Sera fidgeted in the passenger seat of the Charger as Dylan pulled up to Taj's house. Her friend had bought the cute little craftsman in North Park last year with some help from her parents. "So you'll be out here watching me the whole time?" Dylan didn't look at her.

"Someone will. Your mother called in an additional security team, they have you. I'm going to do some work to get the Cochrans off your ass. When you're ready to go, just text me and I'll be here in ten minutes. Okay?"

She nodded, not really sure of what else to say, so she just blurted out the thing that had been on her mind since last night. "So that's it, we're not going to talk about the kiss?"

That earned her a smirk, but he still didn't look at her. "I thought you said you didn't want to talk about it."

That was before. "Well I've changed my mind. And that was different. Tonight was…" Her voice trailed off.

Sliding his gaze over her, he studied her intently for a moment. "Something we should talk about when we have time. That and the fact that I know you sometimes touch yourself and call out my name?"

Holy shit. He'd heard her. "Oh my God."

His chuckle was low. "More like ‘Dylan, oh my God.’"

She covered her face with one hand and smacked him with the other. "You weren't supposed to hear me. I can't believe you listened."

Laughing, he added. "Hey, those walls are thin. It's not my fault." He inclined his head toward Taj, who was at the door with her hands on her hips. "I think Taj is about to come and physically remove you from the car if you don't go."

"We're so not done."

"Yeah, I hear you."

She automatically leaned over and kissed him on the lips. The low groan he emitted made her insides go warm and wet. He kissed her back, fisting his hands into her hair, then just as abruptly as he'd kissed her, he pulled back. "Dangerous game you're playing, Sera."

She slipped out of the car just as Taj descended the stairs of her porch. "Hey, Taj."

"My God, you'd think you were never going to see the man again. Honestly, I was sort of hoping you two would start having sex so I could live vicariously, but you disappointed me."

"Taj!"

"Kidding." She shrugged. "Mostly. Glad Mr. Sex on a Stick could let you go for the night. The way you've been working the last few weeks, I've barely seen you and I'm your office mate."

She hugged her bestie and followed her into the house. "I know, but the campaign is really coming together."

"You can tell me all about it once you catch up on the wine. Ava might have finished all the red already."

"Wait, Ava's here and you're not already at her throat?" Sera blinked in surprise.

"I'm showing restraint. Besides, she seems upset about something, so I didn't think it was fair for me to poke at her. Especially not if she's already totally toasted."

Guilt pricked at Sera. She'd been so absorbed in the campaign, she hadn't really checked in with either of her girls in the last week or so. And given everything going on, she could use some friend time.

Taj hadn't been kidding about Ava finishing the bottle of red. Her friend looked haggard slumped back on the couch, jeans-clad legs splayed open and hair mussed. Ava never looked out of place or disheveled. She prided herself on always being put-together. "Jesus, Ava, honey, what is going on with you?"

Ava dragged her head up. "Nothing. I'm fine. Don't I look fine?"

Sera and Taj exchanged glances. Taj, ever helpful, said, "Look, I don't even like you and I'm worried. You need a minute to talk to Sera or something. Because, well, with me not liking you and all, she's your best bet for someone to sound off with."

"Taj." Sera smacked her arm. "Ava, honey I'm here, if you want to talk."

Ava glared at them. "No, don't want to talk. I'm fine."

Taj shrugged. "Fine by me. I want details on Mr. Sex on a Stick anyway."

"Taj! Ava, is it work…" Her voice trailed off.

"I said no. Besides, you clearly want to talk about something."

She frowned for a moment. Is that how it came across? Taj rolled her eyes. "Don't mind her. I want to know what's going on. If you're going to be bitchy, the door is that way. I want my good, living-vicariously news."

Sera sighed. Maybe she'd grab brunch with Ava this weekend just the two of them and figure out what the hell was happening. "Uh, actually, I do need to talk to you guys about something."

"Figures." Ava poured herself a glass of white wine.

"What's up homie?" Taj asked.

Shit, where did she start? She took a huge sip of wine and sat back. The truth couldn't hurt. "So, Dylan, he's not really my boyfriend. My mother sent him. He's my personal Kevin Costner."

Ava sat up. "I knew it. I knew it. There was no way in hell that shit was real. There was obviously some angle."

Ouch.

Taj shook her head. "Ignore Oscar the Grouch over there. What do you mean your mother sent him? And can she send me one just like him?"

She swallowed hard. "It's a little complicated."

"Isn't it always with you," Ava snorted.

"Ava?" Sera frowned. "What the hell is with you?"

Her friend flopped back on the couch and put up her hands. "I'm sorry. I'm just feeling extra bitchy right now. Continue with your tale of woe."

"I—" She looked at Taj.

"Go on," Taj prompted.

"My mother is running for president. Some people aren't thrilled about it and threatened to hurt me if she ran. So…she sent me Dylan. His cover is as my boyfriend." She licked her lips. "But lately, it's started to seem real."

"I've seen you two together. I mean, there was no denying the sparks at lunch that day."

