Talia

“What are you doing here? You haven't lost the bet already, have you?” Cass laughs as she walks into our old apartment while I'm vacuuming dust bunnies left behind after I rolled up the area rugs.

I turn off the machine and glance around at the progress I've made. “No, I was just here to collect some old contract paperwork and the dust was getting to me.”

Cass gestures to the wet bucket and bathroom cleaning supplies. “The bathrooms were getting to you too?” Folding her arms, she taps her foot. “What gives, Talia? You only clean out of the blue when you're upset. Don’t tell me that your husband’s making you reconsider this remarriage?”

I lean on the vacuum and shake my head. I don't want to talk about the mistake I made with Banks. I can only hope my note in the pizza box warning him about a potential raid got to him in time. “Sebastian and I are good. It's just work related stuff.” Perking up, I smile. “Oh, but I did just sign a two-book contract today, so that's technically reason to celebrate.”

Cass narrows her gaze. “You're not distracting me with shiny new things. What's going on?”

Hopefully the Banks thing is resolved, but there is one thing she needs to know. Sighing, I tug her over to the couch. “My aunt won't be coming to the wedding, Cass.”

“Why not? she asks, completely confused.

I push my sweaty hair back from my face and blow out a breath. “I never told you about my past, but for you to understand why, you'll have to know the history.”

Cass's eyes widen several times while I relay the story about my life as a teen and about Hayes, Walt, and Amelia, and how I got forced into delivering drugs after Hayes violated me when I was a teen.

“That's why shutting down that drug ring in college was so important to you,” she whispers, tears glistening in her eyes as she reaches over and clasps my hands.

“Yes, the only reason I didn't push my aunt for us to leave that awful situation back then was because of Amelia. Since her mother abandoned her and Walt was knee-deep in making drugs, Aunt Vanessa and I were the only true family that little girl had. I needed to keep her safe so she wouldn't have to go through what I did when she grew older.”

Tears fall as I tell her how Amelia died, about the explosion my aunt set off that destroyed our apartment, and how that was the night I first met Sebastian. “My aunt also later hired that girl to break Nathan and me up because she didn’t believe we were right together.”

Cass shakes her head through my story, her glassy eyes full of sympathy. Her supportive silence gives me the boost I need to continue on. I leave out the part about Isabel hiring Hayes all those years ago to take out Sebastian. That’s Sebastian’s secret to reveal, not mine.

“I can't believe how yours and Sebastian's lives have crossed.”

I smile, thinking about the many times he saved me, then sigh. “That's a very long way of telling you why I won't be inviting my aunt. Sadly, my side of the church will be sparsely populated, but I just can't trust Aunt Vanessa. I’ve kept my distance, but she even approached me today trying to reconnect. When I didn’t respond, she then told me she wanted to hire BLACK Security because she thinks she’s being followed.” I exhale and shake my head. “Ugh, I told her I had to go. I just couldn’t deal, Cass. I haven't been able to get over how she risked my safety in the past and then later tried to control who I ended up with in my future.”

“I’m sorry, Talia.” Cass leans close and hugs me tight. “Your side of the church will be just as full. I'm your family. We might not share blood, but our bond is unbreakable. I love you and will always have your back. Thank you for trusting me enough to share about your past. So many things make sense now.”

Leaning back, she clasps my shoulders. “And for the record, though you probably don't want to hear this...I think your aunt does love you. She might have a twisted way of showing it, but the sun, moon and stars shine in her world because of you. I've seen it every time she says your name.”

I frown at her. “You're not making this decision easy.”

Cass shrugs. “I won't lie just to make you feel better, but I do understand your need to take a step back from Vanessa. Your wounds are too fresh right now, so if not having her attend lets you breathe easier, then I support your decision. This is your wedding day, not hers.”

When I offer a shaky smile, she releases me, her gaze narrowing slightly. “Okay, so tell me the part you’ve been holding back.”

I give her a puzzled look. “I just revealed all kinds of personal stuff.”

“Which I appreciate, but you’re not getting away with avoiding telling me what happened at work. You need a clean conscience for tonight, girl.”

Tucking my damp hair behind my ears, I blow out an unsteady breath. “I quit today.”

Cass’s eyes bug. “Why? What happened?”

I quickly tell her about the Banks fiasco and my effort to fix it, making sure to leave out his connection to Sebastian’s past. “Between having to go back on my word, and then being forced to find a way around it to keep a shred of my integrity, I’m just done. I have too much to lose now just to pursue a story.”

