Mag-log inCrandon'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
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
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
Crandon’s POVAs I walk around Knox’s wedding, I sigh, long and heavy, because I see her.Her.The beauty that should’ve been mine.The one I really, really, really fucked up with.Carmen.She’s standing a few feet away, laughing as her cousin comes down with the bouquet like she just won the Super
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







