Page 117 of The KING Review
I huff a laugh, but it’s more of a cough. “Feels accurate.”
Fia paces. “I’m going to be very clear about this, Grant. You are not going down for something this stupid. If Talan wants a fight, I’ll give them one. If not, I’ll start my own damn university and hire you as department chair. I have enough money and enough rage to make that happen. You know I do.”
I blink.
The thing about Fia Hart is that she never bluffs. If she says she’ll burn it all down for you, she means it.
I lean against the counter, heart doing weird things in my chest. It’s been a long time since something has blown up so badly in my life that I’ve needed friends in my corner, and Fia is new. Knowing she has my back just as much as Cade, if not more, is heartening. “Thank you, Fia. Really.”
She waves me off, stalking a tight circle like a panther in heels. “Don’t thank me yet. I haven’t even started. I just want you to know you’re not alone in this.” She folds her arms, face softening by exactly one degree. “My sister is in love with you, by the way. I assume you know that.”
I freeze. I mean, I knew, but I didn’t know she’d say it out loud. Maybe she hasn’t, but even the fact that Fia has picked up on it in non-verbal clues sends my heart rate skyrocketing.
I nod. “Yeah. I know. I’m in love with her, too.”
Fia’s mouth twitches. “Have you told her?”
“No—I—not yet,” I say, voice low. “I thought I’d wait until this all blew over, but…” I gesture vaguely. “It might not.”
“That’s right. It might not. So, you should tell her anyway.” There’s a slam-dunk finality to her voice.
I try to hold the line. “I can’t just… leave.” I gesture to the door, then the hall. “Sera’s asleep.”
Fia gives me a look. “I’ll stay.”
I bark a laugh, but there’s no real humor in it. “You’re going to babysit my daughter?”
She folds her arms, unimpressed. “For something this important? Yes, absolutely.”
“What if she wakes up?” I shake my head, forcing the words out. “What if Marie shows up and tries to pull something?”
The look Fia levels me with could cut diamonds. “I’ll handle it. I’m not afraid of Marie. I’m not afraid of anything in this universe except maybe running out of coffee.” She shrugs. “I won’t let you torpedo your own happiness.”
I don’t even know what to say to that, so I just stare at her, slack jawed.
“Text Neve,” she says. “Tell her you’re coming over. Tell her you have something important to say. I’ll message Cade and have him come here… Just in case Sera wakes up, and I need backup. Cade is… better than me with children.”
I snort a laugh. “I’ve seen you with Ivy. You’re great with kids.”
Fia just tilts her head, watching me.
I swallow, all the words stuck like pins in my throat. I want to argue. I want to say it’s reckless—which it absolutely is. I want to say I should be the one here if anything goes sideways, but the truth is, she’s making me feel brave, and I want to take advantage of the feeling while it’s still thrumming in my veins.
Fia senses my trepidation. “You don’t have to be gone long, but you should go and tell her.”
I fumble for my phone and open the thread with Neve, hands shaking. The last time I felt like this, I was proposing to my ex-wife. That didn’t end well, but I’m not superstitious. I’m just… tired of letting fear win.
Me:
Hey, angel, are you still awake?
Chapter Thirty-Six
Heat and Rainwater
Neve
Professor Daddy:
