It had been three days.

Three damn days since Damien shot up the house and Pop told Shelby that he was her father, something I’d found out about thirty minutes before everything blew up. In those three days, my girl had become a shell of herself. She didn’t speak much, wouldn’t eat more than a bite or two, and she didn’t leave the house. We’d been staying with Grandmama while repairs were done on our home and the furthest she’d ventured was the front porch.

It was killing me.

“Hey,” Grandmama said, pointing at the pink bakery box I held in my hand. “Whatcha got in there?”

A swallowed around the lump in my throat. “Red Velvet Cupcakes.”

She smiled and nodded out the window to where Shelby was sitting on the back-porch steps next to Lucca. “Well, are you going to take them to her? Or are you going to stand here and stare all day?”

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly.

Grandmama sighed. “Girl has been through hell.” She shook her head. “I don’t have the slightest clue how she’s still the tiniest bit sane.” Tossing a dishtowel over her shoulder, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Most people would’ve thrown in the towel a long time ago,” she paused and took a breath, “but not Shelby. She’s too hardheaded to give up.”

“Three days ago I would have agreed with you. But now?” I clicked my tongue against the roof of my mouth and shrugged one shoulder. “Now, I’m not so sure.”

Before I could blink, Grandmama slapped me upside the back of my head. “Anthony Moretti!” She huffed. “I will not have you speaking about her that way.”

“I—”

She smacked me again, cutting off my words.

Crazy old woman.

“She’s hurt, dumbass!” Her eyes shot fire in my direction. “That girl has lived a life harder than most will ever experience, she’s survived the clutches of a sadistic monster, and she’s never known what love is!” I opened my mouth to speak, but I was smacked yet again. “In the last three days she’s been shot at, claimed by a wishy-washy father, and learned she has a brother—one who I might add, has lived a life almost as hard as the one she’s been forced to endure.” She thinned her lips. “And now she’s just waiting for you to turn out like all the rest of the degenerate shitheads that should’ve, but didn’t, love her.” Blowing out a breath, she crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her slipper covered foot against the ground. “Do you love, Shelby?”

My answer was quick. “Yes.”

“Are you going to marry her? Be a good father to Lucca?”

Again, my answer was immediate. “Yes and yes.”

She pointed out the kitchen window to where Shelby was sitting. “Then you better fix this!” Her eyes hardened, her cheek began to twitch. “Because the longer she’s like this, the harder it’s going to be to bring her back from whatever dark place she’s stuck in.”

My skin bristled. “How?”

Grandmama blew out a frustrated breath. “Do what no other man in her life has.” I silently waited for her to continue. “Fight for her, Anthony!” I opened my mouth to ask her exactly what I needed to do, but she continued, cutting me off. “Shelby responds best to anger. It’s how she’s wired. Much as I love that girl she isn’t gentle natured like Maddie. She’s got a hell of a temper, and she’s hardened from the mess that she’s been through.” Grandmama blew out a breath and placed a hand on the countertop before shifting her weight to the side. “You want Shelby back? Then back her into a corner. Make her fight. You do those things, and she’ll come out swinging.” Her eyes filled with expectation as she pushed her glasses up her nose. “It ain’t always pretty but it’s who she is, and it’s what she does.”

Confused, I blinked. “You want me to purposely piss her off?”

“No, I don’t. I want you to give her something to fight for.” Shaking her head, she continued. “Shelby isn’t a delicate princess that needs a knight in shining armor to ride in and save her. She doesn’t need you to fight her battles for her, Anthony,” She paused and took a breath. “She just needs you to hand her a weapon.”

Without saying another word, Grandmama grabbed the broom from beside the refrigerator and started sweeping the floor. Humming what sounded like a church hymn under her breath, she acted as if nothing had just happened.

She is certifiably insane.

Blowing out a breath, I walked out the back door.

Shelby looked over her shoulder when the wooden boards beneath my feet creaked, signaling my arrival. She didn’t smile, didn’t speak. “Hey, gorgeous,” I said, forcing a smile. “I missed the hell out of you today.”

Setting the bakery box down on the picnic table next to the door, I squatted down and extended my arms. “Lucca, buddy, come here.”

With a squeal, he jumped up and ran into my waiting arms. “Toe!”

I chuckled at his nickname for me. “Hey, little dude.” I kissed the top of his head and squeezed him against me. Lying his head on my shoulder, he fisted my shirt in his hands. “Have you been behaving for your mama today?”

His head popped up, and he nodded frantically. “U-ka be good, Toe!”

