I arranged times for them to visit the old-age home I frequent and read to the elderly.I made them prepare dinner with Jake each evening instead of hiring a chef or going to a restaurant.
Instead of attending swimming practice to learn how to swim, they took it upon themselves to teach Jake.They built puzzles with him, camped out in the backyard, learned how to fish, and built a birdhouse.
I stood by and watched, my heart beating to a different tune every day.Except for the times they came too close, their breaths whispering against me or the heat of their skin brushing against mine.During those moments, my heart skipped a beat, and it took me forever to regain my balance.
Falling asleep at night proved much harder.Everything inside me felt hotter, like a fever without being sick—just restless.
Every night, I reminded myself to remember who they were and why I shouldn’t, could never, ever lose my head...or my heart over them.
But I’m also known as Ms.Practical.No unrealistic dreams for me.No falling in love with three billionaires.That would just be the opposite of being level-headed.Besides, I’m me.Boring as fudge.
The days flew by in a blur, and suddenly today is the day I leave.They passed the test.And they did so with flying colors.I couldn’t fault them if I tried.They at least deserve to keep their tech plant.
They were making their own lasagna from scratch, and Jake begged me to stay until after he went to bed, which I did.I had grown even fonder of the boy, and even though I would still see him at school every day, I was going to miss him.Terribly.
I brush aside the dull, achy feeling in my chest as I pack my things.Jake is probably passed out already.He had a very full day, and now I’m ready to leave.
I carry my bags downstairs and stop dead in my tracks.Electricity sparks off my skin.My body sizzles.My nerves flee, unable to withstand the onslaught at the sight of the three billionaires.
Why are Alexander, Levi, and Jude standing around in the foyer, seemingly blocking the door that would lead me out of here?
Why does everything feel so tense, stormy, volatile?
Chapter Thirteen
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Levi
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Idon’t know what thehell Harold thought he was doing, but the man we trusted and loved like our second father betrayed us in the worst way possible.
One of the stipulations of Tanya's plan to get us domesticated was that we could not see any woman during the three months.And what does Harold do?He brings the one woman we would burn the world to have right under our roof for seven fucking days.
We had no idea what sheer agony felt like until now.Not touching her when she was so close by killed us, but fuck, we did it.Having her near and not being able to touch her is far fucking worse than having her far away and not being able to touch her.So, we’re not letting her leave.
