Page 36 of My Fantasy Daddies

“My girl, we’re so proud of you,” Papa said in French as he kissed my cheek.“Look at you, all grown up.Graduating with so many honors.Going off to one of the best colleges.Making plans to do amazing things to change the world.That’s the strong girl we raised.”

My gaze drifted over his shoulder to Astro and Otto, giving them a secret smile that they returned before going back to their vigilance of the crowd.I was the strong girltheyhad raised, but we wouldn’t argue about that.Not when the three of us, the ones who mattered the most, knew the truth.

“Lia, we’re so proud of you too,”Mamangushed, including her with a hug.“Your valedictorian speech was truly moving.Eloise was sobbing by the end of it.”

I jolted at the mention of my sister’s name.“Eloise is here?”

Astro and Otto moved in closer beforeMamancould blow out a resigned sign.“Of course she’s here, Esme.She’s going to introduce all of us to her boyfriends.I told you, she’s dating.We thought it would be the perfect time to get everyone together since you are finally letting us meet your men.”

That was something I wouldn’t forget.When my mother had texted me to give me the few details she’d discovered about my sister’s new relationship, I’d been relieved.With Eloise moving on from Benson and my other two daddies, I didn’t have to deal with her delusions regarding my men.

Regardless of her relationship status, however, I’d hoped she would skip my graduation ceremony.An afternoon celebrating my accomplishments with my loved ones without her crazy ass antagonizing me didn’t seem like a big ask.But apparently it had been.

I forced a smile that was more for Amelia’s sake than anyone else’s.“Great.Sounds like one big happy party.”

“Trevor!”Amelia called, relief in her voice.She lifted her hand to wave him over, her huge engagement ring and wedding band sparkling in the sunlight.We’d all flown to Vegas the week before for their quickie wedding.She was so happy, she was glowing, and that was only half because she was pregnant.I loved that she was getting her happily-ever-after with Trevor.

“Lia, what is this?”Mamanasked with a dramatic gasp, grasping Amelia’s hand.

Pink filled her cheeks.“Oh, um… Well… You see…”

Trevor slid his arm around her waist, drawing my parents’ gazes to him.“Amelia is my wife.”

Excited congratulations erupted from them while I returned to searching the crowd for my daddies—and now, my sister as well.That queasy feeling intensified.Eloise was there somewhere, and so were my men.But none of them was in front of me.Just imagining them breathing the same air made my skin feel too tight.

What if they saw her and they changed their minds about wanting me?

What if she manipulated them into thinking I was a terrible person, not worthy of their love?

What would I do if they loved her more than they loved me?

Daddies…

I didn’t know if I thought it or if the word spilled past my lips, but when Astro touched my arm, I was startled back to reality.Inhaling deeply, I calmed myself, and as I slowly blew out the breath, I saw the three men walking toward me.

Everything around us faded away.All I saw was the three of them, their predatory gazes on me, their strides full of purpose.People stepped aside, making way for them as they approached.Vaguely, I was aware ofMamanand Papa going abruptly quiet, but I was too focused on Malcolm, Parker, and Benson to care what had caught their attention.

And then Eloise was suddenly there, walking past me and straight up to Parker.Breathing the same air as him.

Don’t do it, Esme.

She simpered and giggled as her hands slid up his chest encased in the dress shirt I’d chosen for him to wear.I breathed in slowly.He flinched back from her, putting distance between them, but she was already moving on, doing the same thing to Benson.

Don’t react.

Her right leg lifted in that age-old foot-pop move as she looked back at Papa.I bit the inside of my cheek so hard I tasted blood.“This is my boyfriend, Parker Tatum.And my other boyfriend, Benson Crawford.”

A laugh bubbled out of me before I could contain it.Eloise looked right at me, her grin dimming before she forced it to grow bigger.“Benson and I are getting married, actually.”

Don’t do it.

“No, we fucking are not!”Benson roared, revulsion twisting across his face before his gaze shot straight to me.I saw pain in his eyes and a dose of fear, as if he was terrified I believed her.“Angel.”

Around us, the dull roar of chatter stopped, and people turned to look at us.I could feel everyone watching us, but our audience didn’t matter.All I cared about was untangling them from Eloise and going home.

“Do not talk to my sister!”Eloise screeched, releasing her hold on his shirt to slap both of her hands down on his chest.Once.Twice.He took a step back, putting much-needed and wanted distance between them.

Her blond curls tangled around her face, and I hoped our parents got her some therapy.Maybe some meds.No judgment.But she needed help—and to get the hell away from my daddies and me.

---