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“If you don’t want her at the party, I’ll talk with her. But I can’t guarantee anything. Like Maya said, Bella’s an adult. She hasn’t even had the opportunity to live like she’s one.”
“Once she’s safe, she can make all the decisions she wants. This isn’t that time. She’s my family, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.”
“So will I,” Ariana said. “But we do need to let her have a say in this.”
Rita shook her head. “Unbelievable.”
Ari put a hand on Rita’s arm. “She’s going to rebel if she feels like you’re trying to control her too. To keep her from running from us and into more danger, we have to consider what she wants.”
“She haszeroexperience making her own decisions. This isn’t the time for her to start! I’m going shopping for the party. You may as well have Bella pack her things. She’s coming to my place when I get back.”
Maya’s mouth fell open. “Are you listening to yourself?”
“Yes. My sister is moving back in with me so I can protect her.”
“You sound like your parents.”
Rita’s face flushed red. “Take that back!”
Maya folded her arms. “I say it as I see it.”
“Then you’re wrong!” Rita fled the room. “Bella, pack your things!”
Ariana turned to Maya. “Do you think we’re being unreasonable?”
“Not even close. I think her pregnancy hormones are on overdrive, and she’s lashing out because of fear. She isn’t thinking clearly.”
“I hope shopping calms her.”
“Me too.”
The front door slammed.
ChapterFifteen
Damon added another song to the party playlist. At this rate, it would take two full days to get through the entire list, but the important thing was none of the songs would repeat. All night long, the festive music would be different.
Knock, knock!
He pulled his attention away from the screen, his vision blurry for a moment as his eyes adjusted. “Come in!”
The door opened slowly, then Bella stepped inside. “Sorry to bother you.”
“It’s no bother. I could use a break anyway.” He rubbed his eyes.
“I hate to ask, but…”
“Ask away. We keep telling you, we’re here to help.”
She leaned against the door frame and played with a button on her shirt. “I know you and Ariana have a bunch of Halloween stuff, so I was wondering if you have any extra costumes.”
He couldn’t help laughing. “I think we have an entire closet dedicated to those. What are you looking for?”
Bella chewed on her lower lip. “Something with a mask. That’s important.”
“We have plenty of those. Follow me.” He led her to one of the guest rooms. “You’re lucky we still have these after our house fire earlier this year.”
“You didn’t lose your Halloween stuff?”
