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“I am,” Alicia answered as Sierra pushed into the room. “Away from this crazy family before you get her killed.”

“You’re taking Julia?” Sierra shrieked before she snapped a glare at Grant. “Daddy! Do something!”

“No one is taking Julia,” Grant said.

“Like hell, I’m not,” Alicia retorted as she reached for her sister’s hand.

“Whoa,” Kyle shouted, sliding between them as Grant tightened his grip on Julia.

“Stop it!” Julia said with a wave of her hands. “Stop. I’m not going anywhere. No one is taking me away from my family.”

One of the knots in Grant’s stomach loosened slightly at her words.

“Julia, stop. For once, think about your own safety here. This woman nearly killed you two short days ago, and now she’s out of jail. She could come after you again. Your so-calledfamilyshould want you as far away from here as possible.”

“I’m not leaving,” Julia said with a shake of her head. “Lydia is a problem for all of us. I’m not leaving to hide out while they deal with her.”

“She’stheirproblem!” Alicia argued.

“This is not up for debate,” Julia answered. “If you don’t feel comfortable staying here, that’s fine. But I am not going anywhere.”

Sierra crossed her arms, cocking her head. “You heard her. Scram, Alicia, and don’t let the door hit you–”

“Sierra, that’s enough,” Grant said.

“I’m not going anywhere. Not when my sister has a giant target on her back. I’m staying.”

“Fine,” Grant said. “The more people to keep an eye on Julia, the better. But she is not going anywhere without security.”

“Maybe she shouldn’t leave the house,” Alicia said.

“What?! But Daddy, we have a Mommy-Daughter massage scheduled for Monday!” Sierra clenched her fists at her sides as she stamped a foot on the floor.

“Are you serious? Your massage is more important than my sister’s life?” Alicia argued.

Julia sliced a hand through the air. “Stop it. Sierra, we are still going to the massage.”

Alicia flung her hand up before slapping her hip. “Unbelievable. I just don’t understand how you continue to risk your life to pander to their whims.”

“I’m not pandering to their whims. Sierra and I have plans. I am not going to let Lydia ruin them. And I’mnotgoing to hide in my house. Then Lydia wins.”

“Let her!” Alicia shouted. “I’d rather she win than you die.”

“I’m not going to die, Ally. I’m fine. I trust Grant. I trust his team.”

The words bolstered his strength, and he squeezed her shoulder. “Thank you, Julia.”

“Well, I don’t. I’m going with you to that appointment.”

“No,” Sierra said, “you weren’t invited. It’s just Step-mommy and me.”

“Ally, I’ll be fine,” Julia said before she flicked her gaze to Grant. “I’m more concerned about you. She threatened you when they handcuffed her.”

“I’m fine, Julia. There’s nothing to worry about. I’m waiting to get more details, but I’m almost certain she’s got to be monitored somehow. Maybe a house arrest.”

“Then she’d be here…in her house,” Alicia said.

“I’ll be fine,” he said as he focused on Julia.