Reign A Romance Anthology - Nina Levine Page 0,293

you ready to meet everyone? I warn you they can be full-on at mealtimes. The table can be like a tennis match the way heads turn in a family debate.”

Star’s hand hovers near her cheekbone, and her eyes meet mine.

“What I’m saying is… if you don’t want to do this, I can take you out for coffee, and we can find somewhere to stay. Only the two of us.”

She cocks a brow at me. “Are you embarrassed?”

“What? Fuck no. I don’t want to add any more stress after what you’ve been through.”

“You said your mum wants to meet me?” she rasps. She glances down at her inked arms and then tugs on the hem of her denim skirt. “I want her to like me.”

“Baby…” I walk over and whisk her into my arms. “If I like you, then my mother will love you. That’s a promise.” She slaps my shoulder, but I refuse to put her down when I carry her through the doorway. “It’s time.”

“Dustin, let me walk.”

I chuckle, and once we’re in the dining area, I lower her to the floor. The chatter lowers and heads turn. They are eager to meet Star, although the first introduction is daunting even for me, so I can imagine how nervous she is.

“Star, I’d like you to meet my family. Everyone, this is Star.”

Mum drops her towel on the sink and leaves the dishes to walk over to us. “Star,” she says in her gentle voice. “It’s good to meet you.” She leans in and hugs her. Seeing Mum embrace the first woman I’ve really cared about, and in my home, stirs something deep inside. To bring Star here, no matter the circumstances, at some subconscious level is making a statement that I’m happy because my guard is down and I’m letting this lady be a part of my personal life.

Tori and Rhett both come and stand behind Mum. The moment she releases her, Tori steps forward and wraps her arms around Star. “Welcome,” she says and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

When she steps back, Rhett and Star assess each other momentarily.

“Thank you for what you did last night,” Star rasps.

Rhett leans in, wrapping his arms around her body and squeezes a little tighter before releasing her. “If Dustin felt strongly in playing the knight and rescuing you, then I will always have his back. It’s good to meet the girl who can whip him into line.”

Star smiles, then draws in her eyebrows as she looks at me. “What did you say about me?”

“Nothing.” I act nonchalant.

“Actions speak louder than words, my dear girl,” Mum says. “We’ve plenty to eat, so sit, and I’ll cook whatever you want.”

“Mum,” I chastise her then look at Star. “This is what Mum does. She feeds and feeds you until you’re in a food coma.”

Star gives her a warm smile. “Thank you. I am a little hungry.”

“Did you even feed the poor girl when she got in last night?” Mum asks, turning the blame to me.

“She was asleep,” I reply. I look at Rhett because he knew how exhausted Star was last night, and nothing like she is this morning.

Star takes a seat beside Tori. “I was too weary to eat,” she tells Mum as she lowers her head as though reality hits as to why she is here.

“Hey.” I pull out the seat beside her. “Mum has a doctor coming to check you out, just to make sure.”

Her eyes round. “I’m fine. I don’t want to put anyone out or make any trouble.”

“It’s okay,” I whisper.

I’ve come a long way in admitting the truth and letting go of secrets, and I’m not about to revert to pretending everything is okay when it’s not. I lean in so only she can hear me. “Everyone wants to help. It’s overwhelming, but if you want us to back off, we will. In saying that, I think you should get checked out.”

She places a hand on my thigh. “I’m thankful for everything you’re doing, but I’m okay. Being here, with you, I know I’m going to be fine.”

I take her face in my hands and gently kiss her lips.

My gut tells me she will be fine because I’m not leaving her alone until she tells me to leave.

12

“Can we take a walk,” Star asks once the doctor had visited and confirmed she was okay. Tori gave her clothes to wear rather than drive into town to buy more. She has rested most of the afternoon, and