“Then ask away, just remember that my business isn’t necessarily your business.” Lux didn’t know what had gotten into her; she wasn’t usually so outwardly rude. All she knew was this woman rubbed her up the wrong way.
“I don’t know you. Therefore, I have absolutely no interest in your business. However, Josh is my business. I’m only going to say this once; hurt him again and I’ll hurt you. I hope I’ve made myself clear, Ms. Luxandria.”
When she was finished speaking, Lux was shocked at the way Aviva challenged her. She would have cussed the woman out but for the use of one word, again. She knew her leaving would have hurt him because it had nearly killed her.
“I didn’t ask to be here, Aviva.”
“Maybe not, but you are here. Josh dropped everything to go and get you. When he called, my husband and Jake didn’t question his request. Therefore, I don’t care whether you asked to be here or not. You are here, so you better not f-u-c-k up!”
“Geez, Aviva why don’t you just tell her what’s on your mind?” MacKenzie interjected.
“Stay out of this, MacKenzie,” Aviva snapped back.
Ignoring her, MacKenzie said her piece. “We all know that as far as you’re concerned Josh can do no wrong. However, in my humble opinion, you should at least give Lux the benefit of the doubt.”
“Thanks for the words of wisdom but I’m not giving her s-h-i-t!” Aviva again spelled out her swear words as Noelle was still in the room.
Lux had heard enough. As far as she was concerned this woman was paying way too much attention to her husband. She’d only been back in Josh’s life for a couple of days, so her level of jealousy astounded her.
“I hear you, but please remember that Josh is my husband. May I suggest you take all that concern and direct it towards your own husband and leave mine to me!”
“I’m not about to get involved in a slanging match with you; that was never my intent. My reason, for speaking as I did, was because they were words that needed to be voiced. I’ve said them, now you can do as you will with my comments.”
“They sounded more like threats to me,” Lux shot back.
“Call them what you will, it doesn’t matter to me.”
“Who made you queen of–”
“Both of you need to stop this right now. You’re upsetting my baby and getting on my nerves,” MacKenzie threw in, effectively stopping a discussion that was rapidly getting out of hand.
“She started it,” Lux mumbled.
“Damn right I did–”
“Luxandria, Aviva, I don’t want to hear another word!” MacKenzie reprimanded them. “If I have to speak to you kids again I’m putting you both on time out!”
“Whatever!” Both women said at the same time.
When they realized what they’d said they gave each other a dirty look and rolled their eyes just as MacKenzie burst into laughter.
Chapter 12
With a nod, Jackson indicated that his sons should take seats. Once they complied, he looked at them each in turn before he spoke.
“I take it there was no cause for concern?” He asked as he stood before the cold fireplace; his gaze now fixed on Josh.
“Apart from being followed by a couple of inept goons, things went smoothly.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear that. I’m also pleased that you all made it back in one piece. Now that I have that information, I suggest you tell me what the hell is going on, Joshua!” Jackson demanded.
Their father rarely raised his voice but when he did it was always for a good reason. “What do you mean exactly?” Josh asked, playing for time.
“I’m sorry, did I somehow give you the impression I wasn’t in deadly earnest? Do not attempt to fob me off. When law enforcement officers come to my home uninvited and question me, I demand an explanation!”
“That’s some temper he’s got there,” Jason mumbled under his breath.
“Not now, Jason,” Jake murmured in an attempt to save his twin.
“Do you have something to say, Jason? Could it be about the fact that while these detectives were in my house they took more than a passing interest in questioning your wife?”
“What!” Jason exploded to his feet, all traces of amusement wiped away.
“Ahh, it would seem you’re afflicted by the same temper as I.”
About to leave, Jackson stopped him. “Oh, did I forget to mention that she all but wiped the floor with them, sorry, my bad, as you young people would say.”
Josh dipped his head to hide his amusement at the expression Jason wore in reaction to their father’s use of slang. He didn’t want to turn their father’s attention towards him too quickly with outright laughter because he knew what was coming.
“Sit down, Jason. This meeting has yet to be concluded!”
Thinking better of whatever he was about to say, Jason held Jackson’s gaze as he walked over to the window. Once there he folded his arms across his chest and waited with a defiant look.