Sera sat forward. "That's the confusing thing. The past few nights, we've been talking. Like really talking. About all the shit in my past with my brother and he held me. It was easy. Like we fit, ya know. I don't know. It was easy to talk to him, and then he kissed me." Running her hands over her hair, she groaned. "Does this shit ever get easier?"

"Hell yes, that's what I've been waiting for. Where is popcorn when I need it?"

Even Ava looked mildly interested now.

"Honey, you know how to do this." Taj scooted forward. "He's a guy, he wants you, this should be easy."

"Yeah, for you, Taj. And Ava. Before Aaron, shit was so fucked up I didn't really have high school boyfriends. And then I met Aaron sophomore year. He's the only guy I've ever slept with. I have zero idea what I'm doing."

"That's why I'm here." Taj grinned.

"Follow her around and you'll get an STD," Ava mumbled.

Sera glared at her friend. "Seriously, Ava, what the fuck crawled up your ass and died? I know it can't be PMS because we're on the same damn schedule, so what is it? You've been snippy to me and frankly I'm sick of you and Taj fighting."

Ava's face crumbled. "I-I'm sorry. We always trash talk. I was just—" She shook her head. "I'm sorry.” She fixed her gaze on Taj. “Sorry. Honestly. I, uh, maybe I need to sleep this off. Can I crash in your guestroom till I sober up?"

Taj frowned and studied her. "Yeah, sure, let me get you the extra blankets."

Sera took Ava's hand as she walked by and squeezed. There were tears in Ava's eyes. "Sera, I'm so sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me. Really I don't. I swear, I'll be a better friend tomorrow."

"It's fine. Just get some rest. How about we have brunch on Sunday and we can talk this all out. Figure out what's happening with you?"

Tears spilled down her cheeks and she nodded. "I'm sorry. I'm going to lie down. I'll be fine in a little bit."

Sera watched Ava shuffle down the hallway. Something was up with her. They'd been friends for a long time and she'd never seen her act like that. Ten minutes later when Ava was in bed, Taj planted herself on the couch. "Well, that was fun."

"Do you have a clue what's going on?" Sera asked softly. "I know I've been a little self-absorbed lately."

"Nope. You haven't been. For once we're talking about you. I find ways to be the center of attention. And you, as fun as you can be, you'd rather be following my lead than leading the charge over the cliff. I know it's not second nature for you to be all wild. You make yourself do things that scare you to challenge yourself."

"How did you—"

Taj arched a perfectly sculpted brow. "Babes, I'm your friend, I pay attention. Remember how we had to hear all about Ava's Mike dude for a full two months? You personally didn't want to know about her computer tech's cock size. But you listened like a good friend. Shit, I don't even like the girl and I listened. It's your turn and she's acting a fool. Not cool."

"Well something is obviously wrong with her, so I need to figure it out."

"Maybe you don't."

"Taj, she needs me. I wouldn't abandon you if you needed me."

"No, but then I'm there for you when you need me too. We don't have a one-sided friendship. With Ava, I feel like she likes it better when you're not the center of attention." Taj's gaze slid away. "Not to be shady…but I guess the sun just shifted behind a cloud.”

"What's the matter? You're not saying something. What?"

"I just think she's jealous of you."

"No."

Taj pursed her lips. "Ever notice how she always has something negative to say about something you want to do? All I'm saying is watch your back."

Sera's gaze darted to the bedroom. Maybe she and Ava were long overdue for some one-on-one time. Ava had been her friend for years. There was no way Taj was right. One way or another, she'd get to the bottom of things.

* * *

This was the wrong time for a family visit. He and Sera didn't have anything settled, he still hadn't been able to locate the Cochran look-alike, he still had open cases to deal with, and he had the senator riding his ass.

But he saw his sister so little, there was no way he could tell her no. For his baby sister, he could make some time.

That night, at seven, when she pulled into the driveway, he was as giddy as a kid on Christmas. Okay…as giddy as he could get. It was unusual that he could spend this much time with her. With her schedule, once every six months was more likely.

"Jezebel Donovan, you look like a fashion model."

She climbed out of the squeaky-clean Prius rental, all long legs and a smile. "That's because I am a fashion model." She glanced down at her ripped jeans and t-shirt and smirked. "Clearly I look the part with my flip-flops."

Dylan enveloped her in a huge hug and held on tight. More than any of his sisters, Jezzie had always seemed like the one who needed taking care of. Maybe that's why they'd been so close growing up. Back then, he could never have imagined she'd be jetting off to one location or another all by herself. But next to Holden, she was probably the best traveled. And that was saying something, considering all the places Holden had been. His younger brother couldn’t sit still. He’d use any opportunity to get on a plane.

"Twice in a month, Jez, you're spoiling me."

When he finally let her go, she grinned up at him. "Hey D2," she said with a smile. Then she studied him in that quiet way of hers. It was unnerving as hell. Is that how people felt when they were around him? "You look different, Dylan. More relaxed somehow. But also on edge." She shook her head and held up a hand. "I know that doesn't make any sense. But there's something different than when I saw you a few weeks ago."

