Page 300 of Tempted By her Daddies

“I, well, um . . .” The older woman turned to look at Alexei. “Are you ill, Alexei?”

“No. I just, uh, frog in my throat.” He was actually starting to turn red.

“He keeps saying that, but I’m not sure I believe him.” She frowned at Alexei.

“I think he really does just have a frog in his throat,” Salem said gently as he stepped forward and took hold of her arm. “Why don’t we sit down and I’ll introduce you to everyone.”

“I guess so. I really do think this outfit is nice and I’m sure you’ll do even better next time. Maybe a bit of color would be good.”

“Thank you,” Salem told her, obviously grateful for her feedback.

She sat on the free sofa and Salem and Roman flanked her while Alexei stood behind them. She turned to look up at him and he winked at her.

“Are you sure you feel all right? That you don’t need to go home?”

“Never better, Bunny. And I wouldn’t leave now if you paid me.”

Well, she wouldn’t be doing that since she had no money. When she turned back around, both of the younger women were staring at her.

That was odd.

Was it her outfit?

“He really did try his best,” she defended Salem.

Weren’t these people his family? They could be a bit nicer.

“Did he really buy it for you?” the dark-haired one asked. She glared over at Salem’s brothers. “Con, how come you never buy me clothes? Huh? Look what Salem bought for his girl. And it’s designer!”

“It is?” She stared down at the cardigan.

“Yeah, that top is worth, like?—”

Salem cleared his throat, interrupting the woman. “That’s enough, Erica.”

“Salem, it’s kind of rude to interrupt someone,” she said quietly. “And are you feeling all right? You don’t have Alexei’s frog in your throat, do you?”

“No, I’m fine. And it’s not nice to talk about the value of a gift.” He shot Erica a look.

“No, it’s not,” his father agreed. He leaned forward with a kind smile. “I think you look lovely, dear. I’m Jad, Salem’s dad. And this is his mother, Sara.”

“Hi, nice to meet you both. I’m Tamsyn.”

“Welcome to our house. These are my other sons, David and his girlfriend, Charlene. And Con and his girlfriend, Erica.”

“Salem really bought you those clothes?” Erica asked with a sigh. “They’re so nice. Con never buys me clothes.”

“Hey, I bought you a jacket the other day,” Con complained.

“It was a rain poncho and it cost you a pound,” Erica replied. “That cardigan is epic. Bloody hell, Salem, I never knew you had such good taste. I need you to get me for Secret Santa.”

“Secret Santa?” she asked, feeling confused as Salem’s mum disappeared.

“It’s what we do at Christmas,” Salem explained. “We each draw out a name and that’s who we have to buy for.”

“That sounds fun. Can we do that?” she asked.

Where would you find the money for a gift?

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