Bash released her hand. He stood to help her.

“I’ve got it. You can finish breakfast with your parents. I’ll see you guys later.”

Morgan walked out of the massive dining room and hurried to grab the twins from the adjoining room. Messari’s little slacks, collared shirt, and suspenders warmed her heart. Yara was pretty in pink, but she had already taken off her tights and kicked off her shoes. Morgan shook her head. She grabbed Yara, tossed her shoes and tights inside their bag, then headed for the door.

“Come on, Mommy’s Ssari,” she sang, knowing he would follow.

He came running.

Morgan couldn’t get away fast enough. Bash had been possessive lately, calling every time she left his parents’ estate and picking a fight every time she wanted to go back to her own apartment. Morgan hadn’t slept in her own bed in days, and when she left him, she could have sworn he was having her followed. She felt like eyes were on her all the time. She even felt like he was checking her phone at night. She had never been more on edge. She wasn’t comfortable anywhere, but she knew she couldn’t leave. So, she endured.

Morgan felt the tension leave her chest when she finally made it to Ethic’s. Just the sight of the house behind the gate eased her. She typed in the code and eased her car through. After she unloaded the twins, they took off running toward the front door. Morgan used her key and went inside.

“I’m home!” she shouted. She had been on her own for a few years, but this would always be home.

“Mo’s here!” Eazy shouted as he grinned while approaching her with excitement. “Hey, Mo!”

“Hey, Eazy,” she replied as she received the quick hug he gave before he bent to pick up Yara.

“Come on, man,” Eazy said to Messari. The three took off up the stairs as Ethic came waltzing down.

“You look beautiful, baby girl,” he greeted. “Fucking college graduate.” He said it like he couldn’t believe it. He shook his head. “Justine and Benny are smiling today, Mo. Raven too.”

“Thanks, Ethic,” she said. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you guys there.”

The crowd was massive. The stadium was filled to capacity, and Morgan could hear the eager chatter that filled the building from where she stood. She didn’t know why she was so nervous. She could hardly stand still as she waited in the reception area where the other graduates congregated.

“Can you believe we did it?” Aria asked. “I hate to admit that I’m going to miss this shit.”

“Yeah, me too,” Morgan said, smiling. “Is Isa here?”