Nina's POV
Knock!
Knock!
Knock!
The insistent rapping on the door was a jarring intrusion into the silence that had settled over the house.
Mom's words still echoed in my head. I dragged myself off the threadbare sofa, feeling like I was wading through mud. Reaching the door, I braced myself for another verbal assault, another jab from Mom.
Instead, a dazzling smile met my gaze.
A woman stood on the doorstep, her skin the rich color of dark chocolate, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. Her hair, a riot of cascading black curls, framed a face that could launch a thousand magazine covers.
"Nina? You must be Nina!" the woman exclaimed, her voice as warm and inviting as a rainstorm. "Vince raved about you. I'm Jasmine, his cousin."
I blinked, momentarily stunned by thi
