Page 4 of Protected By the SEAL
MORGANA
Morgana!”
I turn to find my mother approaching, her mouth curved downward with disapproval. She looks me up and down, her eyes lingering on my stomach and hips, even though I know this dress is flattering. It hugs my curves in a tasteful and flattering way.
“Hi, Mom.”
“I didn’t know you were bringing someone.” Her tone suggests this is somehow a personal failing on my part.
Kane’s hand slides to my waist, pulling me against his side. “Ma’am. Kane Williams. It’s nice to see you again.”
My mother’s eyes sharpen as she takes him in. I can see her recalibrating, trying to figure out how someone like me landed someone like him.
“Again? Have we met before?”
“Briefly, years ago. I’ve been friends with Morgana since high school.”
“Friends.” She says it like she thinks he’s lying. “And now you’re together?”
Kane smiles and puts his arm around my shoulders, and I have to suppress a smile as I watch my mom look confused, because she clearly thinks Kane is way, way out of my league.
Before my mother can interrogate us further, Aunt Carol appears with a few of my cousins trailing behind her.
“Morgana! You look so healthy! Have you been eating well?”
The word “healthy” lands like a slap. I know what she means. She means I’ve gained weight since she last saw me. She means I’m not as thin as Belinda or my cousins. She means I’m not trying hard enough.
My whole body tenses and heat prickles under my skin, shame and anger battling for space. I straighten my shoulders, even as I wish I could disappear.
“She looks stunning,” Kane says immediately, his voice leaving no room for argument. “As usual.”
Aunt Carol blinks at his tone, then forces a smile. “Of course.”
Some of my cousins fan out around us, wine glasses already in hand. They smile, but I remember these smiles from childhood. You’re in for trouble if you think one of their smiles is sincere.
“We haven’t seen you in ages,” Sarah says, air-kissing my cheek. “Not since Emma’s wedding.”
Where I wasn’t in the wedding party despite being family.But I don’t say that. It’s not like I wanted to be, but all the other cousins were, and it was glaringly obvious that my not being included was intentional and meant to be hurtful.
“And you have a date,” Emma adds, her gaze sliding to Kane with evident appreciation. “Good foryou.”
Before the conversation can spiral further, I hear a familiar laugh. My stomach drops.
Victor and Belinda are making their way through the crowd, greeting guests. He looks exactly the same—tall, lean, handsome. Belinda clings to his arm.
They reach our group, and Victor’s eyes find mine. Something that looks like surprise flickers across his face. I’m guessing he didn’t think I’d come.
“Morgana,” he says stiffly. “Glad you could make it.”
For a second, nostalgia tugs at me, but it fades fast. Whatever we had was gone long before we even broke up, much less moved on to Belinda.
“Victor.” I’m proud of how steady my voice sounds. “Congratulations.”
His eyes slide to Kane. “And this is...?”
“Kane Williams.” Kane extends his hand, and I notice Victor wince slightly as Kane grips his hand.
Belinda’s smile is as sharp as glass. “How wonderful! We were so worried Morgana would come alone. You know, after...” She pauses and looks Kane over, then looks at me directly. “You two make such an interesting couple.”