The kid made my heart melt. Before him, I’d never pictured myself having kids. But now I couldn’t imagine my life without him. I’d only known him a short time, but I already loved him with every bit of my fucked up heart.

Mama and Papa would have loved him and Shelby both.

The back door opened and Grandmama stuck her head out. “Lucca, baby, why don’t you come inside for a minute? You can help me bake your Mama some cookies.”

“Down, Toe. Down!” He kicked his legs excitedly, wanting me to put him down.

I stood him on the ground, and he took off like a rocket inside. The little shit didn’t even bother to say goodbye to Shelby or me. I couldn’t help but laugh at him.

Grandmama shot me a pleading look before bouncing her gaze to Shelby. She looked as worried as I felt. With one last fleeting glance my way, she shut the door.

I took a deep breath and walked over to the steps where Shelby was and sat down. Her warmth bled into my left arm, and her signature honeysuckle scent permeated my nose. I exhaled and ran a frustrated hand through my hair.

I wasn’t frustrated with her, just at the situation.

Here goes nothing…

“I need you to come back to me, Shelby.” I gritted my back teeth together. “I’m having a hard time without you, sweetheart.”

Moments of silence passed.

Then, “I didn’t leave you,” she whispered. “I’m right here.”

I took her hand in mine. “Yeah, but you’re withdrawn. I don’t like it.”

Fully expecting her to yank her hand free of mine, I held it tighter.

“That’s because I’m waiting.” Her voice was flat, monotone.

“Waiting for what?” My ire rose as I watched her chew on her bottom lip. “For Damien to come back? Shelby, I’ve told you that isn’t going to happen. I’ve got a patrol car sitting out front twenty-four hours a day, and I’m not leaving you alone. If I’m not with you, Evan will be. If he’s working, Hendrix will be here. If Hendrix can’t be here, Keith will. I am not going to let that son of a bitch get to you. I swear on—”

Digging her fingertips into her thighs, she turned to face me. Her dull eyes met mine, and she shook her head. “That’s not it, Tony. I know Damien won’t come back. Not right away, anyway. It’s not how he operates.” It was her turn to blow out a breath. “If he thinks he’ll have to confront someone else besides me, he’ll disappear. It’s why he didn’t come into the house after shooting out the doors.” She shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “He’s a pussy.” Shaking from head to toe, she raked her hands through her hair.

I was so confused. “Then what the hell are you waiting for?”

She tensed. “I’m waiting for you to walk away.”

She’s got to be shitting me.

“Shelby,” a humorless chuckle escaped my lips, “I’m not going anywhere.”

Her brows furrowed but she didn’t speak.

Is she really worried I’m going to leave?

“Why the hell would you think I was going to leave?” I waited for her attitude, for her sass to shine through, but neither did. “Give me your eyes”—I snapped my fingers in front of her face—“now.”

She turned her face back to me and shrugged for the second time in less than a minute. “You deserve better than me.”

Wrapping her arms around her belly, she curled in on herself. It put me on edge. I’d always known Shelby had a vulnerable streak in her but at that moment, she reminded me of a scared little girl who was waiting on the world to collapse around her.

Seeing her like that made my damn chest ache.

Someone tapped on the kitchen window behind us. I looked over my shoulder to see who it was. Grandmama had pulled the blinds up and was glaring at me. Holding both of her fists up, she mimicked a boxer throwing quick jabs.

Her message was clear: make her fight.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded and looked back over at Shelby. She wasn’t staring at me any longer. Instead, her gaze was fixed on the tree line beyond the yard.

She looked so damn lost.

Do it, Moretti. Back her into a corner. Make her come out swinging.

“Gotta admit, sweetheart, I didn’t think you’d go down this easy.” My stomach rolled as I began to goad her. “I thought you were tougher than this.” Her narrowed eyes swung to meet mine. It wasn’t enough though. I needed to piss her off, needed to make her react. “But fuck, I guess I was wrong.”

Come on, baby. Curse me, hit me, threaten to cut my balls off.

“Tell me, was it all a charade? Were you just pretending to be strong?” I hardened my face and forced my voice to remain steady. I needed her to think I was serious. “Does the girl that I fell in love with even exist? Or was she just some character that you portrayed for the hell of it?”

I was going to burn in hell for what I was doing and saying.

Each word I spoke cut me like a knife.

A minute or so ticked by before I spoke again. “Your silence is all the answer I need.” I stood up. “I’m going back inside to talk to Grandmama and Lucca. At least talking to them won’t be like talking to a fucking wall.”

I took two steps.

Get up, Shelby. Yell at me. Curse at me. Tackle me. Something!

