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I nod. Maybe getting out of the city would be good. We can get away from all this for a few days and the media frenzy that will undoubtedly come once they find out about this. Raff Jr. can stay with Emma, the boarder, so he’ll be okay. It will get him out of the line of fire at least. “Okay, but where?”
Raff turns to Astro and grins. “How do you feel about going home?”
THIRTY-EIGHT
I’m nervous as hell. We are going to Astro’s family home and I’m utterly shitting myself. What if his family hates me? What if they judge me? What if someone recognizes me and we’re mobbed?
I’m more worried about what Astro’s family will think. It’s obvious he loves them very much, and I care about Astro. Will he introduce me as his girlfriend or as his job? Will they care? I’m overthinking, and I know it.
Peering down at my outfit, I frown once more. I felt the need to be comfortable after what happened, and Cil packed my bags so I didn’t have to go upstairs. He handed me the hoodie and legging combo, but now I worry what his family will think of that. I’ve never been this panicked before about meeting my boyfriend’s family, so why now?
Is it because this thing we have feels right? Because I decided I’m all in and I don’t want anything to ruin it?
Cillian covers my jumping thigh, smiling tenderly. “Don’t worry, okay? The police are there now, and everything will be okay. We alerted your manager and Jack, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
“It’s not that,” I admit softly, eyeing Astro who’s whistling as he fills up the car with gas. Raff is inside paying, and Dal sits in the front.
He follows my gaze to Astro. “Don’t worry, his family is amazing. They took us in like we’re their own. They are so kind and welcoming, and they will love you. Trust me, from a guy who never really had a family, I love his.”
“It’s different for you guys. What if they hate me?” I whisper.
“Impossible,” Cil murmurs, kissing me softly. “It would be impossible not to love you, Reign Harrow.”
“But what if—”
He covers my mouth and meets my eyes with a grin. “I can see you panicking. I know you are anti everything, Reign, but I promise they will love you, and Astro is so excited for you to meet his family.”
“Isn’t this too fast?” I mumble.
“Baby, what did you think all in meant?” He smirks. “Astro is already planning your ring.” My eyes widen, and he chuckles. “Don’t worry, we’ll slow him down for a little while, but I’m not saying I won’t get you one.” He winks and I smack his shoulder, but I’m relaxed now.
“Thank you,” I tell him quietly. “For always . . . well, everything.”
“I’m yours, Reign Harrow, and you are mine. We are in this together. You never have to thank us.” Wrapping his arm around me, he tugs me into his side as the door opens, and I jump.
“Here, baby.” Raffiel places snacks and drinks near me on the seat and my eyes widen. He got all my favorite candy and drinks. He kisses me as he climbs in, not even noticing he did it or not expecting my shock, but it’s the little things like this that make me so sure I’m doing the right thing with these men. They think of me, even with something small like that, and it makes me smile wider as I grab a bag of chips.
Astro slides in and turns back to me, grinning. “Road trip time! I get to pick the first songs.” He hits something and “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” comes on, making me laugh as he starts singing off-key as we pull onto the road.
I’m ready to head to Astro’s family home and escape what lies behind us.
* * *
Astro’s family home is . . . well, cute, to say the least. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this huge, white, blue window-framed house with a swing on a tree outside and rolling hills behind it. He told me he loves his family but he left when he was young. They were Marines, special forces, so I just didn’t expect such a normal home and for a moment, I panic.
I’m worried they will be able to see the dirt-poor street girl hidden underneath all the money and call me out for it, but Astro is so excited. He yanks me from the car, hurries up the stairs, and walks right in without knocking.
We stand in a foyer filled with shoes and family pictures. In front of us is the hall leading to what looks to be a kitchen, and to the right is a living room with the TV blaring a football game.
“I’m home!” Astro calls loudly. I try to tug my hand free, but he holds it tight, winking down at me.
The scent of something delicious reaches me as a heavyset woman pokes her head around the hallway and screams, running toward us before she tackles Astro. “My boy!” she yells, gripping his face and peppering it with kisses before smacking him. “You didn’t tell me you were coming.”
“It’s a surprise, Ma,” he whines and kisses her cheek before stepping back. “The guys are here too. I thought we could stay for a few days. That’s okay, right?”
“Of course, you know you never have to ask! Who is this beauty?” She grins at me. Her bright eyes match Astro’s, and her hair, a faded gray-blonde, is pulled up in a bun on her head. She’s shorter than me and wearing an apron with boobs on it, and she’s just so fucking adorable.
“Mom, this is my girl,” Astro declares proudly, beaming at her. “Reign, this is my mom, Gloria.”
