Page 65 of Dream Girl
She did–and she needed her independence fostered.
Riley glared at us. “Living up here with you assholes all the time? Fuck that shit. I’d live in the guesthouse if you’d let me.”
“Yeah, you legally can’t live there on your own,” Evan said.
“Can I live in the basement? There’s that locked room down there.”
“Not right now,” Evan told her. “But you have a nice room, away from everyone.”
The locked room in the basement was the nest that came with the house. Evan hardly used it, preferring the cabin.
“It doesn’t hurt to ask.” She shrugged. “I enjoy living here. My sisters are fun to do things with, but it sucks ass living with them because they’re bossy bitches. I like doing chores for money because then I can explain where my money came from to my nosy sisters because they’re not cool like you.”
“Where is your money coming from? We talked about this.” My eyebrows rose. While she was an incredible hacker, her overconfidence would end up with her getting caught.
She made a face. “Be cool, Spence.”
“The Dependent Services officer clearly didn’t understand how to raise a teenage theta. If we could get an actual test, that would help us if she chooses to make our parenting methods an issue,” Evan said quietly. “She also didn’t like that we’re all guys.”
“Um, antiquated. Again, not a problem. If I want estrogen, there’s plenty at school.” Riley rolled her eyes. “No, I don’t miss having a mom. Fuck, I shouldn’t have let her get under my skin like that.”
Oh. Yes. That would be the tears. Evan’s family gaveeverythingfor Riley. But they’d never be her parents. There was a tiny part of her that wanted what her siblings had, and she barely remembered. A part she tried never to show.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I asked, not suppressing my alpha urge to make it better for those in my care.
“No. Before you bring up Grace as a mom-substitute, she probably can’t even bake cupcakes and hates rom-coms–and don't even go there.” She glared at me.
I knew Riley secretly liked rom-coms. But I’d never tell.
“Grace,” Evan breathed. “She’s not a replacement mom for you. I promise. No one can replace our mom.”
“I know. But that asshole brought it up. Anyhow, I’m going to get changed.” She stood and then hugged me. “Thanks for not ignoring my meeting request. Love you too, fucker. Have fun at work, Doofus.” Riley went downstairs.
“Are you okay?” I scooted closer to Evan and put an arm around him.
He sighed, snuggling into me. “The Dependent Services officer got nasty with me about sending her to boarding school and taking her from my sisters. But it’ll be fine. My sisters will back me up in that Rileychoseall of this. This was best for her–and them. They get to live their lives, my grandparents too. High school seemed like a good time for a change of location. Though I probably should have done this sooner for my other sisters’ sake.”
“The school is an excellent place for Riley, and you’re right, a theta designation will help explain our choices. I’m here and I’ll back you, as always.” I smiled. Before my mother and I had moved here, we’d visited them often–and they’d visit us. Even though he was a little younger than me, I loved spending time with him and his family.
“I’m so glad,” Evan told me. “She also complained about Riley’s vocabulary.”
I shook my head. “We got her that way.”
“Yep. And well, we swear a lot, so it would be hypocritical to get on her for swearing without us cleaning up our own language.” Evan sighed. “I should get to work. You’ll be fine with her for the afternoon?”
“I’d much rather have pizza than deal with spreadsheets. The Omega Center visit went well?” I prodded, curious because it was a visit for him.
“It was just Carly. Given the situation, it’s routine to check on the other omega in the house. Bren’s going to be pissed since she had to go intoeveryroom. But it was fine. I answered the questions truthfully, and I have nothing to hide. This was to make sureIwas okay,” he said.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.” He rolled his eyes. “I don’t have any issues with Grace being here.”
“You’re half in love with her, aren’t you?” I asked. I saw the way he looked at her, was with her.
“Half?” He laughed. “Spence, I didn’t fall for Wes this quickly or hard. I’d like to think it’s not only the bond talking.”
“Of course not,” I assured. “I like her, too. She’s fascinating.” I looked forward to getting to know her better.