It physically pained me to open my mouth and say what came next. I didn’t have any other choice though. If I didn’t force Shelby out of whatever shell she’d retreated into, I feared I’d lose her forever.

And that wasn’t an option.

Lucca and I needed her too damn much.

“How long do you think it’ll take Lucca to realize that his mother is weak?” Shelby sucked in a breath and froze. “How long do you think it’ll take him to realize that the woman who birthed him just rolled over and gave up when shit got hard?”

Drive your point home.

“How long do you think it’ll take that amazing little boy to realize that his mother chose her own damn fear and insecurities over him and me, the man who wanted to be his father more than he wanted his next breath?”

With that parting shot, I turned around and headed for the back door.

The moment my hand wrapped around the knob, a flower pot whizzed by my head before slamming against the door. It shattered on impact sending jagged pieces of hardened clay, and black potting soil tumbling to the ground.

It’d only missed my head by an inch.

“What the fuck!” I spun around, mouth gaping.

Shelby was standing now, facing me. Her gorgeous blue eyes blazed pure fire. It was the most emotion I’d seen her show in days. She looked like she was seconds away from charging toward me and throwing a punch—or two.

Throwing a flower pot at my head. That’s my girl.

Her entire body trembled as she took a step forward. “I am not weak,” she said through gritted teeth. Her voice was gravely. The hair on the back of my head instantly stood on end. “I am not rolling over and giving up.” Another step. “And I am not choosing my insecurities or fear over either of you.” Jaw clenching, she balled her hands into fists. “How dare you fricken say those things to me!”

Good girl. Get angry.

“And I am the same girl that you fell in love, dipshit! I’m just…” Her voice took on a softer tone, her fists unclenched. She was retreating, backing down.

Oh no, you don’t.

Hell-bent on pulling her out of whatever shit show she was currently wallowing in, I lifted my chin and narrowed my eyes. “You’re just what?”

“I’m just… just…” She sputtered, trying to think of something to say.

“Spit it out, Shelby!” I yelled as I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at her. “Tell me what you feel, what you think!” Dropping my arms, I moved in her direction, closing the gap between us. I wrapped my hand around her jaw and tilted her face back. I wouldn’t allow her to hide from me any longer. “Don’t bottle it up!”

Burying her hands in her hair, she closed her eyes. “I can’t think!”

“Bullshit!” I leaned closer to her. Only a few inches separated her face from mine. “Just fucking say it! Unless you’ve become such a fuckinged coward that you can’t even say what’s on your mind anymore.”

I fully expected her to slap me, but she didn’t.

Wrenching her face free from my hand, she took a step back. “I’m fucking terrified!” She screamed at the top of her lungs. “Does that make you happy to hear?”

It didn’t.

“Don’t give me that cop out! You know I’ll handle Damien. He isn’t going to hurt you again. I’ll kill that motherfucker before he—”

Taking two steps toward me, she slammed the heels of her hands down on my chest hard enough to make me grunt. “You stupid bastard!” She hit me again, this time harder. “Haven’t you listened to a word I’ve said? I’m not talking about him!” She sucked in a shaky breath. “I’m talking about you!”

I was confused. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“You!” Another hit. “Scare the crap out of me!”

Wrapping my hands around her wrists, I halted her assault. “Why are you scared of me?” I didn’t understand what the hell she was thinking. I’d let Grandmama cut off my nuts with a rusty can lid before I hurt her. “You have to know I’d never hurt you.”

She shook her head. “That’s not it.”

“Then what the fuck is it?”

Jerking her wrists free, she crossed her arms over her chest. She dropped her gaze to the ground and took a deep breath before once again looking up and meeting my eyes. “Can’t you see it?” At my bewildered expression, she continued, “I’m in love with you, jackass!” I suddenly forgot how to breathe. “And I’m afraid you’re about to walk away from me.” I opened my mouth to speak, but she pressed her finger to my lips, silencing me. “What Damien did to me was bad, Tony. He damaged me, he scarred me, but he didn’t break me. But you have the power to destroy me and that fricken terrifies me. If you left…” Her voice trailed off. “If you left it would probably kill me. And Lucca… I can’t even think about what it would do to him.”

She took a step forward and pressed her chest into my stomach.

My skin heated at the simple contact.

“With everything that’s happened, I’m just waiting for you to say you’ve had enough. I’m preparing for it, anticipating it. Even though you haven’t done it yet, I know it’s coming.” The fire in her eyes was replaced with sadness. “It may not be today, and it may not be tomorrow, but eventually you’re going to be just like everyone else who’s thrown me away like yesterday’s garbage.” I expected her to start crying, but she didn’t. She held herself steady, stayed strong. “The moment you realize I’m not worth all this shit, you’ll bolt. You’ll turn your back on me. You’ll leave me, leave us—“

Oh, fuck this!

