Typical Toni, expressing fear and concern under the guise of scolding her.Stacy laughed as tears sprang to her eyes.She was delighted to be lectured by a woman who’d appeared to be on her way off the mortal coil too recently.
“I bet you would have appreciated some forewarning so you could hide the evidence of your nefarious activities.”She stepped back and gave the trio of Kalquorian men hovering nearby a suspicious mock-glare.
“If you count being waiting on hand and foot as nefarious, then find me guilty.Dramok Imon, Nobek Wovir, and Imdiko Feru, this is my sister, Stacy.”
“Governor, it’s an honor and a pleasure.”The dapper goateed Dramok bowed.
Stacy’s eyes narrowed at him.She was certain she recognized the twinkle of a mischief-maker in his purple eyes, thanks to her own trickster of a boyfriend, Etnil.She managed a civil nod to the feral brute of a Nobek and the sweet-faced Feru as they added their bows.
“Gentlemen.Would anyone care to tell me how long this has been going on?”
“Shorter than we would like, but longer than is proper with you unaware,” Imon said.
“She’s my sister, not my guardian,” Toni snorted.“I’m a grown-ass woman.My business is my business.”
“But your health is our concern and hers.Governor, if you’d care to come inside so Toni can sit...she really needs to rest as much as possible—”
“I agree,” Stacy told the Imdiko, but her tone was warm.“I realize how stubborn she is, but she looks incredible for how sick she’s been.”
“Stubborn?Look who’s talking,” Toni smarted.Chuckling, Imon and Wovir stepped to either side of her and took her by the arms.“Great, now the oversized nursemaids are at it again.I can walk on my own.”
“Of course you can, but we can’t stand feeling useless.”The gruff-voiced Nobek’s strong features softened a touch as he smiled indulgently at her.The men gently but firmly prodded her toward the house.
Stacy already approved of them.
Feru motioned to the door.“We’ll give you privacy for a proper reunion.What can I get you to drink?Would you like some cake, Governor?”
“Cake sounds wonderful, and I’ll have coffee.Oh, please call me Stacy.”
She found more to be impressed by regarding Clan Imon at this admittedly early stage.Toni’s sofa, which Imon and Wovir led her to and settled her on, was a snug nest of carefully arranged pillows and covers of various thicknesses, depending on how much warmth the recovering patient wanted.A pitcher of water and a pot of coffee were in reach on the nearby table.The entertainment system’s remote and a handheld were also at hand, as were a trio of bottles of medications.It was obvious a lot of thought had gone into making Toni as comfortable as possible while she recuperated in the clean, tidy living room.
Imon and Wovir murmured to Toni, asking if she were all right and if she required anything else.Feru directed Stacy to the coziest of the chairs, then brought in clean tumblers and cups after verifying the coffee in its insulated urn was still at peak temperature.“Made less than half hour ago,” he smiled at Stacy.“Now for cake, unless you’re hungry for something substantial?The pantry and cooling unit are full, so whatever you’re hungry for—”
“Cake is fine for me, thank you.”Stacy couldn’t wait to tease Toni for drawing in a doting clan after being so adamant about her disinterest in romancing a trio of men.Toni loved to claim she couldn’t find one man worth her company, so Kalquorian clans need not apply.
Imon and Wovir straightened and bowed to Stacy.“We’ll leave you two alone, but call us if you wish anything.It was a delight meeting you,” the Dramok said.As Feru hurried in carrying a tray, he spoke to his clanmate.“We’ll be on the back deck.”
“I’ll join you momentarily.”
“This looks amazing,” Stacy said, her mouth watering at the sight of a stunning triangle of golden iced cake topped by photogenic berries.“Almost too pretty to eat.”
“Then I’ll take both slices.”Toni shivered with unconcealed greed as she eyed her serving.
Feru chuckled as he poured them coffee.“Toni had no appetite for a couple of days.I’ve been pulling out all the stops to get her to eat.”
“Mowf fwum gud,” Toni garbled around her first mouthful.
“Whatever you said, don’t repeat it.You’ll choke.”To Feru, Stacy said, “Her appetite appears to have returned with a vengeance.At the rate she’s going, you’ll have to put her on a diet soon.”
Toni growled at her.
Feru laughed and bowed.“Don’t hesitate to call if either of you need me.”
Stacy didn’t miss how Toni’s gaze followed him as he left the room.She’d done the same when the other two had departed.
Partly because she wanted to fully enjoy the cake and partly because she believed Toni wouldn’t welcome conversation until she’d eaten every crumb, Stacy concentrated on the treat.The cake was luscious.The berries were at their peak ripeness.The icing had the perfect amount of sweetness.The cake itself was airy and practically melted on her tongue.
The man should open a bakery.Maybe he already has.
