Page 144

I lean against the wall in Nico’s room as his mother flits around with drinks and snacks. While I’m sure Nico would rather she leave him alone, I’m jealous. When we were young, my mom was like this, and for a long time I resented it. But then, as we got older, the business trips got longer.

The time my parents stayed with us got shorter until we were on our own. Well, they shipped Ava off and left me to the staff, who I ignored. I can see a future with Harper being the doting mom, but also the five of us being involved. My kid will always have someone with them.

Maybe that kid will wish we’d leave them alone, but they’ll never feel the pain I felt. Not while I’m alive and not while Harper is. That’s for sure.

“If you need anything.” Sarah smiles at all of us. She’s finally at the doorway.

“We’re good, Mom.”

“If you want to stay for din⁠—”

“They’re only staying for a few minutes.” Nico gives his mom a gentle smile. “We’ll be fine, and then I’ll be down to have dinner with you.”

Her smile brightens again, and she glances around the room. “Okay.”

She disappears down the hallway. I pull the door shut before crossing the room, scooping Harper off the edge of the bed and sitting with her in my lap. I’ve been needing to claim her all day, but so does everyone else.

Maybe not Nico. He got her for the hours we were at football practice.

“Did you scan the room, little nympho?”

She rests her head against my shoulder and lifts her hand to my jaw. “Yes. Nothing.”

“Good.”

Nico is on my side, and Jack sits on my other side. Eli stands against the wall while Luke takes the desk chair. We’re all here. Fuck, this feels good.

“You wanted to talk, princess.” Luke leans back in the chair and gestures like a benevolent king.

Harper drags in a breath. “This isn’t over, is it?”

Jack clears his throat. “Zach and Tanner are in custody. No one’s making a move at the school while the FBI and DEA are hanging around, so we’re probably safe on that front for a while.”

“We need to spend more time digging into the evidence that Harper’s father left behind.” Eli crosses his ankles. “The video we found should have the date and time somewhere in the metadata. That should help narrow down the files we need to review on the game camera.”

Jack nods. “I can work on that tonight.”

“We need something that will make William and Mark back off.” Eli looks at the ground. “We need our lives back and to stop having to worry about being listened to all the time.”

“We’re still safe at Jack’s.” I rub my hand over Harper’s thigh. “And my place. Eli’s should be fine.”

“I want to go home,” Harper says. Her body relaxes against mine. “I want to go back to living in my house with my mom. I love staying with you guys, but I need that stability in my life.”

Luke nods. “I might have to return to my house. I don’t know what his help with Penny is going to cost me, but I’m fairly certain my father will want me living under his roof again.”

“You always have a place with me,” Harper says. There’s tension in her voice. None of us want him to return to his father’s house, but he might not have a choice.

“I mean…” I smirk at him. “You can stay with me as long as you want, but Harper’s the better offer.”

Luke shakes his head, but a smile tugs at his lips. Yeah, if I had to pick between living with Luke or Harper, Harper wins every time. Even if it’s in the guest bedroom.

“What will it take to make this go away?” Harper asks, threading her fingers through mine.

That’s the question on all of our minds.

“Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.” I squeeze her hand. “Promise. In the meantime, we need to finish getting you applied to college.”

Eli