Bending down, I wrapped my arm around her thighs and tossed her over my shoulder. She screamed and hit my lower back with her clenched fists. “What the hell are you doing!”

I smacked her ass with my free hand as I descended the porch steps.

Smack, smack, smack!

“You son of a bitch!” Shelby screamed. “I’m going to kill you!”

“No.” Smack! “You.” Smack! “Won’t!”

At the bottom of the steps, I veered right, picked up my pace and headed straight for a storage building near the fence. I prayed like hell that it was unlocked. Shelby continued to hit me, continued to scream threats in my ear the entire way, and all I could do was smile.

She’s backkkk.

The door to the shed was unlocked—thank Christ—so I pushed it open and carried Shelby inside. The shed was mostly empty except for a wooden table in the center of the room and a handful of dusty tools hanging from pegs on the wall.

I moved to the table and plopped Shelby’s ass on the edge of it.

“You, big bastard!” She screamed before wrapping her fingers in the front of my shirt. “Who the hell do you think you are!” Tugging on the fabric, she jerked me toward her. “I should cut your dick off for manhandling me that way! No one—“

“Shut the hell up.” Her mouth snapped shut, and a look of disbelief followed by momentary anger crossed her face. “You aren’t going to do shit to my dick.” I buried my hands in her hair and tilted her head back. “You like it too damn much.”

Her eyes dropped to my rapidly hardening cock. She shrugged. “You’re right.” Reaching for my belt, she undid the buckle and slipped the leather free from my belt loops before I could blink. “And now I want it.” She looked up, and her eyes met mine. “Are you going to give it to me like I want or am I going to have to beg?”

I almost groaned at the image of her on her knees, begging to be filled by me.

But we couldn’t go there… not yet.

Grabbing Shelby’s wrists, I pulled her hands away from the button of my pants. “sunshine,” I said, resting my forehead against hers. “We need to talk.” My girl visibly swallowed. Needing to comfort her, I ran my fingers through her hair and then brushed my thumbs across the apples of her cheeks. Her eyes slid close, and she exhaled. “I need you to listen to what I’m about to tell you.” Dipping my face, I pressed a kiss to her jaw line. “Can you do that for me?”

Shelby sighed. “You keep kissing me like that, and I’ll do anything you want.”

I chuckled. “I lied to you.”

She tensed, no doubt plotting my death. “Lied to me about what?”

Reassure her. Comfort her. Make her trust you.

“I lied to you when I called you weak.” Her breath hitched. “I didn’t mean it.”

“Then why’d you say it, shithead?” she hollered.

Needing to have her taste on my skin, I pressed my lips to the sensitive area below the shell of her ear. She leaned into my touch, and I smiled against her flesh. “I was trying to make you angry.”

“Why in the—”

Separating my lips, I lightly sucked her throat. She gasped and clutched my shoulders with her hands. “Oh God,” she moaned. “Please do that again.”

“In a minute.” My tongue peeked out and trailed a line down the column of her throat. Reaching her shoulder, I pressed another soft kiss to her skin. Again, she moaned. “I made you angry so that you’d snap out of the fog you’ve been floating in the past three days.”

Shelby dropped her head back, exposing her neck. I knew what she wanted, and I gave it to her. Switching sides, I moved to the other side of her throat and continued to explore. “Well, congratulations,” she whispered, digging her fingertips into my scalp. “Because it sure as hell worked.”

Again, I smiled. “I figured that out when you threw a flower pot at my head.”

“Tony,” she cried, tugging my hair. “Please suck harder.”

“Baby, if I suck any harder you’re going to have a hickey. Maddie’s getting married in four days, I doubt—”

She froze. “Son of a biscuit!” Placing her hands on my chest, she shoved me backward. Not expecting the move, I stumbled and almost lost my footing. “Maddie! She’s getting married!” Jumping off the table, she ran her hands through her wild hair. “I’m a horrible friend! I’ve been sitting here worrying about my damn self, and I didn’t even stop to think about what it was probably doing to her. To Hendrix.”

Her head snapped up, and her eyes met mine. “Hendrix...” Her voice trailed off as she bit her bottom lip. “He’s my brother.” It sounded like she was trying to convince herself. Closing her eyes, she shook her head. “And Pop is my father.”

