Page 162 of The Fire We Make

Joy couldn’t help the pleased giggle that escaped her lips as the rest of the table cackled. Zachariah leaned over and pressed a kiss to the temple of his wife.

“All of y’all need to go sit on somebody’s couch,” June said but there was no heat or judgement in her voice.

The ice was broken after that. Conversation flowed as the Kings welcomed Joy without a second thought.

No one looked upon her with disgust or fear. Among them, Joy was normal—welcomed despite her violence, her anger, and the unsavory traits she’d spent years trying to suppress. It felt good to belong somewhere again, among people who weren’t afraid of her demons or trying to use them.

After dinner, the staff cleared the table and Ella stood, announcing that she was going to bring out dessert.

“Joy, why don’t you help me, dear?” she said as she passed Joy’s chair on the way to the kitchen. The Kings had a way of asking you to do things while making it clear it wasn’t optional, Joy noticed.

Shooting a quick glance at Ace, Joy rose. He smiled, his expression showing no concern and oddly, that calmed her as well.

“Is this part two of my interrogation?” Joy asked once they’d entered the kitchen.

Ella released a bright laugh, sounding like money.

“You don’t have to prove anything to us, my dear,” Ella said. “Not your worth, or your loyalty. Ace brought you here because he trusts you and that’s enough for me.”

Joy blinked. “Just like that?” she asked.

“Just like that.”

Joy released a small breath but the tension didn’t leave her shoulders.

“Y’all don’t know me,” Joy said out of reflex. The unconscious desire to lower the expectations before she could disappoint. To issue fair warning.

“You’re not the first woman to walk into this family with a past,” Ella said with knowing eyes. “And you won’t be the last.”

A heavy silence settled between the women. Joy shifted her weight slightly, unsure what to do with the space.

Ella pulled small dessert plates from the cabinet.

“My grandson needs someone like you. Someone who understands the Menace and loves that part of him equally.”

“Menace?” Joy raised a brow in question.

Ella nodded. “He got that nickname when he was a boy. He’s always had a… darker side. Menace is who he is when he goes to that place. Ace is who he is when he’s making himself palatable.”

Joy nodded slowly, understanding.

“I see…”

And she did. She’d seen both. Felt both.

She wanted both.

Ella turned back to the counter and began cutting generous slices of the yellow cake with chocolate icing.

“You know,” she said. “Most girls would have come in here playing suzy homemaker and offering to help with the cake,” Ella smirked.

“I’m not most girls,” Joy shrugged.

Ella glanced over her shoulder. “No you’re not, are you?”

Joy dropped her gaze. Ella stepped closer, using two fingers to lift Joy’s chin gently.

“That’s not a bad thing, Joy.”