My racing thoughts flew right out of my head as soon as I saw the man who’d just entered the ballroom. Black hair slicked back, tall, and wearing a military dress uniform that fit him like a glove, he stole the attention of anyone who laid eyes on him.
His eyes, however, were fixated on me.
“You clean up nicely,” Maddox said once reaching me. “For a muffin.”
“Well, if it isn’t Captain Smolder, here to set fire to everyone’s hearts,” I said. “And nether regions.”
Maddox barked out a laugh before tugging me closer. “The only heart I care about is yours.” He took me in, his gaze roaming my face. “You look breathtaking, sweetheart.”
“So do you.” Butterflies swarmed my belly. “No one can take their eyes off you.”
“Let them look.” Maddox took hold of my jaw and angled my face up. “Let them see who I belong to.”
And then, he kissed me. I melted against him.
“What have I told you about sharing?” another voice said.
Maddox made a soft growling sound against my mouth before pulling back and looking at Briar. Any smart-ass remark he’d been about to make died on his lips. A sudden softness took him over. “I suppose you clean up nicely too, physician.”
Briar more than ‘cleaned up nicely.’ Where Maddox was like sex on legs, devilishly handsome and full of smolder, Briar was elegant and so damn beautiful it made my chest ache. He wore a simple black suit, but it was tailored to his tall, lean body to perfection. His light-brown hair had been combed back, but a strand fell forward, falling over the top of his glasses.
“Such a lovely shade on you,” Briar said as his hazel eyes raked up and down my body. He stepped closer and touched my cheek. “Both the outfit and this endearing blush in your cheeks.”
He then kissed me, probably making that blush worsen. Especially when we pulled apart and I noticed all the eyes on us.
The ballroom was mainly filled with the castle staff who were making sure everything was organized and ready for the guests to arrive. Some were the women I’d caught ogling Maddox on several occasions, giggling and whispering to each other when he passed by them.
What were they thinking? Maybe wondering why someone average like me had snagged two highly sought after hotties like Maddox and Briar. I wouldn’t blame anyone, if so. I wondered the same most days. But I didn’t care.
They loved me, and I loved them, and that’s all that mattered.
“I wish Lake was here,” I said.
“I know.” Briar touched the protection stone around my neck. “But a part of him is still with you.”
“Yeah.” My voice was thick. “After the ball, we can all go home to him. Bring him some snacks too.”
Maddox smiled before pulling me in for another kiss. A different set of lips then pressed to mine. They were taking turns kissing me. And fuck if it didn’t make my knees weak.
“Duty calls,” Maddox said. “I need to do a perimeter check before the guests arrive.” He looked at Briar. “You really do look nice.”
“Thank you,” Briar responded. “As do you.”
Maddox glided his knuckles along Briar’s cheek before lowering his hand and walking away. Briar touched his cheek and softly smiled after him. I grabbed his arm and rested my head on his bicep. I loved their affection for each other.
Within the hour, nobles began spilling into the ballroom. Some were announced upon their arrival, and they descended the grand staircase, dressed in elegant suits and lavish gowns and adorned with extravagant jewelry.
“Court physician,” a woman greeted Briar. Gray streaked through her brown hair, and she had the kind of face I always connected to strict teachers who’d swat you with a ruler if you misbehaved. “I’m from the academy of healing arts.”
“Ah, yes,” Briar said. “Professor Madeline, correct? I remember you from my last lecture.”
“You remember me?” Madeline touched her chest. “I’m honored.”
I caught the flirty little gleam in her eyes and pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. Poor Briar probably had no clue she wanted his D. Unfortunately for her, that D was mine.
The two of them became engrossed in conversation before a man joined them. Several of the academy professors, at least those with a high standing in the community, had been invited to the ball that evening.
“I apologize,” Briar whispered as he leaned over to me. “This will only be a moment.”
