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“You think your dad has eyes here in the neighborhood?”
“I wouldn’t put it past him.” She frowned. “When he wants something, he won’t let anything stop him.” She sighed. “Is Rita okay after last night? No problems with the baby?”
“No problems. Grayson took her to the doctor this morning, and she and the baby are both great.”
“That’s such good news.” Bella visibly relaxed. “I was worried I’d caused early labor or something.”
“None of that was your fault. Your dad’s actions aren’t on you.”
Bella frowned. “If I’d have just stayed home, he never would’ve gone to Rita’s. He took a gun!”
“None of that is on you. He has no right to try and force you to get married, and you shouldn’t have to flee your parents to stay safe.”
“I should’ve known he’d come after me.”
“It isn’t on you. Your sisterwantedto help you, and it sounds like she knew what the risks were.”
Damon appeared around the corner. “Risks?” He eyed the treats. “Do I spy brownies?”
Ari handed him one. “Our houseguest is spoiling us.”
“I’ll say.”
Bella grabbed a bowl and smeared orange frosting on a cupcake.
“I’m all for skipping lunch and going straight for dessert.” He grabbed a spatula and frosted one of the cupcakes. “You’re welcome to stay indefinitely.”
“It’s just a little baking.”
Ariana scooped the cookies onto a plate. “The stuff I make usually comes from a box.”
They carried the sweets over to the table, and Bella poured them each a tall glass of milk before sitting.
“Do you like baking?” Damon asked.
She shrugged. “I never thought of it that way. Father wants this stuff available at all times, and Mother has always insisted everything be made fresh. She doesn’t like the prepackaged stuff. No offense.”
“None taken.” Ariana reached for one of the cookies, and that too melted in her mouth.
Damon emptied his glass. “Do they dictate everything you do?”
Bella’s face fell. “Yeah. I try to make some of my own decisions, but that doesn’t ever work out for me. As you can see by last night’s fiasco.”
“Does he always get that angry?” Damon studied her.
“Only when he doesn’t get his way.”
Damon tensed.
Ari squeezed his hand, but he didn’t relax.
“If he doesn’t get his way, then everyone else pays. Sounds familiar.” Damon’s expression tightened.
“At least you’re out of there now,” Ariana said, speaking to both of them. Her husband was clearly thinking back to the days with his own dad.
Bella squeezed the table. “But he isn’t going to give up. Not until he has me back at home.”
“Do you want me to look into getting you a restraining order?”
