I get out with Bax and greet my uncles and cousins with chin lifts, not bothering to join their huddle with the officers they’re talking to. I go up the steps to the front porch and head inside. All the rage I was feeling earlier comes back tenfold when I see the damage that’s been done. As I look around, I realize it had to be more than one person; either that or someone was here a long time, which seems unlikely, because they wouldn’t have wanted to stick around too long and risk getting caught.

Bax didn’t lie; everything that could be destroyed is, even down to some of the hardwood flooring.

“It will be okay.” I turn to face my uncle Asher. “The insurance people are already on the way along with a security company. We’ll put cameras out here, get this all cleaned up, then start over. The house is still standing. That’s what’s important.”

He’s right. I know he’s right, but that doesn’t help the fury building inside me. “I want to know who did this.”

“We’ll try to find out,” my cousin Cobi says, walking into the room. “I’ll also ask the guys if they mind doing a run down here when they’re in the area, just so people know we’re keeping an eye out.”

“Thanks, man.”

“You know I got your back.” He pats Uncle Asher’s shoulder. “I’m gonna head out. Hadley’s home, and I have the day off.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Uncle Asher mutters, and Cobi lifts his chin in my direction before they both disappear.

Alone, I scrub my hands down my face then remind myself that after I deal with this bullshit, I get to go home and spend the evening with Mia, which means my day will end just as good as it started—in other words, spectacularly.

CHAPTER 10

Mia

I SLIP ON my Toms, grab one of my thin, oversized sweaters from my closet, and head down the stairs. Talon called an hour ago to let me know he’d be home by four and that I could meet him there any time after that. I should play it cool and wait until at least 4:30 to leave, but I’ve been pacing for forty-five minutes and know I won’t be able to make it that long. When I reach the kitchen, I find Cece sitting at the island on her laptop looking at real estate, the same thing she was doing when I got home early this afternoon.

“Any luck?” I ask, nodding at the listing she has open.

“I’ve found a couple places that might have potential. I’m just not sure I can afford a four bedroom right now,” she says as I squat down to give my girls some love when they circle my feet.

“I’m sure Lola and Kate will be okay sharing a room. Why not look for a three bedroom?”

“What about you?” she asks, sounding nervous, and I stop what I’m doing to really focus on her.

“Even if you guys end up staying in this house, I’m going to eventually want my own place. I love you, but please don’t worry about me while you’re making this decision.”

“Are you sure? I mean, you came here because—”

“Because I love you and my nieces,” I cut her off. “I don’t regret moving here.”

“Okay,” she says quietly.

“When Mom and Chaz get here, maybe they can keep an eye on the girls one day, and you and I can go check them out.”

“I’d appreciate that,” she agrees, looking relieved, and I stand. “Are you heading out now?”

“Yeah, Talon said he’d be home at four,” I tell her, and she looks at the clock then returns her gaze to mine, raising a brow after seeing it’s still thirty minutes before he will even be home. “Don’t even start.”

“I didn’t say anything.” She smirks then asks, “Are you staying the night with him again tonight?”

“No, I’ll be home.”

“Don’t feel like you have to come home. I planned on taking the girls to school in the morning tomorrow.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I roll my eyes. “What are you going to do until the girls get home?”

“Laundry, and I might order Thai for dinner. Besides that, I’m going to catch up on schoolwork so I won’t feel overwhelmed this week.”

“Fun.”

“So much fun.” She laughs, and I smile then look at the clock to check the time. “Wow, you’ve really got it bad.”

“I know.” I don’t even try to lie.

“Go see your guy. If I don’t see you tonight, I’ll see you tomorrow.” She gets up and walks with me toward the door, and I stop to give my girls some more love.

“If you need me, my cell will be on.”

“We’ll be fine without you.” She opens the door, and as I step out onto the front porch, a large truck that looks somewhat familiar pulls up to park behind Cece’s minivan.

“Who’s that?” I ask then my eyes widen when I see Winston get out holding a large paper bag. “Seems you’re keeping secrets again,” I hiss at Cece, and she meets my gaze, shaking her head and looking panicked. Damn, she didn’t know he was coming over. I turn back toward Winston and smile at him as he walks up the sidewalk. “Hey, Winston.”

“Mia.” He dips his chin in my direction then focuses on my sister. “I’ve been calling you.”

“I know.” I look between the two of them and wonder what the hell happened. It has to be something, because he’s looking at her like he wants to devour her and wring her neck, and she looks like she wants to kiss him and kick his ass.

“We need to talk,” he states.

“No, we don’t,” she denies.

“We damn well do,” he growls.

“We most certainly do not have anything to talk about.”

“You know that’s a lie, Cece,” he replies with his jaw ticking.

“Umm… what’s happening here?”

I motion between them, and Winston turns his attention to me while Cece says, “Nothing.”

“Your hardheaded sister thinks I’m married, which I am fucking not.”

“You’re not?” I frown, because not only did Cece tell me he was, but Talon did too.

“I’ve been separated from my ex for three years.”

“Separated, not divorced, which means you are very much still married!” Cece cries.

“By law only,” he replies, sounding pissed and annoyed.

“Yes, Winston, in the eyes of the law, you’re still married, which means you are married!” Cece tosses her hands in the air, narrowly missing hitting me in the face.

“Umm… I’m going to head out.”

“What?” Cece cries, trying to reach out for me.

“It’s obvious you two have some stuff to talk about.” I hurry down the steps before she can stop me. “Call if you need me.”

“I hate you!” she yells.

“You don’t!” I call over my shoulder. When I get into my car, I watch them continue to argue and only start the engine when Cece finally opens the door to let him inside.

If she’s up tonight when I get home, I’ll ask her about it, but something tells me Winston’s been pursuing her. And even if she might be interested, the fact that Mike cheated and Winston’s technically married means she won’t go there.