Page 351 of Power Play

“Because none of you understand what her parents have done to her.”

“We understand enough.”

“No, you don’t.”

“I understand Ryan had nobody.” Easton turned back toward her. “He had no parents manipulating him because both were gone before he was old enough to understand what having them meant. He had foster homes, garbage bags, and people reminding him he should be grateful for whatever scraps they offered.”

His eyes moved briefly toward me.

“Charm had two parents who called her theirs every day, and when Ryan asked her to claim him once, she looked at the floor.”

Aura’s face collapsed.

“East,” I whispered.

He looked at me, and the fury in his eyes devastated me because Easton had always treated me like family.

“You’re right,” I told him. “Please don’t fight with her because of me.”

“This isn’t because of you,” Aura said.

“Yes, it is.”

Bliss moved toward Cade as he lifted his bag. “You’re leaving too?”

“Tonight.”

“You promised we would spend the weekend together.”

“I know.”

“I don’t want to sleep alone in a cabin I’ve never been inside before.”

Cade’s expression softened, but he didn’t lower the bag. “You won’t be alone. Aura, Charm, Gayle, Vivi, and Skylar are here.”

“That isn’t what I mean.”

“I know.”

“Then stay.”

“Pip.”

“Please.” Bliss caught the front of his coat. “Briggs is already with Ryan. Easton and Rider are going. He won’t be alone.”

Cade looked down at her hands.

“I’m the closest thing Ryan has ever had to real family,” he said quietly. “I have never left him in hell, and I’m not starting tonight because you don’t want to sleep alone.”

The words visibly wounded Bliss. Her fingers fell from his coat.

“Wow.”

Cade’s expression tightened. “That came out harsher than I meant.”

“No, I think it came out exactly how you meant it.”

“Bliss.”