Page 118 of Four Fiances & I

“I think we have more chance of hell freezing over,” I chuckle under my breath.

“Your dad will be down there, so anything’s possible.”

I laugh, looking at my bodyguard grinning whilst we pull into the property. The two of us have formed a good working relationship, which has developed over time. When Mykela started, she was all business, but slowly, she has begun to relax a little, and when together, the banter is fun.

Looking up at the house, nothing looks any different than when I left it this morning. The two guards outside the front are in full view, and I know two are in the trees. No unrecognisable cars are parked up front, which signifies that whatever has happened may not have happened here.

“Want me to come in with you?” Mykela offers as she pulls around the back of the house, next to a white van. Looking up at the ladder beside the house, I can see where they are fixing Jasmine’s window after last night.

“Nah, you go to the security hub and see if Terry needs you for anything. If I’m going to be here for the rest of the day, I’ll let you know so you can shoot off.” I catch her nodding as I climb out of the car and head to the back door.

“Call me if you need anything, though,” she calls as her window opens. “Even if just to talk.”

“Thanks, will do!” I call back as I let myself in.

The first thing I notice is how quiet the house is. Mrs Brown isn’t in the kitchen, and I don’t see anyone walking through the house. I have no idea where everyone is, but I head to the sitting room first, knowing that’s the most likely place where everyone will gather.

Walking into the room, I’m greeted by four sombre faces. Jason is pacing around with his phone in his hand, Christian is behind Jasmine's desk on the phone, and Jasmine is curled up on Maximus’s lap with her teddy and blanket. It's a sure sign that she’s overwhelmed and struggling with her emotions.

“Are you okay, Princess?” I ask, walking over to her. She shakes her head as Maximus kisses her hair.

“Sit with Sean, Shorty,” he whispers into her hair before looking at me. “I’ll get you a drink.”

Maximus leans back, allowing me to scoop her into my arms and sit with her on my lap, holding her close as she leans into me. Running my hand up and down her thigh, I can feel her shaking slightly. Her hold on her teddy is tight, and her breathing is ragged, like she’s on the verge of tears or is recovering from them. Pressing soft kisses to her head, I remind myself that whatever’s happened, she’s here in my arms, where I can protect her from whatever is trying to hurt her. I just wish I was able to protect her psychologically as well.

“Does someone want to tell me what’s going on?” I ask, looking around at my brothers as Maximus walks over with two fingers worth of bourbon for me. “Is it that bad?” I ask, taking it.

“Worse,” Jasmine whispers.

“The wedding’s off.”

As the words leave my eldest brother's mouth, Jasmine shakes in my arms again, and I hold her as she starts to cry silently.

“Wish to elaborate?” I ask, watching Christian and Jason sit on the opposite sofa from me and Maximus sit on the other.

“Today alone, the florist, dress shop and hotel have been attacked,” Maximus answers, sipping his drink.

“What? How?”

“The florist called first to say that their warehouse’s air purifier had been contaminated, which resulted in all the flowers for the wedding being destroyed,” Christian explains, placing his right ankle on his left knee and sitting back on the sofa. He looks exhausted, and so does Jason when I turn my attention to him.

“Jazzy went to the boutique to pick up the dresses with the girls, but Layton had to lock the whole place down. The dresses had been covered in what we believe is blood.”

“What the fuck?” Why would anyone do something like that? It’s one thing to destroy the dresses, but a complete other to cover them in blood.

“It was horrible; the dresses are ruined, and the poor women who work there were traumatised,” Jasmine whispers, her voice wobbling through the tears.

“Did they know it was blood?” I ask, but Jasmine shakes her head.

“I told them it must be dye that looks like blood, but I could tell. I think the others could as well.”

“I’m so sorry, Princess; I know you loved your dress,” I whisper into her hair, kissing the top of her head.

“It was a beautiful choice and I can see why you were so excited because of it,” Jason adds from across the room.

“So, what's happened at the hotel?” I ask, not missing how Christian, Jasmine and Jason all turn their attention to Maximus.

“I went to give them the heads up about extra security and that Logan and Drew would pop in to see what was needed. But when I arrived, there were workmen everywhere. The manager explained there had been a burst pipe overnight. The whole area we have booked for the wedding, blessing and reception has been damaged, and there is no way they can have it ready for the weekend.”

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