Page 24 of Four Fiances & I

We all turn to see Mrs Brown walking into the office behind me and scooping up the puppy, giving me a wink before leaving the room. She loves that pup and has set aside time in her busy schedule to ensure he is always let out and given lots of attention when I’m not here.

I turn my attention back to Christian and catch the end of the conversation he is having on the phone.

“No worries, I will fill them in on the way to yours … not a problem, see you in twenty minutes.” He hangs up as I reach his side. Lifting onto my tiptoes, I kiss his lips quickly.

“Where are you going?” I ask as he leans back against his desk, crossing his arms over his chest. His shirt tightens around his biceps and broad chest, making me swoon just a little.

“Sean will explain. It’s his big news,” Christian answers, smiling at his brother. I turn to see Sean sitting casually on the sofa with one arm over the back, his left ankle resting on his right knee.

“What’s going on?” I ask, giving him my full attention.

“As you know, I’ve been toying with the idea of branching out into managing fighters rather than just being one,” he starts. I nod as we had a long conversation about it a month or two ago. “Well, we are heading out to sign my first fighter.”

I scream excitedly before launching myself across the room at him. Throwing my arms around his neck as I straddle his lap, I squeeze him tight as I burst with pride and admiration for this amazing man. Sean's arms wrap around my waist as he laughs.

“I am so proud of you!” I declare, meaning every word as I sit back so I can kiss him. “Why didn’t you tell me you were speaking to someone?” I demand, slapping his chest.

“Ouch! Because I didn’t think he would agree,” he laughs, rubbing where I hit him.

“Who is it?”

“Ryan Donavon,” Sean answers with a wide smile. I knew the twins had been training with him before they all went into hiding, but I had no idea it was anything serious. “He messaged me last night and told me he wanted to sign.”

I turn to Christian as I climb off Sean's lap and sit beside him.

“Is that who you are going to see?” I ask, hoping they will let me go with them so I can check in on Verity. We have only shared the odd message since she returned, and I want to check on her properly.

“It is-” Christian starts and holds up a finger to stop me when I open my mouth to speak. “Yes, you can come with us.”

Again, I squeal excitedly, launching myself at Sean and then Christian.

“Sweetheart, calm down. There are a few things you need to know before we get there,” Christian adds, taking hold of my shoulders to keep me still.

“What’s happened?” My excitement plummets as I worry for my friend.

“I will explain everything in the car. But Verity is safe. A few things came to light over the last few days, which Travis thinks you should be aware of before getting there so that you don’t say anything that may trigger her.” I nod as I blink back the burning in my eyes.

“Okay, Daddy,” I remember seeing the girls for the first time after being kidnapped. Christian had pre-warned them what had happened to me during that time to ensure they didn’t cause me any upset. I remember thinking one word about the sexual assault, and I would break all over again. The last thing I would want is to cause Verity more pain than she must be going through.

“Good girl. Go and get your coat and shoes on, and we will head straight out,” Christian kisses the top of my head as I turn towards the door.

“I’ll walk with you, Princess. I want to change my shirt,” Sean says, stepping beside me. I turn my head and nod, worried that if I open my mouth, I might be sick.

“She really is okay, I promise,” Sean takes my hand and squeezes it.

“Do you know what it is Daddy wants to tell me?”

Sean shakes his head but gives me a small smile. I know he’s trying to reassure me, but it’s not working right now.

“No, but I have spoken to Ryan and know that she was dealt a few very difficult blows, which have caused her a lot of upset. But physically, she is completely unharmed.” Sean lifts my hand and kisses my knuckles as we climb up the stairs. “She has missed you and has been wanting to see you for a couple of days now, but things have been complicated, and decisions had to be made before her daddies were happy for her to see people from outside the family.” He lets go of my hand and places an arm around her shoulder. “They weren’t trying to keep you away, but they needed to protect Verity, not from you but everything.”

I remember the way the guys protected me when I got home. No one but the doctor and anyone assisting with my care was allowed to see me. That only consisted of Mrs Brown, Terry and Layton once he was healed from his injury after being shot.

Sean and I reach the top of the stairs and part ways. I quickly change out of my yoga pants and put on some jeans and a warmer jumper. Grabbing some fur-lined boots, I pull them on before putting a jacket over my arm and rushing back down the stairs to where Christian is waiting for me.

“Ready, Sweetheart?”

“Yes, Daddy.” I know I won't stop worrying until we are in the car, and he tells me everything he knows. He must realise how anxious I am as he puts an arm around my shoulder and pulls me tightly against him. He doesn’t say anything, but he knows how important Verity is to me and how worried I have been about her the last few weeks.

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