Page 87 of Pastel Kisses

“We’ll guard the fridge with our lives,” Kam assures her.

She leans into each of us as Jaxton leads her around the table, offering quick goodnights and kisses on cheeks. She presses her lips to my forehead when I lean forward and grip her hand gently.

“Sleep tight, Bee,” I whisper.

She nods, eyes fluttering half-shut already, then lets Jaxton guide her to the door. He throws one last glance over his shoulder before they disappear into the hallway, mouthing a quietgot herlike we don’t already know.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Avery

When we step back into the suite, I immediately notice someone standing near the door—tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a suit that practically screamssecurity detail. One of the men the guys hired, no doubt. He stands with his hands clasped in front of him, posture alert, but there’s no tension in his presence. Just quiet, practiced calm.

He nods respectfully toward Jaxton. “Sir, there’s a housekeeper finishing up in the kitchen. She should be done in ten.” A quick glance at his watch confirms it, and he gives a crisp nod, like he’s mentally checking off a task.

My brow lifts. “Housekeeper?”

Before I can spiral with questions, Jaxton steps closer and rests his warm palm over the swell of my belly, anchoring me instantly. He leans in, presses a soft kiss to my cheek, then turns his head toward the security guard. “Thanks, Vic,” he says smoothly, dismissing him with a subtle nod.

When the door clicks closed behind him, Jaxton’s full attention shifts to me, his voice dropping to that low, steady tone that always makes me feel grounded.

“Kam hired one of the hotel staff to work exclusively for us. She comes in while we’re out—cleans, tidies, resets the space. We made a promise, baby. That you’d feel safe.Besafe. This is just one more way we’re keeping that promise.”

The tension I hadn’t realized I was holding begins to unwind. I nod slowly, letting my eyes flick toward the kitchen before settling back on him. It’s still an adjustment—having people in my space, even vetted ones—but with the guys, everything always feels intentional. Thoughtful.

Then, just like that, Jaxton flashes one of his trademark smirks, the one that always makes my heart flutter and my eyes roll in equal measure.

“Now,” he says, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, “go get comfy. You know what I’m talking about—those sexy little silky penguin shorts Liam picked out? Yeah. Those. Put ’em on and prance around a little for me.” He winks, backing toward the kitchen. “I’ll take care of the housekeeper.”

I snort, unable to help the laugh that escapes. “You’re shameless.”

“And you love it,” he tosses over his shoulder.

I do. God help me, I really do.

As I turn toward the bedroom, my hand instinctively cradles the underside of my belly. The baby gives a gentle nudge in return, and my smile deepens.

The silk set slides over my skin like a whisper—cool, soft, and undeniably luxurious. Liam’s taste is… specific. The top barely skims the underside of my breasts, riding high over my bump like it wasmeantto show it off. And knowing him? It probably was.

I glance at myself in the mirror, lips twisting into something between a smirk and a sigh. My belly is front and center, full and round, stretching the fabric to its limits. I tug the hem once—pointless—and give up entirely. If anything, I’m more amused than annoyed. Liam clearly wanted the bump on display.

Still, I hesitate at the bedroom door, unsure whether I really want to deal with people right now. My energy’s been so up and down lately, and the thought of casual small talk—or worse, pretending to be unaffected—makes my stomach flip. But then I remind myself: this issafe. Controlled. The people here aremine. If I can’t ease back into the world surrounded by love, when can I?

I tug on my robe, tie it loosely over the silk set, and make my way down the hall.

As soon as I step into the kitchen, I catch the tail end of Jaxton’s voice—smooth and polite but edged with that clipped finality he reserves for uncomfortable situations.

“I appreciate it, but you’ve already done enough for today. Really.”

My eyes land on the housekeeper.

She’s standing a little too close. Her body angled toward him like he’s the one thing in the room worth orbiting. Her smile is bright, teeth flashing like a sales pitch, and her hand lingers on the countertop—just shy of his.

He doesn't see me yet, but I pause in the doorway anyway, watching.

The housekeeper isn’t picking up on any of the cues Jaxton’s sending—his calm tone, the gentle distance he keeps. If anything, she’s leaning in farther, fluttering her lashes and pretending to check the supplies on the counter.

My jaw clenches, and I roll my shoulders back.Nope. Not today.

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