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It was a house filled with love. I hadn’t experienced that in years, but I was glad Ayana had such a strong support system at home. Whatever bullshit happened in New York, at least her family had her back.

Saba gave me a full tour while Ayana unpacked and Abel prepared dinner. It ended at the guest room.

“Dinner will be ready in an hour or so,” she said. “The bathroom is across the hall. Fresh towels are in the closet next to it.” The sound of the doorbell interrupted her. “That must be Liya or Aaron. Excuse me.”

I thanked her again. She left, and I tossed my duffel bag on the chair in the corner. The room was small but well-appointed. A navy comforter covered the bed; a hand-knotted rug adorned the floor. There was an armchair in the corner with an intricately woven cotton blanket draped over it. It wasn’t as luxurious as the penthouse suite I’d booked at the Ritz, but this was the house where Ayana had grown up. That was better than any five-star amenity.

I unpacked, showered, and changed. I texted my team to let them know I was staying with the Kidanes while Shadow stole into my room and sniffed through my duffel like I was hiding tuna from him in there.

Get out.

He ignored my silent missive, slinked across the room, and parked himself right in the middle of my bed.

Fucker.

I swallowed my grumble and went downstairs. Laughter drifted over from the kitchen, and the entire house smelled like mouthwatering spices and simmering meat.

I made a mental note to figure out food and litter for Shadow.

“Perfect timing,” Saba said when I entered the dining room. “Dinner is just about ready.”

How can I help?

I couldn’t cook for shit, but I could set the table.

“Absolutely not.” Her tone was firm. “You’re a guest. Sit. We’ll bring the food out.”

Two children—one boy, one girl—raced past her, shrieking. They couldn’t be older than five or six. Liya came up behind them with a frown.

“What did I say about running in the house?” she called out. “Put your toys away and remember to wash your hands before dinner!”

Their only response was an indulgent “Yes, Mom” followed by more laughter and a high-pitched “Kitty!”

Shadow must’ve wandered downstairs. That cat went anywhere and everywhere.

Liya shook her head. “Hi, Vuk,” she said on her way back to the kitchen. “Good to see you again.”

I nodded in greeting. She’d escaped the church attack unscathed. I didn’t know how she felt on the inside, but outwardly, she’d reacted the calmest to last week’s events. According to Ayana, Liya was an ER nurse, so she was used to seeing messed-up stuff.

“I should’ve warned you. It’s a bit of a zoo on Friday nights.” Ayana’s voice sounded behind me.

I turned, my muscles loosening at the sight of her. She’d also changed into a more comfortable outfit. The red sweater and jeans complemented her dark brown skin perfectly.

I don’t mind.

“I thought you hated people?” She arched a teasing brow.

I shrugged.Some people. Not all.

Her smile dazzled, and I grew warm all over.

Dinner started soon after. There were ten of us in total—me, Ayana, her parents, her siblings and their spouses, plus Liya’s two children. Shadow ignored the bowl Saba set out for him and sat at the kids’ feet, basking in their attention instead.

As promised, the food was delicious. There was a tomato salad with onions, jalapeños, and a light lemony dressing; fried fish; spicy beef stew, and bread. Ayana’s mother had been right. Nothing beat a home-cooked meal.

“So, Vuk,” Aaron said halfway through dinner. “What is it that you do again?”

I run an alcohol company.