C.A.K.E

Flanked by two of her eternal protectors, Arden spends the duration of the car ride being coddled by them both at alternate intervals.

Warren allows Elliott the lead role, keeping his inquiries about how she's feeling to a minimum and resisting the urge to place her in one of his impenetrable bear hugs.

Taking notice of her father's restraint, she lifts her head from Eli's shoulder and reaches over to take Warren's hand. They share a quick look, as he gives her hand a gentle squeeze.

Traffic is more of an issue heading south than usual at this time of day, which leaves Arden with more time to mull about in her own headspace than she'd like.

On nights when the past isn't haunting her dreams, Casper fills that time slot. The stress of today has pulled her even deeper into the guilty pleasure.

Until a few weeks ago, she was a married woman who enjoyed her life. She had a husband and two kids whom she adored, and a successful business. Things were far from perfect. But everything made sense.

Then he showed up with his deep brown eyes, six-foot-three build of hard-won muscle, and his smooth words. And that damn British accent was just the cherry on top.

She doesn't even know Casper. Yet she's risking her relationship over him. And for what? A couple of intoxicating, passionate kisses?

Trouble always comes knocking when she's the least prepared to deal with it. Now that the portal's been opened, it'll be one problem after the other. She can feel it.

Elliott shifts beside her, snatching focus from her thoughts for a moment. The bit of sun that's permitted past the window's heavy tint hits his face and illuminates his blue eyes. The light casts broken shadows across his skin, providing the perfect backdrop for his fair features.

His pensive pose reminds her of the first days of their relationship when she used to spend much of their time together just staring at him. All of that goo-goo-eyed infatuation gifted her with the ability to decipher his mood by his body language. His current posture gives rise to a new level of anxiety for her.

He's leaning against the door with one hand perched on his chin. The lines forming on his forehead and the frown turning down his lips tell her that he's blaming himself for all this.

Eli is quick to shoulder the world's burden, a trait that makes arguing with him impossible. She can't be upset with a man who always admits when he's wrong and tries to see her side. It's like having a shouting match with a monk who broke his vow of silence just to assure you that he feels your pain. At some point, you just look like an asshole who gets off on the harassment of a gentle soul. And she sure as hell feels like one right now.

She betrayed her marriage vows today, several of them. There's been attention from a few men over the years. Especially from black men who feel compelled to inform her that she's missing out on being with a “real,” man.

She realized a long time ago that a real man is much more than his skin color or whatever might be stretching out his boxer briefs. A real man doesn't have to inform the world that he is such. It's very apparent in the light in his woman's eyes, and her willingness to shout his praises from every mountain top and anthill alike.

Her husband is everything she ever wanted and needed. She can't figure out how a stranger has managed to turn her world on its head in such a short time. If she could just put her finger on whatever it is that has her drawn to Casper like a moth to a scorching flame, she could stamp out the culprit and get back to her usual self.

Arden steals another glance at Eli, relieved that he seems too absorbed in his own emotional sludge to notice that her palms are sweating despite the crisp climate of the car. The inner tempest that's roiling in her gut keeps her as the lone passenger of its displeasure cruise.

Before her grip on reality can become any rockier, they're driving through the gates of her family's estate. Coasting up the tree-lined road that leads to the main house, she's anxious to see Rowan and Teagan.

Their driver brings the car to a stop right in front of the steps of the wraparound porch. Eli's parents and the kids must have been watching for them because they're all outside before Othello has a chance to put the car in park.

can't contain the smile that spreads across her face when she sees Rowan and Teagan running down the steps. The slight sting in her cheek reminds

she slips on a pair of wide-rimmed sunglasses and pulls on her sweater. Then she removes the pins from her hair and tousles its curls, coaxing them into a face-framing bob. She

concealing a couple of smaller scratches and bruises. The bandage on her hand can be explained away as a kitchen mistake. Now somewhat presentable, she lets Eli

They all hang onto each other like the other might float away. Rowan puts a death grip on Arden, while his sister throws her arms

and embraces

as he cries into her hair.

up to wipe the tears from his face, earning a sad

kiss Arden with as much enthusiasm as the kids. They spend

is especially relieved to see that she is still in one piece. She latches herself onto Ardi's other arm

done gushing over the two jailbirds, everyone files inside to the house's main living area. They all settle into the sitting room and

best left unsaid. They haven't had a chance to discuss the most diplomatic way to tell Ro and Tea that their mother has given vindictive a whole new meaning. Remaining quiet for now seems like a better option. Rowan and Teagan must get

Tea asks, pointing

. . . cut myself this morning at work." Her uneasy laugh fills the air. "You'd

No one else in the room seems to be buying that explanation either. Before anyone can ask about

could tell her life story, she strips off her clothes and throws them into the wicker hamper in the linen closet. She turns on the shower and allows the water some time to heat while she examines her face in the

her cheekbone. Her fingers offer a hesitant touch to the faint markings that are now visible on her neck and upper arms. Those will be ugly by tomorrow

With the steam from the shower building around her, she rests her palms on the pedestal sink and lets the tears flow at will. The release lasts a few tortured seconds before she cuts it

a new toothbrush, she scrubs at her teeth and tongue until her gums are sore. Then she grabs a bottle of mouthwash and gargles away any remaining traces of

steps into the shower and lets the scalding hot spray run over her body. As the water courses over her skin, she envisions the filth of the day running off her body and disappearing down the drain. If only shedding what's on her mind was that

rests her foot on the settee at the end of the bed and massages cocoa butter into her skin. When she switches to her other leg, she can feel the beginnings of the fatigue

and takes a seat at the vanity. She sets out an array of makeup and begins applying concealer along with a color-corrector to her cheek and underneath her eyes. A light buffing

low chignon and secures it with a pearl hair comb. Then she moves to the opposite side

with an ankle-grazing hem and lace overlay. The white tea-length garment might be a bit much for a simple dinner at home.

of her and Adam growing up. But when the lady of the house was at the other end of the table wearing a full skirt and a silk blouse, looking like the definition of poise and femininity, a t-shirt and jeans

Stepping into the skirt, she pulls it over the sweater and tugs up the hidden side zipper. She chooses a pair

appearance reveals that her ears have yet to be adorned. Just as she's pushing the

the walk-in, Arden can barely hear whoever it is. But that soft voice can belong to only one person. "May

as she opens the door for her. "I didn't mean to keep everyone waiting. I was

up here." She waves

feeling that follows the sudden dip of a roller coaster upsets her stomach. She offers her mother-in-law a seat on the Victorian chaise. "What's on your

the pastel blue upholstery. Diane takes Arden's hands and opens her mouth to speak, but then falls silent. Instead, she

“Are you okay?”