Page 111 of Stuck with my Boss Daddies

Kai was struggling to tie down a flapping canvas.

“Need a hand?” I called, already moving toward him.

“Could use one,” he gritted out, bracing against the wind.

Together, we yanked the tarp down, securing it with thick ropes. The storm had gone from an autumn breeze to something fierce in minutes, and the air smelled like rain.

As soon as Kai’s stall was as locked down as it was going to get, we exchanged a look. No words needed. We both turned toward the chaos unfolding around us.

Vendors scrambled to grab their wares.

Families rushed to gather up their kids, their laughter turning to startled cries as the wind sent hay bales tumbling and rattled the festival lanterns hanging above.

The band had stopped playing, the music replaced with the sounds of people shouting to be heard over the rising storm.

“Over there!” Kai pointed toward an older man struggling to pull his cart out of the way before the wind overturned it completely.

We sprinted across the square, each grabbing a side of the cart and heaving it toward the nearest building for shelter. The man gave us a grateful nod before hurrying inside, slamming the door against the wind.

Lightning cracked across the sky, illuminating the square for a heartbeat before the thunder followed, deep and rumbling. The first drops of rain splattered against the cobblestones.

“We need to clear the square before this gets worse,” I said, scanning the crowd. “Where’s Adam?”

Kai looked around, eyes sharp. “He was with Sadie.”

That sent a jolt through me. I searched the mass of people, trying to catch a glimpse of her mahogany-colored hair or the soft blush of her dress.

Instead, I spotted Lila, Jace tucked protectively against her chest, as she ushered Aurora and Evie toward shelter.

I caught Jaxon’s eye, and he gave me a quick nod—he had them covered.

The wind picked up again, and a wooden sign broke free, crashing into a nearby stall with a sharp crack. People flinched, moving faster now, trying to get to safety.

A little girl stood frozen near one of the game booths, her wide eyes locked onto the scattered prizes blowing across the square. Her mother was a few stalls away, running toward her, yelling her name, but the girl wasn’t moving.

“Got her!” I shouted, already moving. I sprinted through the wind, dodging debris, and scooped the little girl up just as another strong gust sent a metal chair skidding dangerously close.

She let out a whimper, her tiny arms wrapping around my neck. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” I murmured, shielding her as best I could from the rain.

I carried her to her mother, who pulled her into a fierce embrace, her face crumpling with relief. “Thank you,” she breathed.

“Get inside,” I told her. “Now.”

She didn’t hesitate, clutching her daughter tight as she ran toward one of the shops, taking people in.

Kai barely had time to nod before a frantic voice cut through the storm. “Help! I need help over here!”

We both turned toward the sound. Harriet was struggling to keep her canopy from ripping free. Her small frame was nearly lifted off the ground as she clung to one of the support poles.

“I’ll get her!” Kai shouted over the wind, already pushing forward.

I hesitated for half a second before another sound pulled my attention in the opposite direction—the sharp, panicked whinny of a horse.

I turned just in time to see the festival’s pony ride in chaos. One of the smaller ponies, spooked by the wind, had managed to break loose, its reins dragging in the dirt as it reared up in fear.

The handler was trying to calm the others, but this one was bolting straight toward a cluster of people scrambling for shelter.

I took off at a sprint.

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