Page 135 of Protecting You

Not only did Callan feel like he’d been transported into a world of wealth he’d barely known—and had certainly never been a part of—but as they reached her family, he thought, were all rich people so attractive?

Or had they accidentally stumbled into a modeling shoot?

Her cousins were as tall as he was, dark-haired and fit. Their wives were gorgeous. Even the oldest among them, who'd been introduced as Camilla, was lovely with mahogany-colored hair and bright blue eyes. The only Wrights missing from that branch of the family were Michael and his wife. They were still on their honeymoon.

Grant, the fourth oldest, asked the question Callan had been waiting for. “You’re with my cousin?” The words came out as a threat. Of all the men, this one was the most powerful. And the most suspicious.

Callan returned his iron grip with one of his own. “I am. Nice to meet you.”

“Let me guess. I should see the other guy?”

“Something like that.” Callan’s lip was no longer swollen, but the bruise on his cheek hadn’t faded enough. This guy didn’t miss a thing, and his squint-eyed gaze spoke volumes.You hurt her, I’ll kill you.

Somehow, Callan didn’t doubt it.

Grant grunted, then crouched to Peri’s level. “Hey there, little bit. What’s your name?”

His daughter, utterly unafraid of the warrior, grinned. “I’m Peri, but my real name is Persephone.”

“That’s a pretty name for a pretty girl.” He tapped her on the nose. “Make sure you try the double-chocolate cookies. I hear they’re the best.”

Alyssa, Callan, and Peri finally made it through the mass of that branch of the family, and Alyssa pulled Callan toward another group of model-gorgeous people who stood off to one side beside an older couple, who were the only people sitting down.

“Caleb,” she said, “I’d like you to meet my grandparents, Tom and Susie Wright.”

When the man stood, the resemblance to his grandchildren became obvious. He was tall and slender and held himself like a soldier despite his advanced age. His eyes were brown, his hair gray, but Callan imagined it’d once been the same color as all those Wright men's.

“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Wright.” He shook his hand, then bent to the woman, who’d remained sitting. “Mrs. Wright. Congratulations. How many years are you celebrating today?”

Her smile was welcoming. “Sixty-five.” Her eyes sparkled as they flicked from Alyssa to him. Rather than shake his hand when he extended it toward her, she gripped it in both of hers, her fingers strong and cool. “It’s unusual for Alyssa to bring a gentleman friend to family gatherings. I look forward to getting to know you.”

“Thank you, ma’am. It’s an honor to be here.”

She continued to hold his hand in one of hers, gesturing to the party going on all around them. “I hope we’ll have time to talk when all of this is over.”

“Me, too.” Despite the flash of guilt for their deception, he kept his smile in place.

Cici was the middle sister. She had hair so bright red that it couldn’t possibly be natural, though it looked good against her pale skin and the freckles dotting her nose. She wore no makeup and had opted for a pair of slacks and a blouse instead of a dress. She wasn’t polished like her sisters—more natural, down-to-earth.

Delaney had dark blond hair and blue eyes. She seemed quieter than the others, shy even, and more interested in chatting with Peri than getting to know him.

And then there was Kenzie. She was the youngest, probably in her early twenties, with long chestnut hair and eyes the same golden brown as Alyssa’s. He thought he saw freckles, like her older sister Cici, though Kenzie had tried to hide them with makeup. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun, and she wore a sundress that looked comfortable and casual. When he stuck out his hand to her, she eyed it, amused, before she shook it. “I can’t wait to hear this story.”

He let out a nervous laugh that was more than just for show. What would Alyssa tell her sisters about him later, when the whole story came out?

The answer that presented itself was not at all pleasant.

“Caleb, this way.” She slipped her fingers into the crook of his elbow, and he beckoned Peri, who’d been following along, greeting people withhow-do-you-do’slike a perfect little gentlewoman.

Had Megan taught her that? Or his parents?

He was ashamed that it hadn’t been him. Before today, he’d only ever introduced her to his family and Alyssa.

Alyssa stopped in front of an older couple surrounded by people about their same age.

A woman broke away from a conversation and, seeing Alyssa, pulled her into a quick hug. “Beautiful girl, I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me too.” Alyssa turned to Callan. “Caleb, I’d like you to meet my mother, Evelyn Wright.”

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