We step into the kitchen and I swear, for a split second, I hear angels singing. Ria’s here, munching on toast like it’s the best thing she’s ever tasted. She doesn’t see me right away. I’m still behind Ghost, blocked by his walking wall of muscle. She’s busy staring at one slice of toast in absolute awe while nibbling on another like a squirrel in a trance.
“Dominic, I set up another appointment for you. I sent you a message with the details,” a voice says to our right.
“I’m done with that, Mama,” Ghost answers, clipped. “They were all a bust. I’ve got business to handle anyway.”
There’s a huff. Disapproval in one breath.
That’s when Ria finally looks up, eyes going wide. I step out from behind Ghost and head straight for her.
“Adora,” she gasps, then she launches at me. Her arms clamp around me like a fucking vice. All the air gets knocked clean out of my lungs.
“I just got here. I thought you were still sleeping. I’m so sorry. I can’t believe this happened. I didn’t think they’d really comeafter you. I never thought—” The apology pours out of her in one breathless rush, her voice tight with guilt.
“Ria,” I cut in, pressing my cheek to the top of her head. “Fending off a few lunatics is a small price to pay for your friendship.” I pull back, and give her a soft smile.
She scans my face, eyes full of worry. “Are you okay?”
I nod. “You won’t believe it, but a biker saved my life.”
Her gaze swings to Ghost and narrows.
“Not that one,” I chuckle.
“Of course not,” she mutters, unimpressed. “His specialty is ending lives, not saving them.”
Ghost goes rigid at the dig, but doesn’t respond. The tension thickens like smoke. I feel the need to wave my arms and dispel it.
A throat clears awkwardly.
“Mama, do you have any breakfast left? Adora’s hungry,” Ghost says, voice flat.
I turn toward her with a sheepish smile. She meets my gaze, spatula in hand, eyes warm.
“Hello,” I offer quietly with a small wave.
Damn, this is uncomfortable. I met her a few times, years ago. She was a delight. I loved her. But now… I don’t know where I stand with her. I don’t know what she knows. What she thinks about everything.
“Hello,” she chirps, and steps toward me. “Can I hug you too?” she asks softly, eyes bright.
I nod once.
She doesn’t hesitate. Her arms come around me and just like that, it feels like I’m wrapped in comfort and sunshine. A sniffle almost escapes me. Mama… I used to fantasize about what it would be like if I had a mother like her.
“It’s going to be alright,” she whispers.
For a second, I almost believe her.
She pulls back and smiles. “Sit.” She points at a chair with her spatula like it’s an order. “I’m making pancakes.” Her smile stretches further, eyes lighting up. “It’s so nice to see you again, Adora.”
“You too,” I whisper and sit down.
“I’ll be back later,” Ghost announces and leaves, not waiting for a response. Mama watches him go, worry lining her brow. I bite my tongue, stifling my curiosity. It’s not my place to ask anything.
A piece of toast gets shoved in my face.
“You have to try this,” Ria says around a mouthful. “It’s the perfect fucking toast. I don’t know what kind of witchcraft Mama uses, but this toast? Life-changing. Crispy, but not too crispy. Soft, but not soggy. It’s toast perfection. Mama refuses to tell me her secret,” she pouts.
I take it from her, raising a brow at Mama. She points at the toaster with a cheeky smile and shrugs. I nearly snort.
