เข้าสู่ระบบThird Person POV Thursday morning arrived quickly, and Crandon and Tempest made their way to the courthouse at 26th and California.As they entered the assigned courtroom, the atmosphere felt different from the usual crowded criminal call. This wasn't an arraignment involving dozens of defendants cycling through the system. This proceeding was focused on one man.Douglas Mickelson.The case had become high-profile for a reason. Professor Mickelson wasn't being viewed as some ordinary defendant. He was considered a danger to society, a calculated predator hiding behind intelligence, education, and professional success.The entire State's Attorney's Office seemed determined to make sure he stayed behind bars.Crandon and Tempest walked toward the prosecution's side of the courtroom. Lead prosecutor Eric Rosales spotted them and motioned toward the gallery behind him."Have a seat back there," he told them.They thanked him and sat down.Charlotte sat beside Tempest while Crandon took T
Crandon's POVBy the time dinner wrapped up, there was still enough meatloaf left to feed a small army.That was normal for my mother.She always cooked like she was expecting twenty extra guests to show up unannounced. The upside was that nobody ever left hungry. The downside was that we'd all be eating leftovers for lunch tomorrow... and probably dinner too.As Tempest loaded food into to-go containers, I glanced across the room at my mother.She was laughing a little now.Smiling even.But I could still see the disappointment lingering in her eyes.The shock of Tiffany's surprise marriage hadn't completely worn off.With a sigh, I stood and carried dessert plates from the kitchen to the dining room table. Then I returned for the two pies I'd brought earlier, the apple and peach, and set them down beside a knife.The room had settled into a comfortable silence.Dad was carrying dirty dishes into the kitchen.Maverick was helping clean up.Tempest was organizing leftovers.Tiffany sa
Crandon's POVAs we sat around the living room waiting for the bombshell that only Tempest and I knew was coming, I did my best to act normal.Which was damn near impossible.I rocked my youngest niece in my arms while everyone else carried on like it was any other Wednesday night. Technically, only one of my nieces could be bounced. The other was still a tiny little arm baby, sleeping and eating her way through life.Cute as hell, though.The knock finally came at the door.I inhaled deeply and let the breath out slowly.My father narrowed his eyes at me.I immediately looked away.Nope.Not today.I wasn't falling for that.The front door opened."Hey, family!" Tiffany called.A chorus of greetings followed.Maverick stepped in behind her."What's up, everybody?""What's going on, Maverick?" my father asked."Hey, Mav."I stood, carefully carrying my sleeping niece over to him before pulling him into a quick handshake and shoulder bump."You ready for this?" I whispered.He let out
Crandon's POVAs the week rolled on and Wednesday finally arrived, I couldn't wait for tonight.Seriously.Oh. My. God.Tonight was the night.Tiffany and Maverick are finally going to tell my parents that they were married.And shocker, those two had managed to keep it under wraps all week.Which was very shocking.I saw them every day at the office, and they were playing it off way better than I expected. Nobody had paid attention to the giant ring sitting on Tiffany's finger either.And I had to give Maverick credit.That thing was gorgeous.The man had clearly dropped more than a few thousand dollars on it.The stone sparkled every time she moved her hand.Yet somehow nobody had asked a single question.I was honestly impressed.Thursday we'd announce it to the company.Friday I'd already planned a small celebration in the office.I had catering lined up.Lunch.Desserts.The whole thing.There was a woman on the West Side whose treats were legendary.I had ordered eight dozen cup
Shane's POVI immediately pushed myself out of my chair and started toward Maya.She held up a hand without even looking at me.Stop.That was all it took.I froze.Then she slowly cleared her throat and looked directly at Alexis."Alexis," Maya said calmly, "I'm going to say this in the nicest way possible. You know, as quick-tempered as you are, I'm usually the smooth one. I don't scream. I don't yell unless I'm truly irritated."Her voice dropped lower."But make no mistake. I ain't a killer but don't push me."A chill ran down my spine. Is she quoting Tupac now?"Now, I'm going to tell you this one time, but first."She turned her head."Children, please go into the back room."The kids hesitated.Maya gave one sharp glance.That was it.Both children disappeared so fast you would have thought somebody had pulled a fire alarm.Hell, I was halfway tempted to run with them.What was she about to say?Maya slowly turned back toward Alexis.Then she smiled.Not a happy smile.Not a f
Maya’s POVWe finished watching Toy Story 3, and I was cracking up like a kid myself, especially at Lotso. My niece and nephew were laughing right along with me, completely hooked.I looked at my brother sideways. “You’ve never shown your children 'Toy Story 3'?”He shrugged. “They were never interested.”I shook my head in disbelief. “There are so many cartoons out here… I’m shocked they’d never seen it. Now they’re in love with it, just like their Auntie.”I grabbed the empty popcorn bowls and headed to the kitchen. “Anyone want more popcorn?”“Yeah, I would,” Shane called out.I popped two more bags, seasoned one with garlic parmesan for myself and the other with butter and salt. When I brought them back, I dropped the bowls on the table and looked at Jason. “What’s next?”He sighed. “I don’t know. You’re the cartoon expert.”“Well, Gabby still watches Disney Junior, so it is what it is,” I said with a shrug.We started scrolling through options when Jason’s phone rang. He groaned
Isla’s POVBy the time I pull up to the school, my stomach is already tight.It’s not because of traffic. Or work. Or the kids.It’s the feeling.That low, nagging certainty sitting in my gut, whispering that Shane is not working late. Again.I sigh as I shift the van into park. I could follow him.
Shane’s POVBeep. Beep. Beep. Beep.My hand reaches for my phone on instinct, but I can’t move.There’s a soft, warm weight pressed against my chest.I crack one eye open and look down.Maya.Still sprawled on top of me, naked, peaceful, completely out of it. Soft snores slipping from her lips like
Isla’s POVI wake up after falling asleep on the couch and the first thing I do is reach for my phone.1:03 a.m.I stare at the screen longer than I needed to.My husband, Shane, has always been home by 12 o’clock am on a Saturday night for the last thirteen years. We’ve been together since I was s
Explicit Scenes AheadShane's povThe mattress dipped under my weight, and I looked up to find Maya smirking down at me. That look, bold, and unapologetic sent a jolt through me that had nothing to do with the bed beneath us."Take off that t-shirt," she commanded, her voice a low purr.I didn't







