Page 103 of Kept by her Daddies (Harem of Daddies)

“Ian has been worried about you too,” she told him. “He and Jack found you. Ian’s been here with me the whole time.”

Ian placed his hand on the back of her neck, squeezing lightly as though lending her his support. He probably thought she was rambling out of nervousness.

Which was kind of true.

“Everything looks good,” the nurse said. “I suspect you’re feeling sore and tired. Just rest and relax. The doctor will do his evening rounds soon.”

“Thank you, dear,” Uncle Willy replied, already sounding tired. “Looks like I’m in excellent hands. Maggie? We need to contact the queen and Princess Pippa. Let them know this won’t delay anything.”

“I’ve spoken to Prince Kassim,” Ian reassured her uncle. “He said to rest. There’s still eleven days until the wedding.”

“The show must go on.” Uncle Willy closed his eyes, falling asleep. “I’ll be fine in a few days.”

Relief almost made her feel dizzy. She slumped forward, resting her head on the mattress.

“Hey, Little Misfit. You doing all right?” Ian asked.

“Just happy he woke up and spoke to me.” She straightened, staring at Ian. “Thanks for staying with me.”

“Of course. I’m not going anywhere,” he said quietly.

“You don’t have to be quiet. Uncle Willy can sleep through a volcano eruption. I once had to wake him when we were staying in a hotel and the fire alarm went off. It’s crazy how deep he sleeps.”

He stared down at her for a long moment. The look in his eyes wasn’t something she’d seen before. He seemed soft. Caring. But hungry at the same time.

He kneeled in front of her and she leaned into him. It happened almost without conscious thought. His lips brushed hers with a softness she didn’t know he could display. His hands cupped her face and he held her steady as his mouth pressed against hers.

His tongue slid between her lips, teasing. Tasting.

More. She wanted more. She slid her hand behind his head, her fingers tangling in his hair.

An alarm sounded from outside the room, making her jolt, and she suddenly realized what they were doing.

Making out while her uncle slept beside them.

This was not her greatest moment.

“I’m sorry,” she said at the same time as Ian started apologizing.

“I shouldn’t have done that,” he said.

Great. That was what every girl wanted to hear. A man regretting kissing her.

And, of course, it just had to be the best kiss she’d ever experienced.

Why couldn’t a nice guy who wanted to be with her, to worship her, kiss her like that?

Sometimes, the world just wasn’t fair.

“I, um, it was my fault.”

“No. It wasn’t. I took advantage of you when you were vulnerable. That’s not acceptable.”

Right. Cool. Good talk.

“I can’t . . . let’s just . . . I can’t . . .”

Apparently what she couldn’t do was spit out an entire sentence.

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