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He chuckles, blowing air on my throbbing center. “I’m in charge, but that doesn’t mean you have no choice. You always have choices. And I will always honor them.”

Coco hisses and sprints across the hallway as I go to open the door. Where the hell is Livia? The doorbell rings again.

Zoya and Zach, Declan’s twins, barrel along after Coco. Jesus, this place is chaos.

“I’m sorry I’m so late.” Lily gives me a hug when I open the door.

“How was it?” I ask, my eyes following the twins. Coco dashes from under the console table and practically flies up the stairs.

“Thewe she is.” Zoya runs to the staircase.

“Zach, Zoya.” I pull Lily with me. “Why don’t we go make your burgers? Uncle Corm has a special sauce for you.”

“But we want to play with the kitten.” Zoya frowns at me, already halfway up the stairs.

“Shewants to play with her.” Zach puts his hands in his pockets with a bored expression.

I don’t know how a six-year-old can be so similar to his grown-up grumpy father, but even his stance is a mini copy of Declan.

“Zoya, it’s Coco’s bedtime,” I lie.

Zoya looks up, and then shrugs and bounces down. “What secwet sauce?”

“It wouldn’t be a secret if she told you.” Zach shakes his head. “Let’s go outside.”

Zoya starts toward the patio, but then stops. “Auntie Saaw, I wish we had a kitten.”

“Dad is allergic,” Zach growls. Like father, like son—what can I say?

“Can I come and play with Coco tomowow?”

She looks at me with her huge pleading eyes, and I’m torn between protecting Coco—the very spoiled cat—and teaching this little girl how to be gentle. Shit.

“Maybe Aunty can take you to the shelter where she volunteers, and you can help her with kittens and puppies there,” Lily offers, saving me.

“That is a wonderful idea. I’ll talk to your dad about it.” I ruffle Zoya’s hair and mouth a thank you to Lily.

“Dope,” Zoya cheers, and runs off.

“Those are Declan’s kids?” Lily asks, watching the little girl disappear outside.

“How do you know Declan?” I frown, and Lily’s cheeks turn pink.

“From Celeste’s Christmas party.” She fidgets like I caught her stealing, not remembering someone.

“Oh, I forgot about that. Come and get a drink. How was it?” I don’t need to specify. She knows I’m asking about her breakup.

“It was okay.” She looks away. “I’m more shaken about a fire alarm at work.”

“Oh no. Are you okay?”

She sighs. “I need a drink.”

I put my arm around her, and we walk outside.

“Lils,” Cora calls as soon as she sees us. They hug and walk over to a small bar set up in the corner.

It’s a beautiful evening, and I love being a hostess. I love having a true home for the first time.