Page 82 of Ravaged By a Devil

"Shut it," he grunts, his dark eyes flashing with faint amusement. "There's no changing my mind on this one."

I press my lips together, quickly turning my head to stare out the passenger window so he won't see the stubborn, helpless smile spreading across my face.

Grandma Milly was absolutely over the moon when we told her about the dinner. But watching her try on the dress Cain picked out for her was something else entirely. The second the zipper went up, she turned around, threw her arms around Cain's neck, and gave him the tightest hug her tiny frame could manage.

I swear to God I saw a faint dust of dark red rise on his high cheekbones, but I kept my mouth shut—if I brought it up, he'd just scowl and deny it to his grave.

Now, at six p.m. the next day, the leather seats of the car feel cooler against my back as we glide down the long, private winding drive toward the main Kavanagh estate, Grandma Milly sitting comfortably in the back.

A knot of pure nerves tightens in my stomach the closer we get. It's one thing to deal with Cain, but the Kavanaghs as a whole are a powerful, dangerous criminal family. I hadn't given Grandma the bloody details, of course, but I did warn her that they could be a little rough around the edges just so she wouldn't be caught off guard.

Still, I have no idea what to expect behind those massive double doors.

Cain kills the engine in front of the grand entrance. He steps out, opens the back door with surprisingly practiced grace, and offers his arm to my grandmother. She smiles up at him, tucking her small hand into the crook of his elbow like they're old friends, while I walk up on his other side, taking a steadying breath.

Cain reaches out with his free hand and rings the doorbell, his broad shoulders squared against the quiet evening air.

The massive door swings open, revealing two striking, elegant women standing in the warm light of the foyer.

I recognize Jade instantly—her sharp, dazzling beauty and effortless grace hard to forget. A genuine smile lights up her face the moment she spots me, and she steps forward without hesitation, pulling me into a warm embrace.

"I'm so happy to see you, Alexis! You look absolutely beautiful."

She pulls back, her bright eyes dropping to Milly. "And is this Grandma Milly? Cain told us you'd be coming!"

Jade steps right up to my grandmother, sweeping her into a gentle, welcoming hug. Milly beamingly takes in Jade's outfit, exclaiming, "Oh, sweetheart, that dress on you is just divine!"

Jade grins, doing a playful little twirl right there in the entryway, causing all of us to laugh as the initial tension instantly evaporates.

Jade turns, gesturing to the woman beside her. "Alexis, this is Riley—Ezekiel's wife."

I quickly take in Riley's appearance. She’s more petite than Jade, with long, dark blonde hair, soft features, and sparkling hazel eyes that radiate warmth. She steps forward and envelopes me in a tight hug.

"I have been waiting to meet you for so long," she says warmly.

Behind us, Cain lets out a sharp, exaggerated clear of his throat. Riley shoots him a mischievous side-eye, breaking into a chorus of giggles with Jade that makes Cain scowl even harder.

Turning her attention to Milly, Riley gives my grandmother a soft hug of her own. "You look stunning, Milly! I love what you did with your hair."

Milly preens happily, practically floating with all the sudden praise.

Before Cain or I can even step all the way through the threshold, Jade and Riley each take one of Grandma Milly’s arms, gently steering her inside. "Come on in," Jade says brightly, escorting her down the grand hallway. "We'll introduce you to the rest of the guys."

The guys are scattered across the spacious living room, but to my absolute surprise, every single one of them rises to their feet the second Grandma Milly walks into the space. The rowdy energy instantly shifts into deep respect.

Riley goes around the room introducing them one by one, and each of the intimidating Kavanagh brothers greets her with effortless warmth and politeness, taking her hand to press a gentle kiss to her knuckles.

Milly is instantly in her absolute element. Any fear or hesitation vanishes completely as she settles into the room, laughing, teasing them, and chatting with the men as if she’s known them her whole life.

Watching how naturally they embrace her brings a huge wave of relief to my chest. My shoulders finally drop, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

Seeing Milly so safe and thoroughly entertained, I don't hesitate for a second when Jade and Riley snag my hands, pulling me away from the living room to leave her holding court with the men.

The rest of the evening is absolute perfection. I can’t remember the last time I'd felt so genuinely happy, so light, and so unburdened by fear.

Jade and Riley lead me down the hall into the open kitchen, pouring glasses of wine while we talked like old friends. I was amazed by how down-to-earth and welcoming they both are.

They serenade me with wild, hilarious stories about how they met their husbands, detailing the absolute chaos and intensity of falling in love with a Kavanagh man. I find myself laughing so hard my stomach aches and tears prickle the corners of my eyes.