Page 45 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL

“Are they best friends, too?”

“They’re not as close as Nick and Christian are, but they’re still pretty close. Caught up even during college and after when they were focused on their careers, though Evan rarely met up with them because of his training schedule. But he’s as much of a brother to them as they are to each other.”

I nod. “I get that. Honey Lee and I don’t spend much time together as adults anymore, but we’re still close. And my sister Sophia, I rarely get to speak to her because she’s so busy traveling, but whenever we do see each other…”

“It’s like no time has passed, right?”

“Right.”

We watch as Christian gets acquainted with Ella, too, and has her giggling within minutes.

“My brother’s good with kids. Did you know he didn’t approve of my relationship with Nick at first, but he warmed up to Jazzy right away? He read her a story to sleep the first night he got in town…maybe an hour after he got in town and met her.”

The image of that warms my heart.

“Yeah. He’s good with kids.”

He’s good with adults, too, even with his moods, because deep down, he has the most compassionate heart.

“If he wanted a family, I know it would make him so happy. But I guess he made his decision.”

“Yeah.”

“What about you? Do you want a family someday?”

“Oh, yes. I love kids. I want my own someday. And a nice house.” I laugh. “And a nice man, of course.”

The warmth in my heart changes into fast thuds that dull every other sound as I continue looking at him and try to convince myself that it’s not him that I’m seeing when I imagine that future family or future husband. Definitely not. Can’t be.

Absolutely forbidden thought.

“Will you be staying after, Raven?”

“What?”

“After the assignment. As soon as whatever your deal is has cleared.”

“Oh. No. I’m not staying. I’m leaving right away.”

“What if Christian asks you to stay?”

“I’m…sure he won’t.”

A prick of hurt comes at the idea, and I have to refrain from rubbing my chest. Clara studies me, torn. Then she opens her mouth, and I know the general questions are done and the next one is going to be more personal.

Before she can ask, though, a familiar voice greets everyone, and I spot Honey Lee and Aaron wandering over with a basket in hand and smiles on their faces.

“My cousin’s here.” I beam, mostly because I’m relieved. I’ve been saved by the bell, but I know the time will come when that question will haunt me again.

What if Christian asks me to stay?

I honestly don’t know my answer to that.

Chapter 15

Christian

I’m so focused on the book I’m reading that I don’t notice the time, and it’s only my watch pinging to alert me that it’s already past noon. I glance at the hallway leading to Raven’s bedroom, the door shut since breakfast and her announcing that she’s going to try to concentrate on making her new book. With my sister and her songwriting, that translates to Do Not Disturb, so I stay where I am and continue turning the pages.

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