Maybe that's because Serafina Justice had him so wound up he thought he might explode. But he wasn't telling Jezzie that. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Come on in. You can meet Sera."

"Ahh, the infamous Sera. How's it going?"

Dylan hung his head. "Jezzie, I'm begging you to not give me any shit right now."

His sister batted those beautiful, long-lashed eyes up at him. "It's like you don't know me at all."

When they walked in, Sera was in the kitchen pouring them all glasses of wine. "Hi." She beamed. "You must be Jezzie."

"I must be. And you're the one keeping my brother on his toes. I have to commend you for the slip you gave him the other day. My sisters and I have had more than one Dylan tail. You're the first person that I know who's managed it."

Sera grinned at his sister. "Well I wish I could take credit for actually shaking him, but he knew exactly where I was from the beginning."

Jezzie shook her head. "So frustrating, right?"

"Tell me about it." Sera handed a wine glass to his sister. "Come on, while Dylan figures out dinner, you can tell me all about growing up Donovan."

Dylan had a feeling he was going to regret introducing the two of them.

* * *

Sera was a little in love with Dylan's sister. Jezzie was just so cool and laid-back. But also smart, with the dry wit. Not to mention absolutely stunning. She looked like a damn Amazon with her long legs, curves, and quiet strength.

It was entirely possible she had a girl crush. "Please, I need more dirt on Dylan. There has to be some embarrassing story from growing up that I can use as leverage."

"Oh, there are so many. The challenge will be picking just one or two to tell you."

From the kitchen, Dylan called, "Jezzie, please stop giving away all my dirt. What happened to sibling code?"

She called back, "That only applies to Mom and Dad. When it comes to women, girl code wins out."

He mumbled something that they were too busy giggling to hear. "Seriously though, what was he like growing up? Was he always so…serious?"

Jezzie sputtered and nearly choked on her wine. "I thought we were the only ones who thought that. I think Holden and I called him Mr. Roboto for a year."

"I call him Robocop."

"Works the same." Jezzie snorted. "Dylan's the responsible one. He and Delilah were the second parents in that house and with so many of us, they really had to keep everything together. They're both well suited to it, but Dylan really took on the mantle of caretaker. Of superhero. More than once he handled some idiotic neighborhood kid for making fun of my weight."

"Sometimes kids are the devil incarnate."

"Tell me about it. Dylan didn't get into fights. But he used his formidable powers of persuasion." She laughed. "I might not have survived early adolescence without him."

"I'm sure you would have managed. You're clearly stunning."

Jezzie blushed. "Thank you, but back then, I didn't know what do to with the hair, and makeup, forget about it. Not to mention I was a head above all the boys and well, overweight. It wasn't a pretty picture. And then, of course, I was adopted, so that added an extra layer of fun."

Sera swallowed hard, unsure how to handle the well of emotion. Dylan had protected his sister. It was what brothers did, but still, she couldn't help but have a soft spot knowing how much he cared about his family. "Well, you're beautiful now, so they can eat their hearts out."

Jezzie smiled and tucked her head. "Yeah well thank you, but I try not to think about it. At the end of the day, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So I try to focus on how I feel about myself, not other people's perceptions." Jezzie shook her head. "Honestly, I'm really boring, why don't you tell me about yourself? I'm dying to get to know the woman that has my brother in knots."

Sera flushed and ducked her head. "Uh, I—uh. I don't. Not sure what…" Her voice trailed. Oh yeah, real smooth. Way to not look guilty at all.

Jezzie laughed. "You two realize you can see it all over the both of you right?"

Sera blinked several times. "I—seriously?"

"Yeah," Jezzie leaned over to whisper conspiratorially. "You're better at masking it, but it's written all over Dylan."

If that didn't give her a warm and fuzzy, then she didn't know what would. It's not like you can keep him. "It's not what you think. He's just protecting me and it's a little complicated."

"Believe me, I know that kind of complicated. Been there done that. I can see it, though. Whatever it is, I'm sure you guys will work it out."

Sera scrunched her nose. "I'm not sure about that."

"I am. I know these things. Dylan tells me you're a brand manager?"

Finally, a subject she could breathe easy about. "Yeah, up until recently I was with lifestyle brands, cosmetics and stuff. But now I'm heading up a campaign with a not-for-profit."

"That's a big leap."

"But it's so worth it. I love my makeup brands, but this way I get to sort of combine it with helping people." As Sera talked about the campaign Jezzie added some things that she might want to think about. The ideas were solid enough for her to ask, "I know that you're pretty busy, but would you like to participate? I can keep your involvement small so it wouldn't be too much of a time commitment."

"I'd love to, actually. I'm supposed to be in L.A. for few weeks, so that might work out really well. And if you're still looking for some women, I'll ask Derek's fiancée, Kisima, too."

"Are you kidding? That would be incredible. I don't even know what to say."

"Don't say anything. Just keep my brother on his toes."

"That's easy to agree to. I feel like I was born to make him crazy."