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Sebastian clapped me on the back as we headed out to the car that would take us to the tarmac. "Call if you need anything at all, Evan. I'm here to help in any way possible."
I pulled him into a quick hug. "Thank you. I mean it."
The process of accepting my place in this family hadn't been simple, but it was getting easier with each day that passed. Trust was being rebuilt between the two of us, and I knew that Sebastian kept his word. Mariah hugged both of them goodbye, then we were off.
The flight was smooth, and soon enough, we were back in New York. Seeing the city skyline come into view brought a mix of emotions. On the one hand, this had been my home for the last seventeen years, but so many things were still unresolved. Sebastian wanted me to take over the clan, telling me he'd wait until I was ready, but I wasn't sure if I ever would be. I still thought Lucas should take on the mantle.
Yet the more time we spent in Texas, the more it started to feel like home. And when we arrived back at the penthouse, it wasn’t what I expected. Somehow, the place didn't feel the same after all these weeks away. So much had changed since I'd left here. I’d expected to walk in and feel at ease. Instead, I was even more unsettled.
"Are you okay?" Mariah said as she looked up at me.
I sighed. "Would it be strange to say that it doesn't feel the way I thought it would to be back home?”
She came up to me, wrapping her arms around my neck and going up on tiptoes to kiss me. "No. I get it. I kind of feel the same way. I haven't lived here for as long, so I'm sure it's even stranger for you."
I nodded. "After being on the clan lands, I think that might be the best place for Sofia," I said. I’d had similar thoughts before, but this was the first time I’d said them out loud.
She cocked her head. I couldn't tell what she was thinking when she said, “Are you considering staying in Texas? For the long haul?"
"I don't know what I'm thinking, honestly. Would you even be okay with that?" I certainly wouldn't go anywhere without her. Where Mariah was, that was where I’d be, too.
"It’d be a big change. I'm not sure how I feel about it, if we’re going for honesty here. But I'm willing to consider any possibility. We'll figure out what's right for us."
I wrapped my arms around her waist. God, I loved this woman. "Regardless, Sofia will need a place to spread her wings and fly at some point."
The front desk buzzed, and I reluctantly let go of Mariah and went to the intercom. "Yes?"
"Mr. Guerrero, I have a woman by the name of Analise here to visit."
"Send her up," I said, turning back to Mariah and seeing her face light up with joy.
"I texted her when we landed," she said. "But I didn't expect her to be here so soon."
Just a few minutes later, Analise was knocking on the front door. The minute I opened it, I grimaced. Analise was glaring at me, her eyes narrowed, and her hands on her hips. Before I could say anything, she was pointing her finger at me.
“I realize you’re my boss, but I am not your biggest fan right now, Evan Guerrero.”
I held my hands up, palms facing out. “I’m well aware of this, Analise.”
Then she brushed right past me, hurrying toward Mariah. I turned around to see the two embracing, the smiles on their faces so bright that I could easily let go of Analise’s anger toward me. After all, she was only looking out for her best friend’s interests. While I might not agree with her about what that meant, I could appreciate that she loved my mate with her whole heart.
I cleared my throat, and Mariah glanced at me. “I think I’ll head to the club now and give you two some time to catch up. I have plenty to do with Mason.” I glanced at my watch. “I should only be gone a few hours, and I’ve stationed a security guard downstairs. I’m going to send him up to watch this floor. He’ll be in the hallway if you need him. Lock the door behind me.”
I ignored Analise’s grumbling about how Mariah shouldn’t be in a situation where that was necessary, yet Mariah walked over, wrapping her arms around me to give a kiss. Analise made gagging noises in the background, however, and I couldn’t ignore that one.
“Just remember who writes your checks,” I said.
“That’s Mason these days,” she said, giving me a fake saccharine smile.
I sighed, but Mariah only laughed. “I’ll be fine. We aren’t going anywhere.”
I gave her one last kiss, then headed out the door, down the elevator, and out of the building, making the quick five-minute walk to the Dragon’s Den. Just being back in the city was strange. The once familiar sights and sounds felt so different after spending weeks out in the country, where the vast emptiness and open space was nothing like the bustling streets of New York.
Being back at the club was equally surreal. As I made my way to the office, the flirty glances I was used to from employees and customers alike were there as usual, but it was easy to ignore them. Everything had changed. I had no interest in anyone but Mariah. She was my mate, and the woman I loved.
After taking care of some business with Mason, our conversation shifted to the plan for tomorrow. I’d already updated him on most of the details over the phone.
“A stylist is sending over some pieces today for Mariah to try on for her interview.”
