Ruled by her Daddies (Harem of Daddies)

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, allowing her nerves to settle. “I want to stay. But if it gets too much then we can go?”

“Anytime you want.” Caleb cupped the side of her face. “Anything you want.”

“I really want a jelly bean.” And Piggles. But that was kind of impossible.

Caleb grinned and reached into his pocket, pulling out a packet. Damn, how did he always know what she needed? He opened the pack and handed her one. She took it with a smile of thanks.

Leaning in, he kissed her forehead. “Remember, you do you, jelly bean.”

* * *

An hour later, she was shocked to discover how much fun she was having. She was currently laughing at Prince Aric’s truly awful pick-up lines. Caleb had already briefed her on the princes. Kassim was the oldest and the most serious. Prince Matek was the second oldest. Caleb said not to take offense if he didn’t talk to her, since he was standoffish with most people. Prince Tavi came next. He had an obsession with Arianna, Caleb’s friend who was a famous singer. The youngest was Aric. He was also the friendliest and had the worst pick-up lines.

“Are you a parking ticket, because you’ve got fine written all over you,” Aric said. He tried to keep a straight face, for all of three seconds, before he burst into laughter. She found herself giggling along with him.

“You’re a terrible flirt.”

“I’m going to take it that you mean I’m terribly good,” he replied.

“Aric, maybe you should go find your own woman to flirt with before Wolfe loses his cool,” Aleki suggested, although he was grinning.

“Wolfe? Lose his cool? That never happens.” Then Aric glanced at Wolfe and paled slightly. “Hmm, maybe you’re right. I think Tavi will need a break from all the ladies lining up to dance with him.”

He gave her a wink and kissed the top of her hand before he headed over to an older woman with graying hair and a stately demeanor. He bowed lavishly over her hand and Vivi giggled.

“He’s crazy.”

“He needs to ease up or Wolfe will have a coronary,” Aleki told her.

“Where’s Caleb? I thought he was getting you a drink?” Wolfe demanded. “Do you need to sit down? Are you feeling all right?”

Aleki and Caleb had danced with her several times, but now her feet were starting to hurt. She was also tired. But she knew better than to say that to Wolfe.

“I’m having a great time. Just a bit tired.”

A strange feeling ran over her. Almost like she was being watched. That wasn’t the first time she’d felt it tonight. But every time she looked around, she couldn’t see anyone staring.

“We can go home if you need to,” Wolfe told her.

She sighed in happiness. “I’ll stay a bit longer.”

“Something’s wrong,” Wolfe said suddenly, tensing behind her.

She looked over to find Owen working his way towards them. Wolfe turned to Aleki. “Stay with her. I’ll go see what he wants.”

Wolfe walked over to meet Owen, who said something quietly to him. Wolfe frowned and glanced back at them then nodded. He strode quickly over. “There’s a suspicious package in the south garden. They want me to look at it before they move it. Could be nothing. Just be on alert, all right?”

Aleki nodded back seriously. “I’ll inform Caleb.”

Wolfe took hold of her chin. “Stay with Aleki and Caleb. Do not move from their sight. Understand?”

“I understand. Be careful.” She squeezed his hand gently.

“Don’t worry about him,” Aleki told her as Wolfe slipped away like a shadow. “He can take care of himself.”

She nodded, but she knew she’d worry about him until he was back in their sights. Caleb joined them, his face pensive.

“You heard?” Aleki asked him.