She started to drift off against me, the cold and the exhaustion from the day finally catching up. I carefully put her back into her seat, buckled her in as her head bobbed slightly as she fought to stay awake.
Bloody stubborn.
Inside, Sassy is still snuggled in her arms, her long white fur a little messy from the rain, but I don't mention it. Animals understand far too much, and I’m not about to risk getting on her bad side.
I shut the door behind us and look down to meet her gaze. “Go on.” My lips lift slightly. “Get yourself cleaned up. I’ll have a latte ready, and then we'll be talking.”
She gives me an annoyed look, a clear sign she wants to argue, but she knows she doesn't get a choice. “Coconut?”
I grin, nodding. “Yes, coconut. Don't keep me waiting.”
Willow exhales and trudges toward the stairs, no fight left in her, when Rose rounds the corner. An ice pack pressed to her head, face twisted in fury.
“What is she doing back in this house?” Her voice cracks, practically a screech. My body stiffens, and I step in front of her before she can reach the stairs.
“Don't. I think you've done enough today.”
Rose's finger jabs at the air, shaking. “Did she tell you how she attacked me? There's something seriously wrong with her!”
I feel a jolt of irritation, fists clenching at my sides. “Don't you dare,” I growl. “I know you're far from innocent in this, so don't try that with me. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with her.”
The only one with a screw loose here is her.
“You're very lucky I haven't thrown you out of this house,” I continue. “So, before you try to kick someone else onto the street, remember I can do the same to you. Because, in case you've forgotten, I actually own this fucking house.”
“River will hate you if you kick me out.”
“Don't,” I hiss, moving forward. “You don't get to use him against me. Not again.”
She tried once, something I can't believe she would dare to do again.Her mouth opens, but I don't give her space to breathe.
“I consider myself a good man. But if you keep pushing me—if you keep hurting the people I care about, I will ruin you.”
Her eyes widen. “Are you threatening me?”
I laugh.God, I fucking hate her.
“I don't threaten,” I say coldly. “I’m warning you. And while you still live under my roof, you'll stay the hell away from Willow. That's not a suggestion.”
The front door opens before she can respond.
“Hey, guys.” River steps inside, all easy smiles and energy, dropping his bags by the door. He looks between us, brow creasing. “What’s going on?”
For half a second, I want to tell him everything. Rip the blindfold off and let him see the truth. The one thing stopping me is that he's got his final football game coming up in a month. I won't be the reason his focus cracks.
“Everything's fine. Your mum was actually just heading out to stay with a friend for the night. Thought she could use the break she so desperately needs.”
I glance at Rose, daring her to contradict me.
She hesitates. “I… I can go another time.”
River lights up immediately, bounding over and pulling us both into a hug like this family isn't breaking. “I’m gonna check on Willow,” he says. “Maybe we can watch a movie later?”
I try not to grimace at the thought of cosying up or being in the same room with her as he heads upstairs.
The second he's gone, I turn back to her. “You've got until his final game. After that, you're out.”
I head straight to my room, because staying anywhere near her for another second makes me want to launch myself out a window.
