Page 91 of Devious Love

“More like a fucking nightmare.” He takes a deep breath. “Mom’s not gonna let this go.”

My gut twists. “I know.”

Silence stretches between us, weighed down by the tension that has plagued the whole family for the last two weeks.

“I get that you’re pissed about us sneaking around,” I say, “but I care about her. A lot. I’ve never felt this way about anyone.”

I don’t dare say I love her. Not yet. When I’m ready to say those words, she will be the first to know.

He dips his chin. “Now that I know, I see the way you look at her. I didn’t think it was possible for you to look like a pathetic little puppy, but you’ve proved me wrong.” He chuckles, though he sobers quickly. “But if you hurt her?—”

“Never,” I state firmly.

He tilts his head, inspecting me like I’m under a magnifying glass. Then, he nods, his lips twitching. “Good. Do you need help unpacking?”

“That’d be great. Thanks.”

We get to work, my mind and heart easing a bit. Despite the mess we’re living in, this situation proved one thing—we’re all going to get through this.

Because Mia and I are end game.

Mia:

I’ll be at your place in thirty. And I’m staying the night, idc what she thinks

The text camein as I was leaving the shop. I stuck around after business hours to work on the bike Miles and I started building.

I’ve just showered and thrown on a pair of sweats and a tee when there’s a knock at the door. I open it, and the moment oureyes lock, a piece of me that’s been missing since her birthday clicks into its place, making the picture whole. She’s in light blue jeans, a black hoodie, and white sneakers. Her hair is down, and her face is free of makeup.

She steps inside wearing a bright smile, and I close the door. She stops in the middle of the room and turns in a slow circle, looking over my place with quiet interest. When she completes her inspection, she winds her hands around my torso and gazes up at me.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” I kiss the tip of her nose.

She inhales deeply. “I still can’t believe you really did it. I thought it’d take you a while to find a place.”

“Dad helped me. He has a lot of connections in town.”

“Allan is the best.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I don’t think I would’ve survived the last two weeks without his support. He’s the only person who can stop her rants.”

I chew on the inside of my cheek. Then, I go for it, because I refuse to keep secrets from her. “Remi came to the shop today.”

Mia stills in my arms, her muscles tensing.

“She came to apologize. Took her sweet time, of course, but still… She said she overreacted, and she didn’t want to hurt anyone.”

“And?” she asks, her voice small. “What did you tell her?”

“I told her we’re done for good.” I swallow past the lump in my throat. “I told her I’m with you, that you’re my girl.”

For a beat, we just stare at each other. Then, she’s on me, hugging me tightly, kissing my lips, my cheeks, my jaw. Every touch is full of tenderness, full of yearning.

“I love it when you call me your girl,” she whispers.

“Because you are.” I pull her to my chest, holding her close, resting my chin on top of her head, exhaling. “There’s something else, something I should’ve told you before.” I lick my lips. “Butthe secret isn’t just mine. I warned Remi today that I was going to tell you about it. She wasn’t thrilled, but she didn’t fight me on it.”

“Okay.”