“Well, it won’t be without its challenges,” Maddox said. “I still don’t fully trust the wolf.”
“The feeling is mutual, knight,” Lake responded. “I won’t be letting my guard down anytime soon.”
“Trust me or don’t. I couldn’t care less.” Maddox tightened the arm at my back but kept his gaze on Lake. “My only concern is for Evan.”
“I won’t hurt him,” Lake said through clenched teeth.
“Hurt himagain, you mean. Because you’ve—”
“All right,” Briar interjected. “That’s enough for one night.”
Surprisingly, both backed down. Briar was the levelheaded, mild-tempered one who helped combat their aggressive and abrasive personalities.
“Did you enjoy your muffins?” I asked Maddox. He held me tight, almost possessively. “I see that your shirt did.”
Maddox frowned at his shirt before breaking into a grin, flicking off the crumbs. He was so snarly with other people but showed me a soft side that gave me butterflies. He then placed his mouth near my ear, whispering low, “Keep being sassy and I’ll have to teach you a lesson later.”
Heat moved through my veins. “What kind of lesson? Does it involve you and your big… heart?”
“Keep giving me lip, and you’ll find out.”
“I’m not scared of you. I eat beefcakes like you for breakfast.”
He picked me up and threw me over his shoulder.
I exaggerated a sigh but couldn’t help but laugh when he spanked me. My gaze then found Lake. He stared with wide eyes, fists clenched at his sides, as if he wasn’t sure what Maddox planned to do with me.
Briar stepped over to him. “If you plan to be a part of this chaotic household, you should familiarize yourself with this.”
“Will he hurt Evan?”
“Definitely not. Though, Evan will whine and say he’s being tortured. Unfortunately for him, we love when he whines. It’s too cute.”
Maddox started to leave the parlor with me in tow but paused when we reached them beside the archway. “Say goodnight before I drag you upstairs for punishment.”
“Punishment?” I wiggled. “But I was a good muffin. I promise.”
“A rotten muffin, more like it.” Maddox swatted my ass again.
I reached for Briar, and he grabbed my hand. I then looked at Lake. “Are you sleeping over tonight?”
Maddox huffed at that.
Although nearly imperceptible, Lake’s ears fell at the sound. “I should probably go home.”
“Are you sure? I’m gonna make apple strudels for breakfast. Golden flaky pastry and apples with cinnamon and butter. Coffee too. Can’t forget the coffee.”
Lake looked at Maddox, who stared at him with his signature icy glare. “I appreciate the offer, but perhaps another time.” He then walked toward the front door.
“Wait,” I called after him, and he looked back at me. “The café will be closed tomorrow. The first day off I’ve had since opening. So there won’t be customers or anyone other than us. Will you come back over?”
He hesitated. “Perhaps.”
“Be here by sunup,” Maddox told him. “That’s not a request, wolf.”
Lake’s expression hardened. “I don’t take orders from you.”
Briar barked out a short laugh. “Dear gods, it’s like me and the captain all over again. Well, how we were in the beginning.”
