“I don’t know whether to feel ashamed I raised you like this or—”

“Christ, Mom. Back off.”

“You’re going to let her wander into someone else’s arms? There’s another man who could protect her better than you? Well, if that’s true—”

“Goddamn it.” Angry thumps of blood pounded in his ears, flooded his veins. His chest felt on the verge of explosion. Like hell another man would hold Mia, protect her, and care for her. He’d kill any man who tried.

Judith nodded toward the garage. “I’ve got Clara. See ya.”

Winters grabbed his cell phone and jumped from the table, knocking the chair over.

His phone buzzed in his hand. Fuck. Would people stop bothering him already? Winters grabbed the keys for his blacked-out, pumped-up truck. It suited his mood. Dark and ready to get the job done.

“Jared, what the hell do you want?” That roar should put a stop to the incessant, badgering calls. Get a clue, man. He was tired of everyone hanging on his nuts.

“This isn’t Jared.”

Mia’s short retort slammed him in the gut, and his heart jumped clear into his mouth. Christ almighty, he missed that woman.

“Mia, where are you?”

“Why?” She was quiet. Wary. Why did she call? Hell, who cared? She called, and that was all that mattered. If he could hear her for the rest of his life, it wouldn’t be long enough.

“Right now, doll. Where are you?”

He planned to go all alpha on her if she didn’t fess up in seconds. He needed to locate her fast. And fast wasn’t fast enough.

“At home. Why?”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes. Do. Not. Move.”

“You don’t even know where I live.”

“The hell I don’t.” He really should tone it down, or he’d scare her.

“You’re not invited.”

“Tough.”

“You’re at least a thirty minute drive from me.”

“Time me.” He checked his watch.

“I don’t want to see you. Come to my office tomorrow.”

Winters clicked off his phone. He didn’t want to know now why she called. She could say it to his face. Anything so that he had a fighting chance. His guts churned. Need spiked with overwhelming, raw emotion, making his muscles ache and his brain fuzzy. He skidded out the corner of his driveway, sliding sideways before he redlined the truck. Ten minutes. There was no doubt.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Mia’s front door flew open. She should have known better and locked the deadbolt. Not that a deadbolt would have kept Colby out.

Bright sunlight illuminated her dark den. She had pulled the blinds, hit the lights, and bunkered down for a sobfest, complete with blankets, junk food, a tissue box, and enough sappy movies to make Cinderella forget about her Prince Charming.