Chapter Two
Sienna ate and finally stopped when she felt like she would blow up. She’d never eaten as much as she just had, but then she hadn’t eaten for close to two days because she was so sad about her mom.
Riley laughed, leaned back, and patted her own stomach. “Tell me what happened to your mom.”
Sienna shrugged and twisted the napkin in her lap. “It was an overdose. I expected it to happen.”
Riley reached for her hand. “I’m so sorry.”
“I found her when I came home from work.”
“God, how awful. Why didn’t you call me?”
“I couldn’t. There’s so much chaos in my life right now, and I don’t want you anywhere near it.”
“What does that mean?”
“It’s just that I’m not safe to be around.”
“Why?”
“It’s a long story, and I don’t want you involved.”
“Too bad,” Riley said stubbornly and crossed her arms over her chest.
Sienna smiled for the first time in as long as she could remember. “Yeah, too bad for you.”
Riley narrowed her eyes at the challenge. “I will find out.”
Sienna snorted. “You won’t if I don’t tell.” God, they sounded like children.
“I’ll just tell on you.”
Sienna rolled her eyes. “To who?” she asked and laughed.
“Me.”
Both girls jumped and twirled toward the deep voice in the doorway. Riley squealed and raced to him.
Sienna smiled as Riley shrieked Daddy, ran into Noah’s arms, and got kissed like they hadn’t seen each other in weeks instead of hours. She could admit she’d always been envious of their relationship and wondered if someday she’d find something close to it.
Noah wrapped an arm around Riley and walked over to where Sienna stood.
“Hello, Sir. How are you?”
Riley looked up at Noah. “Daddy, her mom died.”
His face darkened in concern. He opened his other arm and waited.
Sienna felt the tears start again as she walked to them and got enclosed in his embrace. She was embarrassed when she started sobbing, unable to hold back another moment. The only times she’d felt safe in her life was when she was with these two, and she knew she’d miss them when she left.
Riley wiped Sienna’s tears away even as she cried with her.
“All right, girls, let’s take this into the office. We have a lot to go over.”
Sienna took a step back and self-consciously wiped her tears away. “Sir, there’s really nothing to say, and I should get going.”
He cupped her chin. “You’re not going anywhere, honey. Where’s your suitcase?”
She pointed to her backpack.
“That’s it?” Riley asked.
“Yes. It’s all I could take and not look like I was leaving.”
“Why?” Riley asked.
“It’s just … it’s not important.”
Noah sighed, grabbed her hand and Riley’s hand, and pulled them along behind him. The office door closed with a snap behind the three.
“Sit.” He pointed to a chair next to a large sofa where he and Riley sat. “Now, start at the beginning.”
Sienna stared at them. “I didn’t come here for you to get involved. I feel very strongly that I need to go.”
Noah grunted when she went to stand. “Little girl, you’ll sit your ass down and do what I tell you to do.”
She narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “Or what?”
Riley snorted and looked up at him. “She’s going to be a handful, isn’t she, Daddy?”
Noah grinned down at Riley. “I think you’re right, baby, but it doesn’t matter how naughty she is. She’s going to let us help her.”
Sienna felt her stomach twist. As much as she wanted help, she couldn’t put them in danger. “I can’t. If any harm came to either of you because of me, I’d never forgive myself.”
The tension in Sienna's body tightened at the thoughtful look on Noah’s face.
Noah glanced down at Riley. “I need to make a call. Why don’t you take her up to your playroom for a bit?”
Something passed between the two because Riley suddenly relaxed and smiled. “Okay, Daddy.” Riley stood and pulled Sienna up. “Let’s go.”
“But…” Sienna glanced back to see Noah take his phone out. Riley dragged her up the wide steps and down a long hallway.
“This is it.”
Sienna’s mouth dropped open. It was a mix between a wonderland and a toy store. She knew she had to get out of there but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see the room.
“Daddy spoils me,” Riley said and grinned.
“Yeah, I can see that.” Sienna laughed. She remembered having a doll when she was really young. God, she had loved that thing. She’d come home from the store with her mom to find several of their things had been taken. She’d never gotten another one but had always wanted one.
Riley had so many dolls she couldn’t count them. There were also puzzles, games, blocks, and books. Lots and lots of books.
“This is amazing, Riley.”
“Thank you. What do you want to play?”
“I … I’m going to go and get my backpack. I’ve got some pictures I want to show you.”
“I’ll go with you.”
Sienna smiled and shook her head. “No, why don’t you set up a game for us to play, and I’ll be right back.”
Riley shrugged. “Okay. Hurry back.”