“Wait…someone thought I did this to Star?” I whisper, horrified.
Greer waves me off. “It was a footnote. I chose to be the one to investigate it because I didn’t like the flippancy of the comment or the assumption. I shall be making a note of my own, don’t you worry. I might not know you, Citi, but I know your story. I think it’s a testament to your strength and love for your daughter that you’re even managing to function right now. So no, I don’t think you had anything to do with this. That said, I don’t like either of you being in danger like this.”
“They’re moving in with me. I’ll keep them safe.”
“I’m sure you will. I’m offering my services as well, though. I know CPS gets a bad rap. People think it’s all about comingin and stealing people’s kids, and that’s the last thing any of us wants. We also help families stay together by offering support and advice to those who need it. I’m not your enemy, Citi. I promise.”
I’m still not sure what to make of her, but I nod anyway.
“She’s good people, Citi. Mac and Toot know her from way back. And I know Theo, Kruger, and Delphi like her.”
“Well, that’s a ringing endorsement if ever I’ve heard one.” Greer rolls her eyes before pulling a business card out of her suit pocket. “Here’s my number. Call me if you need anything or have any questions.”
“Thanks,” I tell her, not really sure how I feel about CPS. They don’t exactly have the moral high ground here. My story made national news, yet they never came out of the woodwork to offer help or advice before.
“Okay, I’ll leave you to it. It was nice to meet you, Citi. Take care of yourself and your little girl.”
“Always.”
I watch her stand and leave before turning to Ambros.
“Don’t know her real well, but from what I can gather, there is some history between her, Mack, and Toot. And not all of it’s good. She’s fair but colors inside the lines, which doesn’t always work with the MC. What I do know is that if wehadto involve CPS in anything, I’d want it to be Greer. She won’t screw us over or make an opinion based on your history or my cut. She just proved that. She really does care about kids. I’m pretty good at reading people, and she comes across as honest and well-meaning to me.”
I nod. I got the same kind of vibe from her, too.
“It’s gonna be okay, Citi. I promise.”
I lean my head against his shoulder and pray he’s right.
* * *
I press my head to the glass and watch the world pass by without a care. People move around like they usually do, oblivious that my world has just shifted on its axis once more.
“Hey, how are you doing?” Ambros asks softly from beside me.
“I’m okay. Tired. Hungry.”
“Yeah, as soon as we get you both settled, I’ll get you fed.” He turns the corner and pulls into a gravel driveway.
I stare in wide-mouthed surprise when a huge house comes into view. “You live here?”
“I do now. Took me a while to settle on something.” He jumps out and closes the door.
“This is settling?” I mutter as I unhook my belt. Ambros opens my door and helps me out before jogging around the rear passenger side.
“She’s awake,” he calls out to me. “Hey, princess, you hungry?” he asks, moving to lift her into his arms.
Star wraps her arms around his neck and nods before resting her head on his shoulder. I cover my mouth with my hand, swallowing a sob.
Ambros looks at me, his eyes going soft. “Come on, angel. Let’s get you inside. I’ll come back for the bags after.”
I nod, reaching in and grabbing Star’s unicorn from the backseat. Moving up beside them, I stroke my hand down Star’s back and smile when she turns to face me.
“Hey, baby,” I kiss the tip of her nose before handing her the unicorn. She takes it from me with a grin before tucking her head back under Ambros’s jaw.
Ambros leads us up the steps to the door, then opens it and enters the alarm code. I glance around. The large entrance isbigger than my bedroom, with a black and white tiled floor and an actual chandelier hanging above it. There are open doors on either side and a curved staircase that winds upstairs.
He walks us over to the doorway on the left first. “This is the sitting room.”
