87. Chapter 87

87

Wren

T he engine of D's bike rumbles beneath us, a steady, powerful vibration that feels like freedom.

"Weeeeeee!" Alex's giggles break through the noise, pure and infectious, and I can't help the smile tugging at my lips.

My arms are wrapped tightly around D from the back while Alex sits in front of him, his tiny hands gripping the handlebars like he's in control of this wild ride.

The wind whips through my hair, tugging strands free, and I press closer to D, my chest against his back, feeling the warmth of his body, the solid, unwavering strength that he carries. For once, I let myself lean into that security, into him, letting go of the tension I've held onto for as long as I can remember. It's terrifying, but at the same time, it's the closest I've ever come to feeling safe.

" Fathta , Papa!" Alex's voice is drowned out by the wind and the engine, his head thrown back.

D glances back, giving me a quick grin that does something strange to my insides. He twists the throttle, and the bike leaps forward, Alex's laughter turning into a full-blown squeal.

"Weeeee!"

I hold on tighter, my fingers gripping the edge of D's leather jacket, feeling the taut muscles beneath. My chest clenches, not in fear, but in something else—a strange kind of peace, like everything else has fallen away. It's just us, the road, and the wind.

"He's gonna be a daredevil, this one," D calls over his shoulder, voice rough and amused, his eyes catching mine for a moment.

I roll my eyes. "Takes after you, obviously," I shout back, shaking my head.

"Think you love it too, Wren," he teases, and the heat of his words reaches me even through the cold wind. Damn him for being right. I don't respond; just press closer, imagining the curve of his grin even though I can't see it.

The bike slows, and the engine dies. I get down from the bike, tying up my hair into a tiny ponytail—it's finally long enough for that. Goddamnit. I look around, taking in the scene—gardens so perfect they make me want to gag, the mansion all grand and ridiculous, and that damn infinity pool glittering in the sun like it's got something to prove.

How did I end up here again?

D swings his leg over, lifting Alex from the bike, who is still giggling like a maniac.

D reaches down, unbuckling Alex's helmet, and pulls it off. Alex's hair springs out in all directions, a wild mess of curls, like it's got a mind of its own. D chuckles at the fluffy chaos.

I watch D ruffle Alex's hair, his smile softer than I've ever seen it, and something in me just… melts. Damn it, it's almost too much.

I never thought I'd have this. Not in a million years.

Real happiness, the kind that sneaks up on you in the quiet moments, like when D's rough edges turn gentle, and Alex's laughter fills the air. It hits me—this is what it's supposed to feel like. No running, no fighting. Just being here with them. And it scares me how much I want it to last.

"Again, Papa?" Alex asks, his eyes bright, cheeks all pink.

D smiles. "After lunch, kiddo. Let's get you fed first," he says, and Alex nods, already bouncing on his feet.

D's arm wraps around my waist, his fingers digging in just enough to make it clear that I'm not going anywhere without him. He leans in, his voice low against my ear. "You too, Wren. Need you to stick with me. Got plans."

I raise an eyebrow, my lips twitching. "Oh, yeah? Since when do I take orders from you?"

His grin widens, that cocky look that always gets under my skin. "Since you decided to hang on tight, krasivaya . Now come on."

He doesn't give me a chance to argue, and maybe, for once, I don't want to.

He takes my hand, leading us toward the terrace, where Lenny and Em are already waiting, the outdoor dining area looking like something out of a magazine. The marble of the mansion glows under the sun, and the sound of the waterfalls drifts over, a soothing backdrop I've never had in my life.

Em sits at the table, her blonde hair catching the light, her green eyes flashing up at us with a smile. She's changed so much since… everything. Stronger . And then there's Lenny, next to Em; he's leaning back in his chair, looking like he owns the place—shoulders broad, that confident ease about him that wasn't there before.

"Look who decided to show up," Em teases. Her eyes flick between me and D. "Took your sweet time."

"Blame the speed demon here," I say, nodding toward Alex, who scrambles up into a chair beside Lenny. Lenny lifts him with ease, plopping him down with a grin.

"Was Papa driving too fast?" Lenny asks, giving D a look. D just shrugs.

