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When Jewel turned and spotted them, her face lit up.

That was good. If she had shot daggers at him, he would’ve reversed course and got his ass out of there double-time.

He wasn’t stupid. Because if Vi’s mom had a reason to be pissed at him, then Diesel would be dangerous.

Vi drifted over to her mother and they hugged. “You need to come home more often, Violet.”

Vi rolled her eyes. “I’m busy, Mom. You know that since you used to help Dad manage the Shadows. Unfortunately, I don’t have a you, I have an Indie instead. It’s not the same.”

“Even so, you should always have time for your father and me. We brought you into this world.”

“You did, not Dad.”

“Your father did contribute. But, unfortunately, by producing babies with big heads. Big enough to rip me open.”

Jesus fuck. This conversation was taking a wrong turn. He might need to sit the fuck down before he got lightheaded.

“Anywaaaay…I do see you two more than most people see their parents and I swear Dad is always lurking around the Warehouse to make sure I don’t fuck up the business he built.”

Jewel rolled her lips under and the corner of her eyes crinkled. “He’d never do that.”

Vi simply gave her a “Sure, Jan” look.

Jewel shrugged. “Okay, maybe just to keep an eye on you girls. You know how protective he is.”

Reaper didn’t need that reminder right now while standing in the man’s kitchen.

“Mom…”

“Just ignore him.”

“He’s difficult to ignore.”

Reaper agreed with her on that, but kept his trap shut.

“Tell me about it,” Jewel agreed.

They both laughed.

Reaper was thrilled they both found that funny. And by thrilled, he thought the opposite.

“Reaper,” Jewel finally greeted him with a shadow of a smile.

He tipped his head. “You can call me Clay, ma’am.”

“I’ll call you Reaper since you earned that name and don’t call me ma’am.”

It was obvious where the Dougherty sisters got their spunk and bravery.

Her mother had some streaks of gray running through her dark hair, but he could also see where Vi and Indie got their looks.

Definitely not from their father.

Thank fuck.

“Thank you for coming to dinner,” Jewel continued.

Reaper tipped his head. “Thanks for the invite.”