Page 99 of Brazen Obsession

Dante chuckles behind me.

Tom smiles back at me. “It would be easier than moving again so soon. We just got settled. Renovations should only take a month or two.”

I nod. That’s about how long my internship will last, and then I have to return to college. It’s going to be odd not seeing the guys all day every day, but I’ll be able to have lunch with them between classes.

“I’m just looking forward to my own bed.” Mom releases a breath. Roger comes in and Peabody follows him. Peabody sits at my and Dante’s feet. I just shake my head. So he trots over to Finn and yips at him.

When Finn pats his lap, Peabody jumps up and curls up to sleep. Caitlyn comes bouncing in from the kitchen and sits next to Mom.

“I had someone inspect the house yesterday and tighten up security,” Roger says. “Everything’s been cleaned.”

“I had the rooms repaired after the break-in,” Dante says. “They salvaged what they could, but the only rooms gone through were Tom and Sara’s. I had a thorough review by a team to make sure there weren’t any hidden devices in the house as well.”

Roger nods and his gaze goes to Mom. “We can go back tonight if you want.”

Mom glances at all of us. “Will Tom be okay without me?”

“You can come baby me any time you want.” Tom grins at her.

“We’ve got Tom,” Wyatt says. He lifts his eyes to me. I’m supposed to sleep in his bed tonight. Dante and I just slept last night. It would be weird to do anything with my parents right below us. But if they’re not here...

“It’d be nice to unpack, Bitsy.” Roger looks at me and then his gaze goes higher to Dante. “The kids are secure here. Colin is leaving the men for now. Any time there’s a power exchange, someone thinks they can do better. It shouldn’t be long before everything settles down again.”

Mom sighs, scans all of us, and looks hopefully at Roger. “Maybe after lunch?”

He gives her a soft smile. “Sure.”

After lunch, the guys went into the office to work. Drew stayed home with me for Tom. With Drew’s help, Tom moved downstairs to their apartment so he and Natasha could take a nap. I stayed upstairs with my work laptop open to try to catch up on some of the work for my internship.

Mom, Roger, and Caitlyn took Peabody home with them.

I look at his little doggie bed sitting in the dining room so he could be close while we worked. I’m going to miss him, but it really makes sense for him to stay with my parents and Caitlyn since I’m busy with work and class.

“What’s the frown for, princess?” Drew comes in and sits next to me, opening up his laptop.

“Just missing Peabody already.” I shrug. “I’m used to having to worry about him with everything going on. It’s weird to know my parents have him and he’s safe.”

“You want a dog?” Drew asks. “We can get a dog or a puppy.”

I blow out a breath. “Maybe after a while. I need to get my feet under me in this new life first before adding chaos to the mix.”

“Chaos is a fitting name for a dog.”

I chuckle. “Maybe not that name.”

“If you wanted to go in and work⁠—‍”

“No.” I smile. “Someone needs to be here to help with Tom.”

He gestures to himself as if to ask, What am I?

“You and Natasha should have it handled, but...” I shake my head. “I need a little time to get accustomed to real life again. Do you know what I mean?”

“When we’re not hiding from Mafia kingpins? That’s a typical Thursday night.” He smirks but then nudges me. “You should do a girls’ night out. You need your friends too.”

I’ve been wrapped up in everything that’s been going on. It might be nice to go out and drink with my friends again. Not have to worry about potentially getting kidnapped or have someone watching me.

I send off a quick text to the guys to doublecheck and get resounding yeses to me going out. Though I’m sure someone will happen to be at the bar that night.