"Yes!" Alex yells, his chubby cheeks flushed with happiness. "Papa dwiving fast! Fwooom !" He makes a zooming noise, and D grins like a Cheshire cat.

"Kid loves it," D says, no apology in his tone, and I roll my eyes again.

A middle-aged woman, her dark hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail, arrives with a team of helpers, the kind of army you'd expect to see at a five-star restaurant. She sets down the food with quiet efficiency. The aroma of roasted meats and fresh bread fills the air, making my stomach growl like a goddamn beast.

D gives her a nod, and she and the team step back, leaving the feast in front of us.

I almost laugh—everything here is just so over the top.

Em kicks my leg under the table, her eyes going wide, and I know exactly what she's saying without words.

Can you even believe this? This is craaazzziiee.

I shoot her a funny face in return, scrunching my nose and crossing my eyes, my way of saying: Yeah, I know. It's fucking ridiculous, isn't it?

She shakes her head, lips twitching as she tries not to laugh.

I watch Alex dive into his plate, grabbing a chunk of bread with his tiny hands. Lenny leans over, calm and steady, spreading butter for him while Alex's tongue pokes out, focused like he's on some mission. As soon as he takes a bite, his face lights up.

"Yummy, Momma!" Alex shouts, eyebrows shooting up, and then he's bopping his head, doing that little dance he always does when he's happy. I swear, it's like every bit of the stress I've carried just melts watching him. How could something this simple feel so damn good?

I look over at Lenny and Em. "Leaving tomorrow, huh?"

Damn, I just wish we had more time; my chest tightens.

Lenny nods, scooping a piece of chicken onto Alex's plate. "Yeah. School's waiting. You know how it is," he says. He smiles at me, trying to make it look easy, but I still feel that pang.

Em reaches across, touching my hand. "We'll talk every day, Wren. Promise. Besides, I gotta get ready for Monday. Spotify still wants me; can you believe that? They kept my position, even after all that mess." Her eyes flash with excitement.

I feel D's eyes on me, that heavy gaze that makes my skin prickle. I tilt my head slightly, catching sight of him at the end of the table, his eyes locked on me like he's not missing a damn thing. His attention is intense—focused entirely on me, like there's no one else around. Heat rises in my face, and I look away, trying to ignore the way my pulse kicks up.

I clear my throat, letting out a dry cough. "Well… because you're the best of the best!" I say, grabbing my glass and taking a sip of water, trying to cool down the flush creeping up my neck.

Lenny snorts, shoving a piece of chicken into his mouth.

He shoots Em a teasing grin. "Though, I bet you gave them hell before they decided to keep you."

Em rolls her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, yeah. I might've sweet-talked them a bit. But hey, it worked."

I smirk, giving her a nudge with my foot under the table. "That's my lil' sis!"

I drop my gaze, and for a second, I glance at D. The mansion, the perfect garden, all this ridiculous luxury—it never felt like home.

I take a bite of the chicken myself.

Em's fork pauses halfway to her mouth, her gaze shifting to me and then darting back to D. "What's your plan, Wren?" she asks, her eyes narrowing slightly.

I shrug, trying to keep my voice light. "I… don't know yet." I give her a smile that probably doesn't reach my eyes. "But I'll think of something." I steal another quick glance at D, hoping he doesn't notice. Hell, we haven't really talked about any future, not in a way that matters.

Alex hums to himself, his head bobbing as he chews, completely lost in his own world. I watch him for a moment, trying to ground myself, and then my eyes drift back to D.

He's staring right at me, arms folded, that look in his eyes saying he's already made up his mind. He tilts his head, his voice coming out calm, steady, like this is just another casual suggestion. "Well, let's go live at my place," he says.

I blink at him. "What?"

He shrugs like it's no big deal. "My cottage. Out by the ranch. You, me, Alex. If you hate it here, then we go."

I just stare at him, everything else fading into the background.

Move in with him?

It sounds… wild.

Em's watching me, her eyes wide, waiting to see what I'll do. Lenny's eyebrow shoots up, a smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth. But D? He's steady, like he knows damn well I don't have much of a choice.