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The spark of electricity between us is so strong I almost jump.

But her smile distracts me as she grabs one of the bowls and hands it to me. “Jade says it’s her grandmother’s banana pudding recipe. Dylan never let me have—” She cuts herself off and takes a breath.

There’s an awkward momentary silence.

“Dylan never let you have dessert?” Atlas finally demands incredulously, his eyes narrowing. I gave him and the guys an overview of what’s been going on when we first came outside, and don’t miss Atlas growing more and more horrified with each new piece of information that comes out about Dylan fucking Durand.

He’s not alone.

But his snapped-out question startles Willow, and she freezes for a moment.

I instinctively reach out to put a gentle hand on her leg, hopefully reminding her that she’s safe here.

Thankfully, my touch seems to ground her, and I can’t lie—I like that.

“No,” she says softly, slowly reaching for one of the little bowls and a spoon. Then she gets a sparkle in her eyes that takes my breath away—strength and perseverance and…a hint of mischief. “But he’s not here now, is he?”

And before any of us can say anything—she takes a bite.

Her eyes close and a faraway smile graces her features as she chews.

“Oh, my God. This is so, so good… it’s just what I imagined.”

“It’s awesome, right?” Jade comes out holding a tray of coffee cups. She sets it down and passes them around before sinking onto Royal’s lap.

The two of them are so damn…cute.

Disgusting, but cute.

And I suddenly have the strangest urge to pull Willow onto my lap, wrap my arms around her lithe body, and hold her. Let her know she’s safe. Wanted. Part of the family.

Part. Of. The. Family.

My family.

The family I protect with my entire being.

The words ricochet through my psyche as I try to come to terms with that.

We don’t invite people into the fold easily.

Hell, before Aspen, there had never been anyone.

The five of us—Colt, Atlas, Banks, Royal, and me—and then Briar. That’s it. That’s always been it. When Banks met Aspen and brought her to dinner, we knew immediately she would be part of the inner circle. The same with Jade.

And now it’s happening with Willow.

Except it’s different this time.

Willow and I aren’t dating.

We’re not even fucking, which is new for me.

Sex is usually all I’m good for when it comes to women.

It’s been the opposite with Willow, and while I can tell myself it’s because it’s business— she needs me, she has nowhere else to go—I know better.

I could have put her in one of our safe houses.