Rigby’s eyes were hot on my face, because he knew me. Soft didn’t mean gentle with me. Soft meant shit was about to go down. Not that I’d ever hurt her, this weirdly defiant woman in front of us. I’d never raised a hand to a woman, and given my past, I’d chop off my hands before I ever would.

“You can’t buy a baby, and you can’t buy me. The fact you think I would move to an entirely different state, into a house with three strange men, tells me you’re arrogant, stupid, or serial killers. Honestly, have you never listened to a true crime podcast?” she muttered under her breath, making Rigby grin.

But her eyes were still on me, those weird hazel orbs that looked like Huey’s. There was no doubt they were related; that color was too unique. Hers had a little more green than Huey’s, and maybe a touch of gold. They must have inherited it from their father.

Just the thought of that man made me irrationally angry. I breathed quietly through my nose as we all sat in silence.

Rigby, that fucking golden retriever of a human being, nodded. “I can understand that it would be a daunting idea. We’re happy to do anything to help ease your mind. Criminal history checks. References from the coaches. I’ll even give you my mom’s number, if you want?”

Since I’d been an adult, my criminal record was clear as filtered water, so I wasn’t worried about Rigby’s declaration. If my minor record was released, she might have a problem, though.

Nova was still frowning, and honestly, I was kind of glad she hadn’t jumped on the money straight away. “None of those things tell me what you’re like as people. What if you kill kittens for fun? What if you gaslight and manipulate me? That shit happens. I don’t know you.” She shook her head. “This is crazy. My home is here. My life is here.”

River continued to stare at her, like he could use his mind to bend her to his will. “I’ll give you the numbers of all of my ex-girlfriends if you want. They probably won’t say nice things about me, but they’ll tell you I’m not violent.” They’d say he was an emotionally unavailable asshole, though, which wasn’t wrong. River raised a single brow. “You just said you had no one. I know from the court case that your job is virtual, which is why you could stay home all the time with Huey. You can do it from anywhere.”

She was still shaking her head. “This is insane. You must know that, right?” She sucked in a fortifying breath. “I mightn’t have family here, but I have friends. A life.”