“That’s why you went straight to your editor and signed a two book contract,” Cass says with a smug look as she folds her arms. “What did Sebastian say?”

“He doesn’t know that I quit.” I squeeze her arm. “And you can’t tell him.”

“Do you plan to hide out here while you’re supposed to be at work, forever?”

I smirk at her smartass comment. “No, I want to go work for BLACK Security. I’m a damn good investigator and Sebastian knows it, but for some reason he’s being stubborn. Maybe he doesn’t want to see me everyday at home and at work. Maybe he thinks we’ll fight. I don’t know, but the last thing I want him to do is hire me like this.” I cross my arms and set my jaw. “I don’t want to be asked to join his team out of a sense of obligation.”

“Are you serious?” Cass snorts. “That man adores you, Talia.”

“That’s the problem. He’ll ignore his reservations and ask me to come to BLACK Security just to make me happy.”

Cass rolls her eyes. “Since when has Sebastian Quinn Blake ever done anything he didn’t want to do?”

I immediately think of Sebastian refusing to turn Isabel in to the police for her part in his mother’s murder. “When it comes to family, his stubborn streak bends, Cass. I’ve told you this in confidence. Swear to me that you won’t tell Calder. I don’t want it getting back to Sebastian.”

Cass draws an X across her chest. “I promise, but you can’t keep this from him for long. He’s too perceptive. He’ll know something is off.”

“I know. I just want a bit more time to figure things out.”

“You could always write full time?”

I shake my head. “If writing was all I did, I would miss the rush of investigating. Life experiences fuel my muse, and when you’re writing suspense and mystery…that’s an unusual ‘well’ that needs refilling.”

Tapping the tip of her nose, Cass nods. “I gotcha. While waiting for my New York book to release, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to merge my passion for photography and publishing. Jared wants more books, but he needs another mock up. After the wedding is over, I’m going to sit down and brainstorm ideas.”

“Cass! Why didn’t you tell me? I don’t want my wedding stuff to keep you from work.”

“Pshaw! I’m enjoying this. Ideas are percolating while I help you tie the knot the way you should’ve the first time. Maybe I’ll run my thoughts on projects by you when you get back from your honeymoon in Spain.” She exhales a nostalgic sigh. “You’re going to love every bit of it, Talia.”

“With the amazing itinerary you put together for places to stay and things to do, how can I not enjoy it?” Inspiration hits and I snap my fingers. “Oooh, Cass! What about travel books? One for each major city you’ve visited? You’re so organized with your checklists. You’ve been so many places, eaten at such fabulous restaurants…and your photos of the food and the breathtaking scenery…holy cow! I’m excited just thinking about it. Jared and William will both love it!”

“Do you think so?” Cass’s eyes light up. “I have so many wonderful memories and tons of amazing photos I’ve never used.”

I nod. “I think Midtown would flip for something like that. And I’ll be happy to help you proof them once they’re written. It’ll be my way of vicariously going on those trips with you.”

Cass laughs, her smile extra wide. “I’m so excited, but for now…wedding rehearsal. I'm grabbing the tote bag I came for so I can keep all my paperwork in order tonight, and you need to get back and change. As your wedding planner, it’s my duty to remind you that your limo will arrive to drive you to rehearsal in two hours.”

“After a quick shower here, I'll pick up Sebastian's gift and then head home to change.”

Cass's tote bag bumps against my hip as she hugs me before she leaves. “This is going to be an amazing wedding, Talia. Bringing friends and family together. I hope…well, I hope that I can convince Calder to invite Ben to our wedding. I want all our family there.”

“Do you think Ben would come?” I ask. “I mean…considering that he wanted to marry you too.”

Cass tucks her hair behind her ear. “Yeah, I think he would. Ben knows I love Calder…and honestly, I think he wants a relationship with his half-brother, but Calder has—”

“Trust issues? I know, but don’t worry, we’ll think of a way to get them talking.” Smiling, I tug her bag’s straps higher up on her shoulder. “Thank you for being the best wedding planner ever.”

After Cass leaves, I hop in the shower and dry off, then frown at my neck in the mirror. It looks so bare without my Two Lias necklace. I quickly dress, then walk into the living room to retrieve it from the coffee table. I’d taken it off while cleaning so I wouldn’t sweat all over it. It’s not on the table, where I’d left it, so I start looking all around for it. Frustrated, I unroll the carpets and even take the vacuum apart after checking its bag, but I still don’t find it. With an hour and fifteen minutes to run my errand and get dressed before rehearsal, I reluctantly give up my search and collect my paperwork and purse, before heading out.

