1
MADISON
I drive myself home. It’s probably best I stay out of the way, so the guys can rally their Nove troops and rescue Seth’s parents.
Nick and Sonia Colton. I haven’t talked to them, or really even thought about them, in a long time. After Kyle’s funeral, they didn’t check in with me at all. They fought with me over his meager life insurance benefits before suddenly dropping the issue out of nowhere.
On the anniversary of Kyle’s death, I reached out to see if they wanted to visit his grave with me. They told me they already had plans to, but “you’re welcome to come along, if you want.” Super awkward.
I ended up waiting until late in the afternoon, when I was sure they wouldn’t be there, to visit Kyle’s grave on my own.
During my short time with Kyle, I always had the sense that Nick and Sonia merely tolerated me, and never liked me. Still, nobody should be tied up and blindfolded like they are. The worst I might have wished on them was perpetually tepid coffee, or randomly laggy wifi.
I punch in the gate code and pull into my driveway. I’ll make a smoothie for breakfast. Last I checked, the orange tree was still full of ripe fruit.
As I get out of my car, I catch a glimpse of my face reflected in the window. Despite my worry for Seth’s parents, I look content. Happy, actually. Damiano, Seth, and I are together. The three of us. Maybe our dynamic is nontraditional, but if we can make it work, that’s more love to be given and shared.
And last night...the very thought of it has my panties getting damp. Damiano fucking me, while Seth licked and sucked my clit? That’s the stuff of impossible fantasies, but it actually happened to me.
Feeling like the luckiest girl in the world, I walk around the side of the house, toward the orange tree near the kitchen.
A man is standing in the shadows of the tree.
I scream and drop my purse. A half-second later, I realize the man isn’t a stranger—it’s my cousin Ford. I should’ve known him by his plaid, flannel shirt.
“Sorry, sorry!” Ford hurries toward me. “It’s just me, Madison.”
Bending down, I grab my bag. “Shit, Ford, what the hell are you doing here?”
His brown eyes squint in apology. “I know you said you don’t want help with the yard, but the trees need fertilizer and they’re a little temperamental, you know?”
I don’t know. At this point, I don’t care. Looking around, I say, “Where’s the fertilizer, then?”
“Oh, it’s in my truck.”
“Which is...?” Because his truck isn’t in the driveway—I would’ve seen it when I drove in. And then I wouldn’t have had the piss scared out of me.
“I parked down the street a ways.” He sighs and rubs a hand over the back of his neck. “I shouldn’t be sneaky, but I just really care about these trees.”
I take a deep breath, seeking patience. My heart is still pounding in my chest from the fear and surprise of finding someone unexpected in my yard. “Ford, this has to stop. I know you took care of this house for a long time, but I live here now. You have to let me figure it out, and do it my way.”
“Of course.” He nods. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
It’s hard to forgive someone when you suspect they’re just going to turn around and do the thing again. “Do you want me to give you a ride to your truck?” Hint: time to leave, cousin.
“No, I’ll walk. It’s not far. Sorry, again.” He offers me a sheepish smile, which I don’t return.
Frowning, I watch him amble down the drive until he disappears at the gate.
I pluck a few oranges from the tree’s branches. As I do, I make a mental note to call Ironwood. It’s time to get some extra cameras installed.
SETH
Does it make me a complete asshole if I’m partly angry at my parents right now?
Probably.
But I finally had Madison in my arms. No more hang-ups, no more reservations. No holding back.
