His urge to protect her flared hot—not that sheltering her behind his body would protect her, or Trey, or him, from whatever was about to happen. “What the fuck?” John nodded. “I guess she just pulled up and headed up the driveway, like she was invited. She brought a gift. You need to get in there, big brother. She’s threatening to make a scene.” He turned around and pulled Bina close. She was looking concerned and perplexed, but she clearly hadn’t worked out the full meaning of what was going on. Neither had he, for that matter. “I need to get in there and deal with her.” “Her? Jenny—she is Trey’s mother?” Carlo’s tongue froze at the thought of answering in the affirmative. “She’s…she was.” “Carlo…” “It’s okay, baby. Stay out here with Trey—keep him from going inside, okay? I’ll deal with her and then I’ll be back.” The furrow in her golden brow had gotten deeper, but she nodded, and he kissed the crease away.
