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We crashed on the ride back, but I woke up once we were at the house. Not that I let the guys know. It had been a long night in those heels, and I could use the lift out of the car. Once everyone in the house settled, I changed into pajamas and finally got into bed.

Soon, noises from upstairs travelled through the walls. A light knock on the door had me sitting up as Match and Roxie came in, and we all looked at the ceiling just as a loud moan rang out.

“If you guys start fucking out there, I will scream,” I told them, and they rolled their eyes.

“We giving them shit for this tomorrow, or will it embarrass Lilah?” Match asked, his arm around Roxie, the two standing together comfortably. Fee needed to drag some more deets about their situationship out of him.

“We’ll see. Now, get out. I need to sleep,” I told them, pulling a pillow over my head and falling asleep quickly.

Rested and energized, I checked my phone. It was early—not even eight. I used to sleep in until the afternoon. Now, though, I had too much energy.

These days, I went for a run or worked out at the gym Bash left for me. This time, I decided to just get coffee started, not wanting to wander around the house too much. As the machine hissed and churned, I looked out the window, admiring the quiet tree-lined street.

The leaves had turned, and the trees and ground were littered in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I took a sip with a sigh, closing my eyes to say a quick prayer of thanks to the caffeine gods.

When I opened them, I noticed a fancy car at the end of the street. It started heading closer, slowing down as it drove past each house.

As it creeped up to Lilah’s, I was able to see it was a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Snapping a picture of the license plate, I sent it off to Keys. The car stopped, and I saw a driver get out, walking to the back to let the passengers out.

Talk about showboating, ever heard of an Uber?

My judgmental thoughts were interrupted as I studied the man who stepped out of the car. An older gentleman, he was tall, with salt and pepper hair. Turning toward the house, he eyed the place with judgment, revealing familiar blue eyes.

We all knew that Lilah’s parents were pieces of shit, and it appeared they had made the very stupid decision to pay a visit.

Well, folks, let the show begin!

Running into the living room, I woke Roxie and Match.

“Car just pulled up. I think it might be Lilah’s parents.” They frowned as they quickly untangled themselves from the couch. The stairs squeaked, and we all turned just in time to see Lilah making her way into the room.

“Oh! I didn’t realize you all would be up already. Let me put a pot of coffee on!” she chirped.

She looked adorable in what had to be Scythe’s tee shirt and a pair of leggings. Before any of us could respond, a loud knock came from the front door, followed by someone aggressively ringing the doorbell.

“Lilah, go get Scythe,” Match said. But then a man’s voice rang out.

“Lilah May Wright, you open this door right now!” For a moment, something close to fear crossed Lilah’s expression, but it quickly morphed to anger. She stormed past us and swung the door open.

“You’re disturbing my neighbors. I suggest you leave before they call the cops. Or I do.” Her mother gasped and clutched her literal pearls.

Meanwhile, the younger woman—who I assumed was the sister—rolled her eyes.

“And what would you tell them? ‘Please arrest my worried family.’ We’re just checking on our sister who ran away and decided to live like some…hippy.” I snorted at the description. Match stepped up behind Lilah, and the trio looked surprised.

“She asked you to leave. I suggest you listen.” Match’s voice was stern, commanding. I was proud of the pup.

“This is between family, young man. Whoever you are…This doesn’t concern you.”

Lilah’s father grabbed her arm in an attempt to pull her toward them and keep the conversation private, but she wasn’t moving. Scythe appeared at the landing, his dark gaze processing the scene as he came down the stairs. A chill ran down my spine, feeling like I caught a scene out of one of the Halloween movies. Scythe’s slow, methodical movements were creepier than a burst of rage and fists.

“Lilah. You’re gonna give everything up for this kid? Am I supposed to be scared of him?” Her father gestured toward Match with disgust. I snorted at the implication that he was Lilah’s boyfriend. Unable to help myself, I popped into view.

“Oh, he’s not the one you have to worry about. It’s this guy.” Pointing over my shoulder, I moved out of the way just in time for Scythe to come storming through. Shirtless and in unbuttoned black pants, he grabbed Lilah’s father by the throat and pushed him out of the doorway.

Scythe didn’t stop until they were a few feet outside the house. Match, Roxie, and I all planted ourselves in front of the window to watch as Lilah and Scythe confronted them outside.

“I’m curious,” Scythe said, deadly calm as he kept her father in a chokehold.