Page 67 of Riot

“Maylie’s already tried, but I don’t know. I’m focused on Seren and moving forwards.”

“I know that, babe,” Katie says, “and you’re doing so well, but all this weight you’re carrying in your chest is going to suffocate you eventually.”

It feels like an omen the ways she says it, and a shiver trails along my spine, ice settling in my veins.

“I’ll think about it.” It’s all I can give her at this point, and I sigh. “I just wish I knew what he’s planning. Is he going to stay away? Is he plotting how to snatch Seren? Not knowing makes everything so much worse.”

“Babe, he’s not going to get close enough to breathe near Seren,” Dayna says. “You have two overprotective men in your life who have a reputation for making problems vanish.”

“Mace is busy taking care of my sister, and Riot?—”

“Has a bum you could bounce steel off.”

I bark a laugh. “Dayna!”

“Oh please, don’t pretend you haven’t noticed. Everyone has noticed. Even Katie, and she likes pussy.”

Katie nods. “It’s true. I might be convinced to date men,” she shudders, “if they all looked like him.”

“We’re not dating,” I say before they run with this fantasy.

“Yet.”

I shake my head, my heart sinking. “He doesn’t see me that way.”

“Babe,” Dayna gives me an impatient glare, “he’s been sleeping on your couch since he rode in like the proverbial hero to take care of your daughter.”

The most dangerous of all things blossoms in my belly. Hope. Maybe… just maybe…

“He’s only staying because of his brother and Maylie.”

Katie rolls her eyes. “Men don’t sleep on couches for their brother’s sake, Ivy. But they do when they want to get laid. That man wants you.”

I think about the heated looks between us, the touches, the time just existing together.

But I don’t dare allow myself to hope.

“Anyway, if your shithead ex tries anything,” Dayna says, dragging the conversation back, “you’re not going to be standing in front of him alone. You have us and your family.”

“And Mister Tall, Dark, and Brooding.” I snort at Katie’s waggling eyebrows.

Then my smile fades. “I’m scared he’ll hurt Seren to get to me.”

The noise of the restaurant fades into the background. Because this right here is the fear I haven’t dared to voice.

Katie dismisses my worries. “He’s not stupid enough to try anything while you have two members of the Untamed Sons in your life.”

“Yeah, those men have reputations.” I glance at Dayna. “There’s a reason Link has disappeared from your life for months now. One little word from Mace and the bastard shit his pants and ran.”

I glance down at my hands, my mind clear in a way it hasn’t been for a while. “I want to feel normal,” I admit. “My whole life is out of control.”

“No one blames you for feeling that way. You’ve been through hell and came out the other side. Most people wouldn’t have.”

Katie studies me for a moment. “Is that why you didn’t bring Seren? Are you worried something might happen while you’re here?”

“Yes.” I don’t even bother to lie. “If it’s just me, I can fight, but if she’s here, I’ll do everything to protect her.”

Katie lifts her mug and takes a long sip. The weight of the conversation hangs between us, but it’s not awkward. I feel like I have a wall behind me, a shield. I would never want them to step between me and Link, but knowing they’re here for me is enough.

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