LOGINShane'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
Shane’s POVWe sat at the table, and I practically devoured my beef sandwich and cheese fries. Across from me, Maya was visibly pissed. I could read her like a book. She’d been looking forward to us having some real fun after lunch, but her brother showing up and basically taking over her house had thrown everything off. I got it. Still, I understood Jason’s situation better than she did right now. She had her own complicated history with Mayor Rogers, but what Jason was dealing with hit closer to the nightmare I’d barely escaped and am technically still attached to.Once the kids finished eating, Maya stood up. “I’m going to take the kids to Gabby’s room and set them up so they can play. Then maybe we’ll watch a movie.”Both kids screamed with excitement. “Thanks, Auntie! Yay!”I smiled at them. They really were cute kids.As Maya led them out, I cleared my throat and looked at Jason. He gave me an apologetic glance. “Sorry, man. I know you two had plans. And I definitely interrupte
Maya’s POVI pulled into the driveway, killed the engine, and grabbed my bags of goodies with a grin. Some good bottles of wine, some snacks, and the promise of a night alone with my man. I was ready to drink, drink, and drink my ass off preferably while riding my Shane. I climbed the stairs, keyed in the alarm code, and smiled as the lock clicked open. The second I stepped inside, a high pitched voice shattered my plans.“Auntie! You’re here! Where’s Gabby?”Well, shit. There was my nephew, bouncing on his toes. A second later, my niece came barreling out of the kitchen, nearly tackling my legs. I looked up just in time to see Jason poke his head around the corner.“Hey, sis. Oh... you got wine?” He grinned like he’d won the lottery.Oops. I must have completely forgotten I invited my brother to be here. Or rather, I’d assumed he’d gone home yesterday.“Hey, Jay,” I said, forcing a smile. “What’s going on?”He laughed, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “Decided to cook lunch for m
Maya's POV"GPS signal lost.""What the fuck?"I frowned at my phone as I drove through the tunnel near Wentworth Ave. For a moment, the map disappeared completely. The second my signal returned, I let out a breath and focused back on the road."Turn left."I followed the GPS instructions and continued driving. A few minutes later, I turned onto Emerald Avenue and made my way down the 3600 block."You have reached your destination."I smiled as I looked up at the address Shane had sent me."Oh, wow."The house was beautiful.Three stories tall and standing proudly on the block, it looked even better than I'd imagined. I parked my car, shut off the engine, and spotted Shane's Defender sitting out front.A grin spread across my face.I climbed out, locked my doors, and made my way toward the house. Construction was still underway, but it looked like most of the major work had already been completed. The roof was finished except for a few remaining tarps.I unlatched the gate and walked
Crandon's POV"Are you sure you're not upset that we didn't go to the party?"I shrugged and pulled Tempest closer against my side.Knox had invited us to his little kid Olympics extravaganza in the backyard, but honestly, I was perfectly happy right where I was. Tempest had been through enough lately, and I wanted a quiet Sunday with her. Just us. No crowds. No chaos.Besides, I actually liked being home.I didn't think Tiffany and Maverick had gone either. I knew they were invited, but from what I understood, they were spending the weekend together.I kissed the top of Tempest's head."No. I'm great right here. I just wanted to make sure you're okay."She smiled and curled deeper into my chest."Since that nutty professor has been locked up, I'm actually really, really good."I laughed softly."When's his arraignment?"She sighed."Thursday, I think. Detective Brown, the guy handling the case, called me. They want me to come in beforehand and talk to them. Apparently there were two
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
Shane’s POVSitting across from Maya feels unreal, like I slipped into someone else’s life and forgot to check the mirror on the way in. She’s beautiful in that effortless, dangerous way. The kind of woman you don’t approach unless you’re prepared to have your whole equilibrium shaken, and here she
Keisha’s POVI sit beside Kole, watching him spiral in real time, and honestly, I’ve seen a lot in my life. Boardrooms full of men twice my age trying to intimidate me. Audits that would make lesser people sweat through their suits. Hostile takeovers. Corporate warfare.But this?This girl has been