“Don’t overthink it, baby.” I knew she needed to process it but I didn’t want her to overthink the situation and slide back into the funk I’d just pulled her from. “We’ve got plenty of time. No reason to—”

“Screw that. I want to see my big brother. I’ve got twenty-four years worth of shit-stirring to do.” Suddenly, I felt extremely bad for Hendrix Cole. Christ only knows what Shelby had planned for the poor bastard. “Want to know something?”

I cautiously nodded. “The entire situation is messed up, but I’m used to it. I mean, look at my life thus far.” She smiled, and my chest warmed. “I’m glad he’s my brother. I had always felt connected to him, but I never knew why.” Her smile grew, and her eyes sparkled. “Guess I know why now, huh?” I opened my mouth to respond, but she kept yapping, cutting me off. “Do you believe in fate?”

My answer was quick, resolute. “Yes.” It was the truth.

Her eyes lost their luster for a moment, and I stepped forward, nearing panic.

I shouldn’t have worried though. My sunshine came right back to me. “I didn’t. Not until I found Maddie.” She swallowed. “And then you came along and well...”

My throat felt like it was swelling shut. “Baby, come here.”

A moment passed before her lips quirked up on one side. “Nah,” she said, taking a step back, “I think I’ll just leave you and”—she pointed at my cock—“Mr. Big Stuff to suffer. Alone.”

Without saying I word, I lunged for her.

She squealed, spun around and ran out the door.

I chased after her as she ran toward the house full bore. Laughing, she vaulted up the porch steps and flew through the back door of Grandmama’s house. I finally caught her in the kitchen.

The little shit wasn’t lying about being fast.

Wrapping my arms around her from behind, I yanked her back into my chest and buried my face in the side of her neck. “What did I tell you about running from me, sunshine?”

Still laughing, she replied, “that you’d chase me?”

“That’s right, gorgeous.” I kissed her neck for what felt like that hundredth time in the last ten minutes. “I always keep my word, Shelby. You better remember—“

“Anthony Moretti!” Grandmama yelled, stomping into the kitchen. “There is no necking allowed in my house!”

Necking? What was this? 1940?

“But I like necking,” Shelby faux whined before elbowing me in the gut. I grunted and squeezed her tighter. “Especially with my stud muffin.”

Grandmama’s face remained blank for a moment. Then, a huge smile spread across her face. “Glad to have you back, blondie.” She winked. “I missed your smart mouth.”

Shelby looked around the kitchen. “Where’s Lucca?” Her body tensed.

“He’s asleep,” Grandmama replied, looking at her like she was crazy. “Did you honestly think I’d let something happen to my grandson?” Her hands went to her hips. “I will blow somebody from here to kingdom come if they try to touch that little—”

Shelby’s stomach chose that moment to growl, interrupting Grandmama’s tirade. “When was the last time you ate a real meal? And I’m not talking about them damn cereal bars you’ve been snacking on either!”

Shelby shrugged. “Umm…”

Grandmama took a step back and held up her hands. “Don’t say another dang word.” Cupping her hands to the side of her mouth, she hollered, “Keith!”

Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and a shirtless Keith strutted into the kitchen a couple of seconds later. “What is it? I was gettin’ in the damn shower.” He pointed at his grass-covered legs. “I’ve been cutting grass. I’m covered in pollen, I’m sweating like a hog, and I stink.”

Shelby snorted.

Grandmama rolled her eyes. “Well, princess, when you get done getting all fixed up go outside and fire up the grill. We’re having a cookout.” She looked at Shelby. “Call everybody and get them over here. I want Maddie, Hendrix, Clara, the boys, Hope, and Evan.” She opened her mouth to say another name but thought better of it. Shelby, however, was a smart cookie. She knew what she was about to say.

“And Pop, right?”

A sad smile played at Grandmama’s lips. “That’s up to you, sweetheart. You come first. I won’t ever do something to make you uncomfortable. But just remember, you can’t avoid him forever.” She moved closer to Shelby and ran a finger down the side of her face. “Don’t let that blister fester, baby. Better to lance it now before it becomes infected.”

Shelby remained silent for a minute. Then, “Guess I better call everyone,” she paused, “including him and invite them over for supper.”

Grandmama winked at her. “That’s my girl.”

Running my hands through her hair, I whispered, “Proud of you, sunshine.”

She leaned back into me. “Yeah, well, if I kill him you’re helping me hide a body.” I laughed, but she only scowled in return. “I’m serious, Tony. It’s probably best to hide all the sharp knives and other weapons. Else I may get inspired.”

I couldn’t do anything but hold her tight and laugh.