run to her and save her from this conversation. But unfortunately, this is one that needs to be had.

“I know! I know,” Lisa replies, her voice breaking. “And I do love you, Corey. You are my only daughter. But sometimes I wish it was you who died instead of Matthew.”

And that is my limit.

I step inside the room and go to Corey, who is silently crying, big, fat tears dripping down her cheeks.

“You don’t get to speak to her like that,” I say, keeping my tone even. Underneath, though, I’m seeing red. “And you should be ashamed by speaking to your child like that. She has done nothing wrong and deserves the same love you give your other children. What, are you one of those moms who sees their daughter as competition or something? I don’t get it. Corey is beautiful, smart, and funny. And she loves everyone around her so hard. I couldn’t have dreamed up a better woman if I tried.”

Lisa looks down but says nothing.

I grab Corey and drag her out of there.

I have never met a more toxic, heartless woman in my life.

When we get to our bedroom, it hits me that she might be upset that I got involved and spoke to her mother like that. I really tried to stay out of it but hearing her say those things really set me off. No wonder Corey has struggled in the past with her mental health and feeling lost in life.

“I’m sorry,” I say when the door locks. “I shouldn’t have said that to your mom. I just couldn’t stand by and let her speak to you like that—”

She shuts me up with a kiss. “Thank you. No one has defended me like that before, especially not to her. She’s not like that with River, so he doesn’t understand how awful she is to me.”

I sigh in relief that she’s not angry about it. “I just couldn’t hear any more of what she was saying. It wasn’t true. And I know I shouldn’t have been eavesdropping, but I had a feeling she was going to piss me off and say something to hurt you, and she fucking did.”

Corey kisses me again. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

And I’m not going to let anyone, even her own mother, ever hurt her again.