“We won’t lie to her. When she gets old enough, we’ll explain the situation, but until then she just needs stability. She needs two parents.”
“Mila’s mommy,” she says, wrapping her arms around my neck from behind me. Peanut huffs, falling to the floor at my feet.
“Looks like everyone is on board for this adventure but you,” Rage notes contentedly.
“We’ll discuss this later,” I tell him, hoping the glare I’m sending his way delivers my message loud and clear.
“We better get back out there,” he says, the expression on his face unchanging. It’s always the same scowl no matter what the circumstance.
Once back outside, Mila settles on my lap and Rage makes me a hot dog while his sister happily munches on the one Carson handed to her.
The fire crackles quietly as he asks Carson and Cole to come back later this evening so we can run over to the Cage. I think he’s been through a lot with his sister, and it’s probably a good idea for him to get out and let off a little steam. I don’t know what happens when he hits his boiling point, but it can’t be good.
I’m not sure what to think about going to his mother’s trailer afterward, though. It’s going to break his heart when he sees the conditions Mila was living in.
Peanut lays by my feet, and I have to say it would be easy to forget about what’s coming for me, but I’ve made that mistake before. Even if it wasn’t the Scorpions, it would be something else. Mila’s had enough to deal with. She doesn’t need my family’s karma on top of her own.
The day fades as the four of us sit quietly, each lost in thought. The stars slowly begin to show themselves and the fire pops.Mila stares into the flames as she rubs a piece of her hair between her finger and thumb. I wonder what she’s thinking.
Shadows play across Rage’s face as he sits across the fire from us, silently brooding. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s jealous Mila has chosen me as her person, or if it’s because I won’t agree with his elaborate fantasy to live here with them.
I’m not staying.
I’m not.
Chapter Fourteen
Rage
Before I pick up Mila from Serenity’s lap, I sear the image of the two of them into my brain … and then I take a picture for good measure.
Her brows pull together, and she narrows her eyes at me. It’s literally the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
Serenity isn’t like anyone I’ve ever met. Since her arrival, she’s rolled with every single punch that’s been thrown her way. She’s the type of woman I need by my side. She’s resilient, and that’s the kind of stuff she’s going to pass on to my little sister.
Don’t think I’ve forgotten her problems. I’m very aware of them. It isn’t anything I can’t handle.
I’m committed to Mila, and I’ll be just as committed to her.
“I can carry her to bed,” she offers.
“I know you can, but it’s the only time I get to hold her.”
Her face instantly softens, and I’ll admit I like being the reason for it.
I hear her feet pad down the hall behind me. She quickly darts around us to turn the bedding down. “Should we change her into some pajamas?” she asks.
“I think she’ll be okay in this. I don’t want to risk waking her.”
She nods. When I don’t lay Mila down right away, she quietly leaves the room, giving me a minute alone with her.
“Oh, mi hermanita, we’ve got a long road ahead of us, but I promise it will be worth it. I’m going to do all I can to give you the best of everything,” I whisper against her brow.
When I finally lay her down, I notice the photo sitting on a little stand beside her bed. It’s the same picture I carry on my bike.
My finger runs over the frame, and something strange happens in my chest. I run my hand over it, urging my heart not to make more of this than what it is. The fact she saved Mila’s life put her on a pretty high pedestal in my eyes, but this small gesture feels more personal.
Maybe I should have watched more of the security film. She had to have been by my bike to have gotten this photo. I make a mental note to look as soon as I get a chance.