Our penthouse apartment is quiet when I walk in. Sebastian immediately pokes his head out of our bedroom doorway, his hair still damp from the shower. “I was getting worried. I thought for sure you would've been here getting dressed well before me. Come help me decide on a suit.”

I follow him into the room and pull a box from the store bag on my arm. “Why don’t you let this help you decide?”

His handsome face lights up as he reaches for the box. “What is it?”

“A surprise you don't have to wait to see. Open it.”

When he lifts the dress shirt from the box, then quickly glances down at the space near the tail in surprise, I know he’s wondering how I got Teresa to already add the tag that tell him the shirt color and the numbering system as to which ties and suits it coordinates with. I grin as he reads the special label I had added to this shirt.

“Color: ? See Talia.”

His intrigued look makes me smile. “The material is wrinkle-free and is incredibly comfortable even starched, but the gift has another intent. At least once every couple of weeks, I want you to depend on me for something. Whenever you wear this shirt, I'll help you decide on a tie and suit to go with it.”

“You’re not going to tell me what color it is?”

When I shake my head, Sebastian runs his finger over the label, his gaze locked on the words. He's so quiet I'm not sure how he feels about it. “It was just a thought. If you'd rather I have Teresa add your usual color-coded label....”

He hooks his muscular arm around my shoulders and pulls me close, whispering against my temple. “I love it, Talia.” Lifting up the shirt, he continues, “Want to help me pick out the tie?”

After I find the perfect tie and suit to go with the shirt, I wait until he's buttoned his pants, then I slide off my ring and hold it out to him.

“What are you doing? Put it back on.”

I ignore his scowl of disapproval. “You'll do that tomorrow during the ceremony.”

He lifts my left hand, his frown deepening as he runs his thumb over my naked ring finger. “I don't like not seeing it on your hand.”

I take my ring, and as I tuck it into his pants’ pocket, I kiss his jaw. “I'll be sleeping in your bed tonight anyway, Mister Black.”

He cups the back of my neck, his hold tight. Sliding his thumb down the side of my throat with just enough pressure to make my body hum to life, he rumbles, “Don't think for one minute I'll make it easy for you to keep up this chaste ruse, Little Red. Not after watching you walk around all night without my ring on your finger. I don't give a damn that it's our rehearsal.”

I rest my hand on his bare chest but can't make myself move away. Instead, I lean into his hard body and soak up his warmth. “You know I'm yours.”

He trails his fingers down my back. Even through my clothes my skin prickles. Cupping my ass with a possessive hold, he pulls me against his erection and slides his mouth along my throat. “From those gorgeous red roots to the tips of your succulent toes, I'll spend every day reminding you why that's always going to be true.”

“Is that part of your vows?” I whisper, amazed that he can still make me breathless with just words.

“No hints, Miss Nosey.” Flashing a smile, he smacks my ass with a firm hand, making me tingle all the way to my toes. “Now go get dressed so we can get to the best part.”

“Where I say, 'I do'?”

“No, bed,” he says on a primal rumble.

His blue gaze sparking with determined, erotic intent makes the one dark brown spot in his left eye stand out. That beautiful mark sends my stomach into a tailspin and my nipples ache for the heat of his mouth. Chances of me withstanding Sebastian in unleashed seduction mode will be about as effective as an umbrella in a monsoon.

Shit.

My virtuous resolve is so completely screwed.

* * *

Once we arrive at the church in our separate limos, Sebastian says he needs to discuss a work issue with Calder, so Cass and I leave the men talking in the church’s entryway. The moment we walk into the church and she doesn’t immediately see the pastor, Cass looks at her watch and mutters, “He insisted on our prompt arrival. Where is he?”

When she taps her foot and stares at her watch once more, my gaze strays to the lady walking a young teen girl to the front of the church. “We’re here a bit early, Cass. Pastor Meyer is probably in his office.”

“Ah, you’re probably right. I’ll go find him and let him know that we arrived on time.”

“Who knew you were such a rule follower?” I tease.

Cass blows me a kiss before she heads back out of the church. Once the heavy doors close behind her, a hush descends on the otherwise empty space. I feel like I’m an intruder into this woman and young girl’s prayer time. I sit in the last pew as they enter the first. As they kneel on the padded bench, then bow their heads in prayer, the imagery of flickering candles and scent of lemon floor wax suddenly transports me back to that awful night our apartment exploded.

