Page 39 of Ashes

“Because I know I’m the best,” he said and I laughed, which was a rarity these days.

His voice then turned more serious. “I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”

“Well, it’s not like you’ve been around and besides, I don’t always tell you everything,” I said, turning defensive.

Just like you haven’t told me everything either, I thought, but I immediately regretted it. Noah was the only family I had left and despite the secrets he’d kept from me, that would never change.

“Sorry, it’s been an adjustment and I’ve just been a little on edge,” I apologized.

“No, you’re right. I have been busy with work, but Ishould’ve checked in more often on myfavoritenephew.” His emphasis on the word favorite made me chuckle.

“Are you happy?” he asked, concern shadowing his tone.

I pulled into a parking spot in front of Amara, a popular jewelry store on the island, and shut the engine off.

“I am,” I lied to him, not wanting him to worry or dig further into it.

I knew he most likely kept the Barreras’ involvement from me to protect me and I was doing the same. I’d chosen to take this path, and I wouldn’t bring him down with me.

Judging by the silent pause he took before saying more, I knew he didn’t believe me.

“That’s all that matters, then,” he replied, not questioning me further.

There was a knock at his door. “Agent Brown, we need you for debriefing,” I heard a voice say.

“Listen, I have to go, but I’ll call you soon. Okay?”

“Okay,” I replied before hanging up.

I spent a total of fifty-three minutes in the store, much longer than I was planning, but once I got what I came here for, I climbed back into my car and headed home.

CHAPTER 10

SIENNA

It was almostnine in the evening when I pulled into the driveaway. Voices drifted from the kitchen as I dragged my heels into the house.

I was exhausted.

I’d just spent the last nine hours running around between patients. North Western hospital, where Kenna had matched for her residency, had suffered a flood after a pipe burst in their emergency room, so all of their emergency calls were directed to our ER.

And I’d barely slept last night.

I’d stayed awake for hours, watching over Jamal, only to wake up to his ungrateful ass. Not that he had to kiss my feet, but a simple thank you would have sufficed.

Instead, he’d kicked me out of his room like I’d been an intruder.

All I wanted right now was a hot shower and an eternityof sleep. And my mother’syaniqueques, but the people in the kitchen reminded me that wouldn’t be possible.

Jamal’s back was to me while Kai was leaned up against the island, his elbows propped on it. I was in the process of taking off my shoes when suddenly, a foreign laugh echoed against the wall.

Was that… Jamal?

Before I could register if it was or not, it abruptly stopped when he noticed I was here. I walked inside the kitchen and Kai, as usual, was the first to greet me. “Hey, Sienna,” he said, giving me a warm smile.

This marriage and living arrangement had been thrown at me, but I was grateful to him for making it an easier transition.

“Hi,” I said back to him, also giving him a smile in return. I stood next to Jamal and could feel his body tense, but I ignored it and kept my attention on his friend.