Page 95 of Restrained

“So he resented not having all of those years to whore around.”

I shrug. “I don’t know. But it makes sense. He was bitter and angry all the time. And I blame him for it, not her. But I can see she still blames herself. When she talks about that other version of him...” I think about my mom’s face when she told me all this—distant and sad. “It’s like she thinks she ruined him.”

“And you don’t want me to ruin Asher?”

“I don’t want you to break each other, but it’s not up to me. And I was wrong to try to get you to part if you weren’t ready for that.”

“We aren’t your parents, but I think we may be toxic for each other.”

“I’m sorry you’re both in pain.”

“We’ll be okay, Lola.” She smiles at me. “You’ve changed.”

I smile, taking a drink of my coffee. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

She laughs. “Uh huh. I think the sexy man in your room has done wonders for you, and I couldn’t be happier.”

I know she means it. “He has. I kinda hate him for it.” I laugh. “Bastard. I was doing just fine.”

She laughs and lays her head on my shoulder. “Sure.” She angles her head up to look at me. “You guys are doing so well, and I...” What is she going to say? She looks worried. “I just want you to know that I’m going to start looking for a new place to live.”

“What?”

She lifts her head to look directly at me. “You don’t need your friend and your nephew in your home when you are deeply in love and in the fun part where it’s just crazy sex. You deserve to get naughty anytime and anywhere you want in your own home.”

I snort and shake my head. “Viv, I’m not worried about that at all. I don’t mind locking the door. And if we want a house to have crazy unencumbered sex in, he has a very nice house.”

“Still. I just...” She sighs. “I don’t want to be a burden.”

“You’re anything, but a burden. I consider this Baz’s and your house just as much as mine. I want you to see it that way. He’s been through a lot and needs stability.” I take her hand again. “And I love coming home to you guys, seeing Baz run to greet me at the door and talking to you like this in the morning.”

“I like that too.”

“You guys are my family. I hope you’ll stay for a long time.”

Is that too bossy? I shrug. Whatever. I’m always going to be me, and at the end of the day, I'm a little bossy.

“Are you sure? It won’t hurt my feelings.”

“I’m completely sure. I don’t want you guys to leave.”

She studies me, trying to see if I'm lying. I’m not. I love having them here. It’s the first time I've ever felt like my house was a home.

“Okay. But anytime, you just let me know if that changes.”

“It won’t. Just relax and let this be your home.”

She smiles and lays her head on my shoulder. “It really does feel like a home.”

“Only because we’re all in it together.”

Viv seems to be good, maybe still a little lost. But she seems happy and maybe even moving forward. Baz is thriving. Penelope and Linc are happier than ever, as is my mother. Everything is almost perfect.

Except the youngest Sterling. I hope Hayden is right and Asher will come to me if he needs help.

Not that I can do anything to heal him, but I would certainly try.

41

---