My feet hurt from walking for what seemed like hours. No shelters would take us for the night. They were all full. It had started to rain again just when my jeans had nearly dried, but at least Blackie’s jacket kept me warm. I was surprised that Aunt Vanessa didn’t ask me about the leather coat swallowing me up, but she was so distracted trying to find us a place to sleep—and probably still in shock over losing Walt, Amelia, and everything we owned—that she wasn’t paying much attention to details. I’m sure she was just so thankful I wasn’t in our gape-holed apartment full of fire and smoke.

The rain picked up and my aunt quickly tugged me into the closest open building. I thought we would just stand inside the church’s main door, our shoes dripping onto the newly polished wood floor as we waited the rain out. Instead, Aunt Vanessa grabbed my hand and led me straight down the main aisle in the empty church, directing me into the first pew.

My aunt wasn’t a religious woman. I could count on two hands the number of times I’d seen the inside of a church—usually either an Easter or Christmas service. But tonight she must’ve felt the need for spiritual guidance, so I kneeled with her, bent my head, and closed my eyes.

While my aunt mumbled prayers for our future, I didn’t wish for a roof over our heads, nor did I begrudge losing all our worldly possessions. In that safe, quiet place with smells of lemon and burning candles, I hoped Amelia heard my tears for her loss, said my thanks to the heavens for severing my connection to Hayes, and I wished that one day I’d see Blackie again so that I could thank him for saving me from myself. Would I even be in that church beside my aunt if he hadn’t come along?

The woman and girl lift their heads from prayer, drawing me back to the present. She wraps her arm around the girl’s shoulder and seems to be comforting her, much like my aunt tried to do back then.

Of course, knowing what I do now—that Aunt Vanessa intentionally blew up the apartment—gives me a whole other perspective on the truths of that night.

Once the ladies stand and leave, with nothing to focus on, I stare at the massive cross on the far sanctuary wall and think about the selfless forgiveness and second chance it represents. My thoughts segue to my father’s advice and the sudden ache in my chest is so strong, I have to take a couple of deep breaths.

We didn’t just lose everything that night…my aunt destroyed it all. She could’ve packed a bag, hidden some things away before she blew up our apartment, but she didn’t. She nuked everything to save me from having to face murder charges. Shooting Walt was an accident, but the rage in my heart that night for his part in Ameila’s death wasn’t. What would’ve happened if Aunt Vanessa hadn’t done what she did? As extreme as her actions were, she did what she felt was the best thing for me. I blink back tears of self-doubt as I continue to stare at the cross.

“What’s wrong, Talia?”

Sebastian slips into the pew beside me and wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. His warmth feels so good, I lean into him and swipe the wetness from my face.

“I don’t know if I’ve made the right decision not inviting my aunt to the wedding.”

“I thought you decided to invite her?”

I consider telling him about my aunt’s visit earlier today, but instead tell him how I’m feeling. “I’m torn. She raised me, Sebastian. But I don’t want our lives disrupted by some crazy new idea she might get. And I sure don’t want you dragged into it either.”

“I have no issues putting your aunt in her place whenever necessary, Talia. Worry for me should never enter your mind.”

His assurance lifts the heaviness from my chest. “I don’t know about the future, but it feels spiteful not to invite her. And that’s not who I am.”

He cups my jaw and lifts my chin so I fully meet his gaze. “Your forgiving nature is one of your most admirable qualities, Talia. I won’t deny that I will always question your aunt’s motives, but just because you extend an invitation to your wedding doesn’t mean that it has to apply going forward. Think of it as honoring the person who raised you.”

I fold my hand over his on my jaw and smile. “Will you promise to always say the right thing for the next oh…seventy or so years?”

“Every time you get frustrated with me…” The corner of his lip hikes in a smirk. “I’m going to remind you that you said that, Little Red.”

I exhale an amused snort that echoes loudly in the quiet church. Just as I snicker, someone clears her throat behind us. We turn to see the entire wedding party now gathered near the doors inside the church. Isabel is next to the pastor, her icy blue gaze focused on us as she sniffs her disapproval. “Please respect our church at all times, Talia.”

Before Sebastian can blast his stepmother, Adam steps close to his wife and hooks his arm in hers. “We’ll go find our seats and let this rehearsal get rolling so we can move on to the dinner you’ve planned, Isabel.”

Adam lets his wife walk ahead, and as Sebastian and I stand, he pauses and smiles at my silk dress. “You look stunning in royal blue, Talia.”

