Page 79 of Monstrosity

My first Christmas tree in the corner by the window.

The spot where I spilled red wine and could never quite get the stain out.

The kitchen where I taught myself to cook after the divorce, burning more meals than I care to remember.

Now it feels like it belongs to someone else, someone who didn't know what it was like to be loved by Rio Rojas and his daughters.

"You okay?" Rio appears at my elbow, reading my mood as always.

"Just... nostalgic, I guess. This was my first place after the divorce. My fresh start."

"Regrets?" There's something vulnerable in his voice, like he's afraid I might be having second thoughts.

"No," I say quickly, turning to face him. "Never. It's just strange, you know? Closing one chapter."

"And starting another," he finishes. "A better one."

"Thebestone," I correct, standing on my toes to kiss him.

"Ew, they're being gross again," Cali announces.

"They're always gross," Florencia agrees. "It's what people in love do."

"How do you know about people in love?" Rio asks, narrowing his eyes at his eldest.

"I read," she says primly. "And watch movies. And have eyes."

"Too smart for your own good," he mutters, but he's smiling.

A knock at the door interrupts the moment.

Rio immediately goes alert, hand drifting toward where his gun would be, before relaxing.

Old habits.

Even with Bembe gone, even with the immediate threat eliminated, he's still protective.

Still watching for danger.

I used to find it excessive.

Now I understand it's just part of loving someone in this life—you're always aware of what could be lost.

"It's just Meghan," I say, checking the peephole. "She said she'd stop by."

I open the door to find not just Meghan but also Tindra, Starla, and two other women from the club I've gotten to know—Everly and Astrid.

"Moving committee has arrived!" Meghan announces, pushing past me with a box of donuts. "Can't have you packing on an empty stomach."

"Or without proper supervision," Starla adds, eyeing my haphazard box labeling. "Honey, what system are you using here?"

"Chaos?" I suggest.

"Creative chaos," Astrid corrects, already pulling on work gloves. "But we're here to impose order."

"Men, out," Everly commands, shooing Rio toward the door. "This is women's work now. Take the girls to the park or something."

"I don't get shooed from anywhere," Rio grumbles, but he's already reaching for his jacket.