55. Tessa

55

Tessa

I insisted on walking Harry to school on his first day. Kade isn't happy about it, but he's reluctantly agreed as long as he and Madden walk with us. The guys have weapons hidden under their jackets, and there's a car following that contains four of my father's men.

The whole security detail is ridiculously OTT, but these guys are the experts. And if it keeps my boy safe, then I can deal.

Button trots along next to us. I have her leash looped in one hand and Harry's hand in the other. For such a young, excitable dog, she's very well-behaved on the leash.

Harry looks so grown up in his smart navy blue and gray uniform.

It's ridiculous that Forest Academy has a uniform, even for kindergarten kids. I nearly died when I read the list of things Harry would need, but the school sounds incredible, so I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth.

We met Harry's teacher two days ago when we visited for a tour. Miss Richardson seems really sweet, even if I didn't love the way she admired Kade in the same way I look at the cannoli sold at my favorite Italian bakery.

I refuse to admit I might be jealous of Harry's teacher. I have no right to be jealous. Kade isn't interested in me. He's a free agent. And besides, he has a fuck-buddy called Candy.

Fucking Candy.

"Can we get ice cream on the way home, Mommy?" Harry asks when we pass the park. There's an ice cream place next to the duck pond that also sells excellent coffee.

"Sure, if Madden and Kade agree," I smirk, knowing they won't like it, but can't say no to Harry.

"We'll see," Madden says cagily while Kade rolls his eyes.

Cars queue up outside the entrance to the school, while security guards check details. Some parents are on foot, which is a relief. Probably those who live in the upscale city-center apartments overlooking the park, like us.

I feel like the poor cousin from the sticks compared to these perfectly coiffed women. Most of the moms wear designer gear accessorized with expensive jewelry. There are a few nannies dropping off their charges, and some fathers, but it's mostly well-heeled ladies who clearly don't work.

Unsurprisingly, my guys attract a lot of interest, which they ignore. These thirsty bitches are not even bothering to hide their blatant admiration.

"Is she famous?" one woman whispers to her friend, loud enough for me to hear.

"I don't recognize her," the friend replies, frowning as she checks out my non-designer yoga pants and slouchy tee-shirt. "She looks a bit like that influencer, Phoenix Harland. You know, the one with the three boyfriends."

"Oh, her! God yeah, her men are hot for sure. Do you follow Ryan on Tiktok?" The bitch fans herself and I smirk. She's right. Ryan Kim is hot. And also happily married. Or the polyam equivalent. Between them, he and Phoenix have millions of followers. They're always posting funny videos of Ryan pranking the other two guys in their unconventional relationship. It's hilarious.

And Ryan never misses an opportunity to show off his cut abs. He's a personal trainer to the stars, so he's always working out. And it shows.

"Yeah he's a snack, but I prefer the other one. You know, the one who gets really angry when Ryan pranks him."

"Clay?"

"Yes, him. Oh my god, I swear that man stars in all my dirty dreams. He's just so..."

"Daddy vibes?"

"Yes!" The two women giggle.

Thankfully, Harry isn't listening to the non-PG-rated gossip. He bounces around with excitement as we approach the gates.

"Name?" the security guy asks.

"Harry Radcliffe," Kade replies smoothly, while Madden scans the area looking for threats.

The security guy checks our details on his tablet while scrutinizing our faces. We must pass muster, for he hands us all security lanyards and then lets us in.

"Will it be like this every morning?" I ask Kade, who seems to know what's going on.

"No, it's only the first day they verify us. Things should be easier tomorrow. The lanyards he gave us open the main gate. There will still be guards on duty, checking unauthorized vehicles and visitors, but students and those that accompany them can get in without going through all this."

"Seems a bit extreme," I comment as Harry jogs up toward the building where his classroom is located.

"Not when you consider most of the kids at this school come from extremely wealthy families."

"I feel like we're the charity case," I observe uncomfortably.

"Why would you say that?" Kade asks with a frown.

"Err... because?" I gesture to my well-worn clothes and hair that looks like a rat's nest.

"Tessa, your father is one of the richest men on the West Coast, even if he doesn't appear on the Forbes billionaires list, so by extension, so are you."

I pause and stare at him with my eyebrows cocked. Is he insane? Or just delusional? "Of course I'm rich. That's why, until recently, we were living in a roach-infested house while I worked a minimum-wage job. Got it."

"Roaches?" Madden growls.

"They were massive!" Harry holds his arms out wide to illustrate the size of our roach friends. "Mommy found one in Chloe's cot one time and she got really mad and shouted at Daddy and then he--" Harry abruptly stops talking. I look away because I know why - he's remembered what happened that night.

For the first time since Kade told me about Enzo, I am truly happy he's gone. No kid should have to see their father hitting their mother.

From the matching expressions of rage on Madden and Kade's faces, I'm almost relieved when Harry's teacher comes out to greet us. A tall blond woman kisses her daughter goodbye and strolls past, throwing me a look that clearly says, you lucky bitch when her gaze snags on Kade and Madden.

I almost smirk but remember to paste a more socially appropriate smile on my face for Miss Richardson.

"Hello, Harry! We're so glad you could come today," his teacher beams. I'm grateful her attention is fully on him today, not the guys. I really want him to have a good time at school, which won't happen if his teacher is too busy drooling over his bodyguards to care about teaching him to read and write.

"Say goodbye to your mom and... um... your daddies?"

"K and Mad are my bodyguards," Harry says, puffing out his chest. "They keep me and Mommy safe. And that's Buttons, my guard dog."

Kade snorts while Buttons wags her tail and rolls over for belly rubs.

"OK, well, that's good, Harry." Surprisingly, his teacher doesn't seem too surprised at the revelation Harry needs a personal security detail. I guess at this school, it's not that uncommon. "Let's take you in so you can meet your classmates."

Harry bends to hug Buttons, and she licks his face. "Bye Mommy, K and Mad!" Before I can kiss his cheek, he runs off into his classroom.

"Don't worry, Mrs Radcliffe, Harry will be quite safe here." She smiles at me and nods at the guys before greeting the next parent in line.

"One would hope so, considering how much the school fees are," Kade mutters under his breath.

I step back as emotion chokes my throat and tears well up in my eyes. My baby boy is growing up and I'm not sure how to deal with that.

"Hey, he'll be fine," Kade tells me, slipping an arm around my waist and pulling me into his arms. "The school is like a fortress once the gates close, and all the staff are thoroughly vetted as part of the hiring process."

I'm too shocked at the way Kade has willingly touched me to comment. Madden is too, judging by the way he glares at Kade. Is he jealous? Surely not. He's barely spoken a word to me since our hot threesome.

"Come, let's get out of here," Madden snaps. "We're drawing way too much attention."

I pull away from Kade to see several more women watching me with expressions ranging from disbelief to jealousy. Bitches . Doesn't look like I'll be making any lifelong friends here. Oh well.