Mag-log inShane’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
Kole's POV"Brother, I love you, but this is insane."Knox laughed as he looked around the backyard. "I think it's fun. The kids are enjoying themselves. We have age-appropriate activities for everybody since we have so many toddlers in the family now. We even have areas for the teens and preteens."I shook my head."You should've invited Shane and his kids."Knox groaned. "Shit, I forgot about him. I was trying to keep it mostly family, you know? That's why I didn't think about it. Next time."I raised an eyebrow."Next time?""Yeah," he said with a shrug. "I don't think we're doing a big party for the kids' actual birthdays this year. Sienna will be due around that time. The next party will probably be next year. It seems like I always get Sienna pregnant around the same time as this new baby is due one week after Carter's birthday, and his birthday is three days after Londons'."I started to respond when Dad walked over."I should've brought your other brothers."I rolled my eyes
Keisha's POV"Kole, where are Mabel's little gym shoes that I just bought her?""Babe, they're in her room," Kole called back. "On her little stand over in the corner."I sighed dramatically and headed back upstairs.Sure enough, he was right.I grabbed the tiny sneakers and headed back down, shaking my head."We have to get to Sienna's house before everybody else does," I said. "All the parking is gonna be gone."Kole laughed."What are you talking about? They have an entire parking lot behind the house.""I know that," I said. "But I want to park in the front. I don't want to be way back there. The neighborhood is up-and-coming, but it ain't all the way up yet.""Stop it," he said, laughing. "There's so much development over there now. The Presidential Library is over there. Restaurants, shops, everything. We'll be fine.""Whatever."I bent down and slipped Mabel's little shoes onto her feet. Today was some kind of giant family adventure day that Knox had dreamed up for all the kids
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







