Page 65 of Her Forever Daddies

Turning, she recognized the man walking toward her.

“Nash? What are you doing here? Do you know my parents?” she asked.

He didn’t seem like the type of man who would be acquaintances with her family. He was too real and genuine for that.

“No. I’m here as security detail. I work for Damian’s private security firm. Jace and Zane aren’t with you?” he asked, looking behind her.

Shaking her head, she sighed. “No. I thought it would be better if they didn’t come. My parents . . . well, they aren’t exactly very welcoming unless you’re in their social circle.”

Nash smiled and nodded, a look flashing in his eyes like he was familiar with that notion.

“I hope they’re treating you kindly,” she said.

Reaching out, he hooked his index finger under her chin so she was forced to look up at him.

“You don’t worry about me, little bit. I can take care of myself. The guy at the door is Hudson. He’s a Daddy, too. Damian is also around here somewhere. If you need anything tonight, come find one of us, okay?” Nash said quietly enough that only she could hear.

She nodded. “Yes, Sir. You look very handsome in that tux, by the way. Maybe I’ll find you a single Little while I’m here.”

He gave her a stern look that made her pull her bottom lip between her teeth nervously.

“Don’t you dare. You and Addie need to stop trying to find someone to fix me up with,” he told her.

Shrugging her shoulders, she flashed a mischievous smile. “Can’t help fate, Nashy.”

Letting out a groan, Nash shook his head. “That nickname is not allowed. Don’t make me call your Daddies and tell them you’re being a brat.”

Ruby giggled and reached up to straighten his bowtie. “Okay, I’ll be good. I hope to see you again tonight. You might be the only person here I actually like.”

His face lit up in a smile. “Same here, little bit. You look beautiful by the way. If you were mine, I wouldn’t have let you out of my sight. Have fun, Ruby.”

“What are you wearing? You didn’t cut your hair,” her mother hissed as she pulled Ruby by the elbow toward the corner of the room.

Pulling her arm from her mom’s grasp, Ruby stared at the perfectly manicured woman. “I didn’t want to cut my hair, Mother. I’ve been trying to grow it out for years. And I wanted to wear this dress. I think it’s beautiful.”

Her mom looked her up and down with a look of irritation. “You look like you’re going to stand on a street corner. And what is this necklace you’re wearing? Did you buy that from the internet? I could have sent you some jewelry to wear that didn’t come from a coin machine.”

Ouch. That hurt.

“It’s good to see you too, Mom. Happy anniversary,” she replied through clenched teeth.

Evelyn let out a huff and spun around, plastering on a big fake smile before she walked away.

Letting out a sigh of relief that her mother was leaving her to go ruin other people’s lives, Ruby grabbed a glass of champagne as a server walked by with a tray full of crystal flutes. Maybe if she drank enough of the bubbly, she’d have a better time. At least she’d probably find it more entertaining.

“Hors d’oeuvre, miss?” a server offered, holding out a tray of tasty-looking snacks.

“What is it?” she asked curiously.

“It’s fig and pear bruschetta, miss,” the man said politely.

She smiled and nodded, picking up one of the tiny plates. “Thank you.”

The server smiled and nodded, walking away as she took a bite of the fancy appetizer. Realizing she was hungrier than she’d thought, she finished off what was on the plate, hoping her mother hadn’t seen her wolf down the snack.

Picking her champagne flute up from where she’d set it, Ruby took a drink and frowned. The bubbles felt like they were itching her throat. Swallowing her saliva, she panicked slightly as she realized she still felt the itch.

Looking for one of her parents, she spotted her dad first. Walking over to him, she smiled as politely as she could, trying not to be rude as she cut into the conversation he was having.

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