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I might have punched the idiot who’d refused to let go of her.

Just the thought of Jade made my legs tense. I knew where I’d go if I’d let myself. I’d either break her door down or throw rocks at her window until she yelled at me.

That wasn’t what she’d asked for.

“Rough night?” I asked.

“Can you grab this child? My arm is tired.”

“I’m a wart!” Beatrice yelled.

“Come here.”

“No!” she screamed.

“Beatrice. I’m home now. I’ll play with you.”

“Stranger!” she yelled and fought to get on the floor. Then she ran to the back room and slammed the door.

Atticus winced. “Jade is home. She’ll have opinions about that.”

I looked at the wall we shared. Jade had already been near tears. This would send her over the edge.

“Use my card and buy her something she likes.”

“Again?” he asked. “I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m interested in her. You get her way too many gifts and say they’re from me.”

“What else am I supposed to do?” I asked. “She told me to stay away from her tonight.”

“Are you gonna listen?”

“It’s what she wants.” A thud sounded from the girls’ room and I sighed. “Besides, I don’t have time.”

“I’ll need some time off before I do this again.” Atticus clapped me on the shoulder. “But I’ll do my best.”

“Thanks.”

Then I heard Agnes scream at Beatrice.

“Get Jade some noise-canceling headphones,” I said, and then walked to the girls’ room. I jolted when I saw Agnes hanging out the window. “Ag—what the hell?” I ran over and grabbed her. I didn’t even know these windows opened, but Wren must have been thorough when she renovated this place. “No jumping out of windows!”

“I want out!” she yelled.

“Agnes is mean!” Beatrice yelled. “I want private time!”

“Fine.” I picked up Agnes, ignoring the way she thrashed, and made my way to the living room.

“Put me down!” she screamed.

“We have neighbors!” I hissed. “Can’t you hate me a little quieter?”

“No!” she yelled. “And I don’t have to listen to you!”

“You do!”

“You’re not my dad!” It pained me every time she said it, but in her eyes, she was right.

“I know coming to live with me was a shock, and⁠—”