“Thank you,” I say, knowing it was Adam’s way of trying to apologize for his wife. My husband’s hand flexes against my back, his fingers tugging on the silk material before he moves them to the ends of my curled, unbound hair. I glance his way to see him staring at the strands. I’m in awe that he has managed to keep his colorblindness to himself for so long, but I’m also sad that the only color he can see clashes with my hair color. I would wear the most stunning dresses and heels in red every day.

Clasping Sebastian’s hand, I smile and tug him to the front of the church, our families falling into place behind us.

At the front, Pastor Meyer claps his hands. “Gavin and Damien. Please step forward.” Once Sebastian’s half-brothers comply, he points to places behind Sebastian. “The groomsmen will need to stand here. Be sure to leave a space for the best man.” He quickly waves to Calder. “Come take your place, Calder.”

Without being told, Cass moves into position as my maid of honor and Sebastian’s sister Mina steps into place behind her as my bridesmaid.

As Josi begins to fuss in her mother’s arms, Isabel stands from the pew with an annoyed huff and approaches her daughter. “I’m assuming you have a sitter lined up, Mina?” she comments as she takes her granddaughter from Mina.

“Josi will attend the wedding,” Sebastian cuts in, nodding his approval to his sister.

Adam instantly takes Josi from Isabel as she returns to her seat and bounces his granddaughter on his knee.

“Where’s the father of the bride?” Pastor Meyer calls out, glancing around.

“I’m here. Traffic was extra heavy today.” My father steps through the open door and quickly walks down the aisle toward us. “Three different men checked my ID outside. Now that’s some tight security.”

I look at Sebastian with a questioning gaze as Pastor Meyer says to Kenneth, “Please allow ample time for traffic tomorrow, Mr…?”

“It’s Kenneth McAdams, Pastor, and I’ll be sure to be here extra early.”

My husband’s unapologetic stare doesn’t surprise me, so I shift my gaze to my father who just shrugs off the hassle with a jovial grin and hooks his arm in a formal pose, encouraging me to step into place beside him.

“Ready for this, Tally-girl?”

Sebastian’s eyebrow hikes at the nickname, but otherwise my husband’s expression remains stoic as my father and I start down the aisle toward the back of the church. I smile and nod to acknowledge Den standing off to the left. He must’ve entered right after my father did.

“I don’t see your aunt here. Did you decide not to invite her?” my father asks in a low voice meant just for me.

“Actually I just decided before you arrived. I’m not sure how things will progress in the future, but she deserves to be here for this. I have her invitation in my purse. Would you do me a favor and deliver it to her?”

He smiles and pats my hand on his arm. The kindness in his green gaze makes my heart swell. Did my “forgiving” gene come from him? “I’ll be happy to, Talia.” Turning me around at the back of the church, he looks at me with pride. “Ready?”

I nod and exhale before we take the first step forward.

* * *

After three practice rounds, the pastor deems us ready for tomorrow. Cass’s parents are waiting in the church’s main entrance, along with Theo and two other men from BLACK Security.

Isabel walks briskly out of the church’s main doors with Den taking long strides to stay with her. She’s talking harshly into her phone. “That’s not what I requested. Fix it right now or I will make sure no one in my social circle uses your restaurant again.” A pause. “Unacceptable. You listen to me…”

As Isabel exits through the church’s propped open main doors, Den takes up a post on the threshold, his ever-watchful gaze shifting between Isabel and the Blake family inside the church. Cass moves to my side and mutters under her breath, “Looks like the Dragon Lady is raining fire down on the poor commoners. We’ll all either have the best meal ever, or go home with the worst case of revenge diarrhea because of her.”

“It’ll be fine, Cass,” I say, snickering at her comment. I nod to Calder, appreciating that he’s taking the time to introduce my father to Cass’s parents. My heart feels full when I see Adam call Galvin and Damian over to where he’s standing beside Sebastian. The moment the brothers join them, good-natured ribbing commences with Sebastian taking the brunt of it. He barks out a laugh and I smile, hoping I feel this happily content tomorrow.

Mina walks up with a tear-stained Josi holding an animal cracker. “I’m sorry Josi got fussy, Talia. Of course Mom reminded me that I must to be better prepared to calm her tomorrow during the ceremony. I promise I’ll have extra distractions on hand for my parents while I’m standing up there with you and Sebastian.”

I touch Josi’s rosy cheek and smile when she tries to share her cracker with me. “Don’t worry, Mina. Josi’s a delight and everyone understands little ones can get fussy.”

