Page 41 of Secured By the Buyer

What kind of irresistible beauty could sway all three brothers?

As I focus on stirring my tea with the tiny spoon, the sound of footsteps draws my attention.

Jade saunters in, a mischievous grin plastered on his face as he holds aloft a tray of sandwiches. “Look what I stole from Mom. Nicked them right out from under her nose.”

Over the last few days, Liam has given me a basic education on the Rockford family, so I know Nolan is one of his cousins. And Jade already told me he’s the son of their housekeeper, who everyone fears. I have yet to meet the formidable woman, but the meals she sends up to our suite are to die for.

“Gimme!” Leo makes a move to grab them all for himself.

“Sharing is caring, Leo.” Jade lifts it out of reach.

Leo pouts and settles onto the settee that faces my chair.

Jade holds the tray out to me. “On the left, we have peanut butter and spicy pickle sandwiches, and on the right, we have plain turkey and cheddar.”

The sour knot in my stomach prevents me from considering a bite. “I had some snacks earlier with the stylist.”

Jade grins at me. “Your appearance is much improved since our first meeting.”

“Thanks.” My fingers curl tighter around the delicate teacup in my hands.

This isn’t how I expected my glow-up to go.

Jade nudges Nolan out of the way, plopping down beside Leo on the couch and passing the smaller man the entire tray of sandwiches. The easy way they interact makes it obvious they’re close, and it’s clear Nolan only has eyes for his husband.

It leaves me as the third wheel in this intimate family gathering. I should have stayed where Liam left me. Then I wouldn’t be experiencing all thesefeelings.

Small talk fills the space, words I barely register as my mind races, fueled by frustration and anxiety. If this is going to be my life from now on, I might go crazy. I wasn’t made for tea times and finger foods.

Jade’s voice breaks through my swirling thoughts. “How are you settling in, Milo?”

Leo jumps on the topic with excitement. “Tell us all about your whirlwind romance with Liam.”

Confused, my mouth opens before Nolan catches my attention and shakes his head with a scowl. While everyone else may know the truth behind my arrival, they kept Leo in the dark.

Does he not know what the family business is? Or do they worry about how his pregnancy affects his emotions so much? His stomach is so big. Is he one more bawl away from popping out that baby?

“Well…” I begin, searching for a response to satisfy Leo without revealing the whole story. “Liam and I bumped into each other by accident, and then we met again later at an auction.”

Nolan’s expression darkens, while Jade grabs a sandwich, taking a bite as he leans back, clearly interested to hear how I’ll spin this.

Leo bounces with excitement, making Nolan grab his teacup before it spills. “What kind of auction?”

“It was for a date,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Liam spent way too much to ensure no one else won me, and we’ve been inseparable since.”

Leo sighs, twisting to look up at his husband, who wipes the scowl off his face. “Isn’t thatromantic?” he coos, filling me with guilt for lying. “It must have been love at first sight.”

His cherubic face scrunches as he glares up at Nolan. “Your brothers better not try the same stunt with Milo that they did with me.”

Curiosity piqued, I ask, “What did they pull with you?”

“The whole family gathered and tried to buy me off,” Leo says, his displeasure clear. “They only offered me fifty thousand.”

“Well, I don’t think that will be an issue.” I stir my tea. “Not after Liam paid one-hundred and eighty-five thousand for me.”

Jade chokes on his sandwich.

Leo passes him a napkin and grins at me. “I hope it was for a worthy cause.”

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