Chapter 1

Jenna's POV

My mother is an angel. Soft-hearted, gentle, always smiling, and too good for this world.

My boyfriend’s father, on the other hand, is a complete scumbag. I’ve never met him in person, but from all the things my boyfriend tells me, I already know I won’t like him. He’s cold. Controlling. A man who cares more about legacy and reputation than he does about God.

And my boyfriend doesn’t stand a chance in that department.

In a way, maybe that’s why we’re so drawn to each other. We’re both a little messed up. Both fighting our own demons. But we find peace in each other.

He’s the wildfire I didn’t know I wanted to touch. And me? I’m the good girl. Always polite, always perfect. But behind the sweet smile and quiet voice is a girl who craves something darker. Something raw. Something twisted and thrilling.

And my boyfriend... he gives me all of that. He knows how to touch me like I’m something precious and break me in the same moment. I love the danger in his kiss, the roughness in his touch, the way he claims me like he owns every inch of my soul.

We’ve been together since the early years of college, and now we’re in our third year, talking about marriage after graduation.

People say we’re too intense, too fast, that I’m making the wrong decision. But they don’t understand. What we have is real. It’s not just passion or obsession. It’s love.

He’s even asked to see my mother—to talk to her about our future. But then, a week ago, my mother calls me out of nowhere and tells me she’s getting married.

I’m shocked... but happy. So damn happy for her. I literally jump up and throw a little celebration with my friends. After all these years of being alone, she’s finally choosing herself.

I’ve never seen her with anyone since my dad died. She was pregnant with me when it happened. He never even got the chance to hold me.

When I’m about six, she tries again. She falls for a man, and for a while, it seems hopeful. But he doesn’t like me. Says I should be sent to my grandmother. Says I’m “too much burden.” My mom doesn’t even blink. She leaves him that same day.

Since then, she’s been everything to me. My mom. My dad. My best friend. She gave up her youth, her love life, her dreams, and career... all to raise me.

So this is her moment, and I won’t steal it by announcing my own surprise. My boyfriend and I can wait until after her wedding.

And this summer holiday? I’m spending it with Mom, helping her plan the wedding of her dreams.

I couldn’t be more excited. Even the cab driver can feel how I’m practically vibrating with anticipation in the back seat.

Finally, maybe I’ll get a sibling. Finally, my mother can find happiness in a man—the kind of happiness she deserves.

…

There’s no place like home.

That statement is especially true with my home. Because, the minute I step through the door, my mom's cooking waft into my nose. I grin, dumping my luggage as I tiptoe to the kitchen and wrap my arms around her waist.

Her face breaks into the most charming smile, the kind that lights up her entire being and makes you forget every hard moment life has thrown your way.

“You’re here,” she whispers, pressing a kiss to my temple. “I’ve missed you, baby.”

“I missed you more,” I say into her shoulder, holding her tight like I’m five years old again.

She pulls back with glistening eyes and cups my face. “You’re glowing. Is it love or freedom from college stress?”

I laugh. “Both. But mostly love. And your food.”

“Speaking of which,” she says, turning back to the stove, “your favorite—grilled tilapia and spicy jollof rice. I even made that mango drink you like.”

I groan dramatically. “You’re trying to fatten me up before your big wedding, aren’t you?”

She winks. “Exactly.”

We spend the next hour catching up while I help her set the table. Her eyes sparkle when she talks about her fiance.

“He’s kind, mature, and he makes me feel safe,” she says, like she’s talking about a dream. “He's the type you like.” She smiles.

My grin widens. I can't believe this day will come when my shy mom will talk about her man with me. Sometimes, she forgets I'm her twenty-two year old child.

“When do I meet this bag of goodies?” I tease her like I've been doing since she tells me about my soon-to-be stepdad.

She giggles like a teenager in love. “He’s away for a business trip. But he’ll be back by dinner. He wants to meet you and also, it will be a family dinner.”

That makes my stomach flutter.

My mom already told me that her fiance has a son. I've always wanted a sibling but the thought of having a stepbrother gives me mixed feelings.

I mean, I’m not a kid anymore. I don’t exactly need someone to share toys with or fight over the last slice of cake. But still, part of me wonders what it would feel like to have someone around. Someone who understands the awkwardness of blending two families together.

“Is he nice?” I ask, poking around the pot and stealing a piece of fried plantain before she can stop me.

She slaps my hand playfully. “Well, I don't know much about him, but his father says he's quiet, smart, a little… intense, I think. Keeps to himself a lot. But once you get to know him, he’s charming in a brooding kind of way.”

I snort. “Great. A silent, brooding stranger. I’m sure we’ll be besties.”

My mom laughs and shoves a plate into my hands. “Be nice. You’ll meet him soon enough.”

….

In the evening, after FaceTiming my boyfriend for two hours, most of it spent whispering things that left me blushing and breathless, my mom barges into my room and yanks me off the bed like it’s a rescue mission.

“Up! Now! You’ll be late for dinner!” she scolds, dragging me by the wrist toward the bathroom.

“Mom!”

“No whining. Family dinner means you act like you’re part of the family. That includes looking decent and showing up on time. You don't want our side of the family to look irresponsible, do you?”

I sigh as she closes the bathroom door behind me.

Do you blame me?

After spending two hours talking to Jace, hearing that deep voice say things no good girl should ever hear, all I want is to curl up and sleep like a satisfied kitten. My body still tingles from the way he talked me through things, like he was right there, touching me.

I feel sore in the best way. There’s a sweet ache between my thighs, a constant reminder of how much I miss him, how much I crave him.

And now I have to play the polite daughter in a family dinner with strangers?

Great.

I let my mom fuss over my outfit and dab extra powder on my nose while I daydream about calling Jace back the second this dinner is over.

At least… that was the plan.

Until everything flips over.