“But my mom—”

“Is anxious about the dinner.” I gesture to Isabel pacing outside. “Don’t let her get to you. I don’t.”

Cass follows my line of sight and stiffens next to me. “She wouldn’t dare.”

“What?” Mina and I say at the same time.

“Your mother is heading for Talia and Sebastian’s limo,” Cass says to Mina. “She’s the one who suggested that I put that red ribbon on the limo’s mirror to distinguish it from the others. How can she not see it?” She glances at me. “You and Sebastian must leave for the restaurant before the rest.”

“Mom wouldn’t do that,” Mina says as she bends to pick up the cracker piece Josi dropped on the floor.

“She’s just gotten in the car.” Cass huffs. “This is completely unacceptable. It’s the top of the line limo. I need to go deal with this.”

Cass heads for the open doorway, and as Calder walks over to meet her, a questioning look on his face, I see the limo move ahead a few feet, presumably to wait for traffic. Once the vehicle pulls into the line of cars, I call after Cass, “It’s fine. We’ll just take the other limo to the restaurant.”

A shockingly loud boom makes my heart jump and my ears hurt, but the sight of Den stumbling to the side and Cass falling back against Calder at the entrance spurs me into action, my heart pounding. I run over to see if she’s okay and exhale my relief when Den nods to let me know he’s fine.

Calder quickly turns Cass around and clasps her face in a tight hold. “Are you okay?“

She’s pale and shaken but she nods and wraps her arms around his waist, hugging him tight. “My ears are ringing.”

Den’s got his phone to his ear and my heart jerks when I hear him say, “There’s been an explosion.”

Where did it come from?

Giving the address to the police, Den holds his hand up to silently tell Adam and family to say back, and that’s when I see the raging fire and smoke billowing out of the back of the limo.

Oh God!

As Den hangs up, then runs out of the church to get closer to the flaming car, Mina quickly rushes to my side, confusion and alarm on her face. The moment she sees the fire raging in the limo, she screams and Josi begins to wail. I sense Mina tensing, poised to bolt into pursuit, and I immediately put my arm out, blocking her from running out of the church.

“Stop, Mina! The car might explode again. You can’t risk yourself or Josi by going anywhere near it,” I say in a shaky voice.

Mina gestures wildly, her eyes wide and tears rolling down her face. “Mom’s in the car! We have to help her!”

Sebastian, Adam, Gavin, and Damien just join us near the entrance of the church as Mina calls out about her mom. Horror and disbelief crosses their tense faces, and all the Blake men burst into action.

“Lock down the perimeter,” Sebastian calls to his BLACK Security men already standing in the street. Turning back toward us, he says, “Theo, on Talia!”

“Already here,” the big guy grunts his agreement from directly behind me. I want to look back and acknowledge Theo, but I’m too worried for the driver and Isabel.

The fire’s too hot for the men to get close to the back of the limo, but Sebastian calls, “The driver’s out cold. Get me something to break the window.” Calder quickly approaches with a crowbar Gavin gets from one of the limo drivers. After they knock out the window, Sebastian says to one of the BLACK Security men, “Throw me your knife; the seatbelt’s jammed!”

Hurry! My throat closes with worry that the fire consuming the back half of the limo could shift forward at any moment toward the men or cause another explosion.

The warm night air moves in greasy heat waves around them as Sebastian catches the pocketknife thrown his way and quickly cuts the seatbelt away. Sweat from the heat beads on their faces as Sebastian and Calder haul the guy out, then Damien and Gavin take over and carry the unconscious driver across the street to safety. I exhale my relief that they were successful, but my heart breaks for Adam. He slowly sinks down on the stairs, his hands jammed in his hair. All he can do is watch the fire burn, completely helpless to stop it.

As a car farther down the street pulls away, tires screeching, the sound draws Sebastian’s attention. Den throws his keys to my husband. “At least get the license plate. My BMW is the last car behind the limos. I’ve got it covered here.”

Fisting his hand around the keys, Sebastian locks gazes with his cousin. “With me, Cald.”

Once Calder leaves with Sebastian, Cass moves to my side and I realize that her parents and my father have joined us too. Hooking her arm around my waist, Cass’s voice is tense with worry. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

Too shocked to speak, I put my arm around Mina’s shoulders and tug her to my other side, folding Josi between us and into the protective circle of our family just as the faint whine of fire truck sirens sounds in the distance.

Mina’s blonde hair sways with the slow shake of her head. Anguish creasing her face, her lips tremble in a quiet whisper, “They’re too late, Talia. My mom is gone.”