Page 101 of Unleashed

“Bullshit.”

“You gotta stop saying that.” I rake a hand through my hair, frustrated with the conversation. “It’s not bullshit. Trust me. It’s the same problem I have every time I try to get into a relationship.”

“And Kara dying didn’t fuck me up for relationships?” Titus’s expression turns a little judgy. “If I can get past that, you can sure as hell get over thinking you have to make McKinley your top priority.”

“I do have to make McKinley my top priority.” Why doesn’t he get this? “Hundreds of people count on me making it my top priority.”

“I’m not trying to hurt your feelings here, but you aren’t the be-all end-all of our company’s success, dick.” His eyes shift to where Zara is helping my mom at the counter. “And it’s okay to have more than one top priority.” He gestures at our mother and Maren’s sister with his beer. “Look at mom. She made dad build a mini ramp and platform so Zara could reach the counter. But that doesn’t mean she loves Birdie or my twins any less.” His focus comes back to me. “Two things can be true. McKinley can be a top priority, and so can Zara and Maren.”

“I’m stretched fucking thin enough as it is. How in the hell do you think I’m going to⁠—”

“You could probably start by buying a fucking petting zoo.” Titus tips his head. “Oh, wait. You already did that.” His lips press into a pondering curve. “I guess you could move them into your house, hire Zara a bodyguard, and build a ramp to your front door.” He clicks his tongue. “Shit. You did all that too.” He turns to me, expression filled with false confusion. “It’s almost like you’re already making them a priority.”

“The ramp isn’t actually built yet.” I want what he’s saying to be true. Want to think there’s enough of me to go around. But history has shown me there’s not. “And I didn’t see Maren once at work today. I didn’t have time. I literally ran from one problem to the next and didn’t have a second I could offer her.”

Titus now seems genuinely confused. “So? You think she wants you up her ass all the time?” He shakes his head. “That one will kill you if you annoy the fuck out of her all day.” He gestures at the group of women happily sipping sangria and enjoying each other’s company. “And they would help her hide your body.”

Could it be that simple? That easy?

A smile curves my lips. “She would kill me, wouldn’t she?”

Maren is independent as hell. Has been on her own pretty much her entire life. Having someone around all the time probably would drive her fucking nuts.

It’s possible, my extensive work hours could be something she wouldn’t hate.

“Absolutely she would. And probably wouldn’t feel bad about it either.” He grins. “She’d think you deserved it.”

“I probably would. I’m kind of a pain in the ass.” And I think Maren actually likes that about me. The same way I like that she’s not one to back down or take shit.

“You would definitely deserve it.”

Titus sobers as Walker walks in, the whole feel of the kitchen shifting with my cousin’s arrival. He watches Walker go straight to where Birdie is hanging out with my dad and the rest of our brothers in the living room, waiting until Walker’s out of earshot before asking, “How’s he doing?”

I’ve been so fucking busy with Maren’s move, getting Quinn set up to go to school with Zara, and figuring out the logistics of making my house accessible, I haven’t checked on our cousin nearly enough. While I spent Monday dealing with the laptop fiasco, he was sifting through the records of his mother’s death, hunting for the closure he’s never had.

“He seemed okay when he brought Lindsey around and introduced her to everyone.”

Titus shoots me a questioning look. “Who’s Lindsey?”

“A woman I hired to help out in the warehouse. She’s got a pretty great resume, so we’re hoping after she goes through training, she might be able to take on a more managerial position.” Now that I’ve got Ruth, everyone has someone helping to carry the load of their division except Walker. It would be great if we could find someone reliable to fill that void.

Someone who’s also willing to put up with a whole lot of silence.

“Don’t let mom find out. She’ll start plotting.” Titus keeps his voice low. “And that’s the last thing Walker needs right now.”

I watch my mother as she teaches Zara how to cut the flat, herb filled dumplings that are Ruth’s favorite with a pizza roller before carefully sliding them into simmering broth. “He might not have anything to worry about for a while. I think she’s managed to get her hands pretty full for someone who had zero grandchildren a couple years ago.”

“Yeah, but you know our mom.” Titus chuckles. “She’s always been an overachiever.”

Girl Gang Group Chat

Mariah

Brooke was telling me about the new girl working in the warehouse, and I was thinking maybe we should invite her to girls’ night tomorrow.

Ruth

Lindsey. She seems nice. Perky, but nice.