The Good Girl Effect (Salacious Legacy, #1)

by Sara Cate

As my sister stares at me, it’s like I’m in a losing battle against the truth. There is no lying to myself or running away anymore. There’s just…feeling it. Tears prick my eyes, and I grind my molars together to fight against them. But I’m so fucking tired of running and fighting that I start to let the pain win. When the next three words leave my lips, it feels like tearing down the dam. “I’m not fine.” And that’s it. The painful prick of tears subsides when I finally let them fall.

“She still wants me then?” I ask. My sister twists her lips. “For some reason, she still wants you. But she doesn’t want to live in your wife’s shadow. She wants you to want her for her. Not because she resembles someone you once loved.”

“Beatrice should spend the holiday with her family,” I say with moisture in my eyes. “You are her family,” he replies, and I have to look away. It hurts too much.

“You miss her too,” Bea says, noticing my glum demeanor. “Of course I miss her too,” I reply. “Can you call her?” she asks. “Tell her she can sleep in your bed again, and maybe she’ll come back.”

“Get your shoes on.” I stand from the stool and rush toward the stairs to get my wallet. “What?” Bea shrieks. “Where are we going?” “To the train station. We have to bring her back,” I call. “Yay!” Bea cheers.

“Je t’aime.”

“Papa, tell her!” Bea says, hopping up and down beside us. “Tell her what?” I ask. “That she’s not my nanny anymore.” Camille’s eyes widen with alarm. I chuckle as I kiss her again. “Yeah, you’re…sort of fired, I guess.” “Fired?” “So you can sleep in Papa’s bed again!” Camille looks at me again with her brows raised and a hesitant smile. “I’ll explain when we get home. As long as you are coming home.” She nuzzles in closer. “I am coming home.”