Page 151 of Merciless Obsession

I brought my water to my mouth and swallowed a large sip. Being around Cashlynn showed me I would never want to meet her in a dark alley. Nazai had his hands full with her.

“Cash.” Her little brother’s voice rang out and soon he appeared in the living room with his game system in hand.

Cashlynn’s full attention went to her brother. Pain shot through my chest watching her interact with him. Her face softened. It made me think of my sister. To everyone else, I was a closed off bitch who thought I was too smart to interact with others, but not with Charlie. She was the only thing in the world that mattered to me. It was clear Carson was the same for Cashlynn.

Ignoring the tightness forming in my chest, I turned my attention back to the boxes. I wondered what secrets were inside waiting to be uncovered.

CHAPTER 31

EZRA

“I’m happy we all were able to gather here together,” Mom mentioned as we sat at the large table full of food. “With everyone having their own lives and being busy, it’s important to take the time to enjoy family.”

It was Thanksgiving and Mom demanded everyone’s attendance. One thing she prided herself on was family and coming together. She didn’t care how crazy and hectic what we did was, she never let us get a pass on missing family gatherings.

I reached over and grabbed Ziora’s hand. She was next to me with Inaya next to her and Emmet on the other side. At first she declined coming to my parents’ house. It was clear the thought made her uncomfortable. Family wasn’t a big thing to her since she was estranged from hers but she would get used to being around mine and realizing she was now part of it.

Nazai, Cashlynn, Carson, and Lucas sat across from us and Mom and Dad were on the ends of the table. River had another out of town meeting to handle so he was absent.

“Inaya, is it?” Mom asked. “You seem to have taken a liking to my youngest son.”

Instead of shying away from my mom’s observation, Inaya smiled brightly and sat straight. “You’re correct. Emmet is just my type.” She batted her lashes.

Emmet grunted.

“And what is your type exactly?” Dad asked.

“Strong, smart, layered, and keeps me on my toes. I also think your son is attractive and could benefit from having me in his life.”

“Is that so?” Amusement filled Mom’s voice as she brought her wine glass to her mouth.

“Yes, ma’am. He’s playing hard to get but I’m just as stubborn. We’ve even worked a case together, right, Emmet?” She batted her lashes at him. Again, he just grunted and continued to eat his food.

Lucas snorted from across the table. “And here I thought Ezra was the only stalker in the room.”

I cut my eyes in his direction. “Stalking, as you call it, got me my Bumblebee, so I encourage Inaya’s determination.”

“I don’t think it’s stalking if the person wants you to come after them.” Inaya shrugged. “Sometimes you have to go after what you want to get what you want. Emmet hasn’t told me he’s not interested, so why give up?”

Ziora stifled a laugh and shook her head.

Dad didn’t look amused. He turned his attention to Ziora. “And Ziora, have you thought about what we spoke about? How are you adjusting?”

My eyes cut in Dad’s direction. “I took what you said and I still stand on my position. Ezra never hid who he was from me, even before you told me. I realized that maybe it’s what I needed in my life.”

Pride spread through my chest. I lifted her hand and brought it to my mouth. “There is no maybe. Iamwhat you need. There will be no one else.”

This time Dad grunted and took a drink from his glass.

“And are you recovering well?” Mom asked.

Ziora nodded. “Lucas removed my neck stitches this week. Now I’m just waiting for my side ones to get taken out and my foot to heal.”

“Which won’t happen if you don’t start taking it easy,” Lucas interjected. “I already had to restitch your incision.” He glared at her.

“I told you I’ll be more careful from now on.”

“Have you learned who tried to kill her?” Dad turned to Nazai.