Page 74 of Unleashed

I sidestep his attempted hug, doing a weird little jig to escape when he attempts to give it a second go. “I’m fine. Zara and I weren’t here when it happened.”

“That’s good.” He looks around my destroyed home. “You and your sister are more than welcome to come stay at my place while you get yours back together.”

I don’t understand how this guy hasn’t figured out I’m not interested in him. Maybe he’s just being nice, but historically speaking, I’ve never found men do anything just to be nice. “No thanks.”

I try not to be a complete bitch—I have to continue seeing him since we’re neighbors—but I really need him to get the fucking hint.

“Seriously. You guys can’t stay here. I’ve got a spare room.” He continues pleading his case, oblivious.

“I’m not coming to your house.” The words snap out.

So much for not being bitchy.

He scoffs, seeming shocked. “Why not?”

A sudden weight hits my shoulders, and a split second later I’m pulled against the hard line of a tall body. Trevor stares Doug down, this time looking legitimately scary as he says, “Because she’s moving in with me.”

23

Trevor

Idon’t know who in the hell this Doug guy is, but he’s gonna need to get the fuck out of here. I don’t like the way he tried to pressure Maren the other night, and I sure as hell don’t like the way he’s pressuring her now.

I do recognize that makes me a hypocrite, but that’s an issue for Bert to deal with during our first appointment next week. Now that I’m thinking about it, I should probably start setting some money aside. I don’t know how much my brothers pay him, but I’m going to assume my sessions will have a surcharge.

The guy who just tried to get Maren to move in with him looks me over, the frown on his face making it clear he’s as thrilled with my presence as I am with his. “Who are you?”

“Still none of your business.” I pull Maren closer, half expecting her to shove me away.

Instead, she leans into me, looping both arms around my waist as she continues talking to Doug. “Ignore him. He’s just grumpy because someone stole my strap on.”

It takes everything I have to keep myself from reacting. I love when Maren throws punches, and that was one hell of a punch. I’m kind of proud of her. Definitely impressed.

But I don’t want to laugh it off in front of this guy, so I decide to lean into the game. Tipping Maren’s chin up so her eyes meet mine, I give her a wink our audience can’t see. “I’ll order you a new one, Mistress.”

Maren’s lips twitch, like she’s having as hard of a time keeping it together as I am. “Make sure you get the next size up.”

“Will do.” I lean down, pressing a kiss to her mouth. “Let’s get you packed up.”

I don’t like that this guy showed up, but it does appear his presence will make this process a little less difficult than I anticipated. No part of me believed Maren was just going to jump into my home. I knew this woman would fight me tooth and nail. She always does.

But I also know she will do anything for her sister. And whether she wants to admit it or not, it’s not safe for Zara here. Not to mention the kid’s probably going to be terrified to go to sleep knowing how easily someone was able to get inside.

There’s no way to hide what happened from her. Even if she wasn’t in the back of the van, Maren can’t explain away how all their televisions and devices went missing. The reason for the dent in the front of the refrigerator. Why they no longer have a coffee table.

Moving into my place just makes sense. I have enough room for all of us, and Maren will now have an entire group of people around to help her out. Including three of her best friends. Every night can be girls’ night.

I probably should’ve pitched it that way from the start.

Tucker strides over, his expression easy-going. But I can tell by the look in his eyes, it’s all an act. Everything he’s doing right now is calculated. Designed to be unintimidating to put everyone else at ease. I’ve seen it a million times. Usually right before he starts some shit.

“How’s everything going?” Tucker drops a heavy hand on Doug’s shoulder, using the grip to angle him away from where Maren and I stand. “Did I hear you say you live down the street?”

I immediately take the opportunity my brother has provided, moving Maren away and leading her into Zara’s bedroom, where my mom and dad are sifting through the mess.

“They better catch whoever came here before I do.” My mother collects a pile of Barbies that were dumped out of a bin, carefully stacking them back inside. “What sort of monster does this to a little girl’s room?”

Maren stiffens beside me.