“You’re early,” I hear James say as he walks into the kitchen. He’s still in the same clothes from last night, and I blush at the reminder.
“Traffic was good, so I made it here quicker than I thought,” the Viking god explains.
I peer over at James, and I notice his eyes have darkened. Desire pools in my lower abdomen—he’s jealous and I think I like it.
In a voice so unlike his, he says, “Morning, Raven.”
“Morning,” I squeak.
“Ah, so you’re the wonderful Raven that I’ve heard so much about the last eighteen years but have never met?” the Viking asks, jumping around on the balls of his feet like a kid.
“Erm, yeah?” It comes out as a question because I have absolutely no clue who this man is.
He stops bouncing and holds out his hand as he introduces himself, “Theo.”
His name clicks, and I smile, rushing over to take his hand. “Theo. I’ve heard so much about you as well. It’s so lovely to finally meet you.”
He pulls me in for a hug, completely taking me off guard, and I hear a low growl behind me. “Get your fucking hands off her.”
Theo pulls back slightly, a shit-eating grin plastered across his face as his eyes twinkle. He hauls me in for another hug as he says, “Mmm, you smell incredible. Like leather and smoke.”
I freeze in his arms.
“Theo. I’m not going to ask you again,” James warns, his tone low and dark.
Dad starts laughing. “Ease up, James. Theo’s just messing around. This protecting my daughter thing has gone to your head a bit too much.” He slaps him on his shoulder as James nervously chuckles.
Theo releases me, giving me a wink before heading to the fridge. “Got any food?”
I glance over at James, who pinches the bridge of his nose. “It’s too early for your shit, dickwad,” he grumbles.
I laugh at the pair of them; they’re like a comedy show with their banter. I’ve never seen this side of James before. I’ve seen the sweet side, the dominant side, and the grumpy side, but never this. Just another thing to add to the reasons why I’m so head over heels in love with him.
“Do I need to make myself scarce today?” I ask as I sip on my now lukewarm coffee, grimacing at the taste.
“Yes—” Dad starts at the same time James says, “I think?—”
Dad gives James a weird look before turning his gaze back to me. “We have some things to discuss with Theo, pumpkin. Did you want to catch up with Mia?”
I nod. “Yeah, I can see what she’s up to.” I peer over at James. “I need some new… clothes.” His pupils blow wide at my suggestion, but my dad pulls us out of our heated exchange.
“Erm, I wouldn’t use the credit cards at the moment.” He clears his throat, his face going red and his eyes cast down.
“That’s okay, I can stay home.” I shrug, not bothered. “I can get some reading done.”
Dad smiles gratefully at me from across the room.
I’m rinsing my cup in the sink, just about to put it in the dishwasher, when I feel a body brush up behind me. I glance over at my dad, but his back is to us as he talks to Theo.
James presses up against me. “Clothes, huh?” he whispers in my ear.
“Uh, huh.” He knows I’m full of shit; most of my stuff has migrated here over the last few weeks. “Gotta keep things interesting.”
Something cold and hard slides into my hand. When I look down, I notice it’s a credit card. “Spoil yourself, pretty girl. You can show me later.” He winks before looking over his shoulder. Seemingly happywith whatever it was he’s looking for, he leans down and places a quick kiss on my lips. I groan as he pulls away, wanting more.
Theo coughs. “Come on, big boy, leave the poor girl alone. She needs a real man.”
“Like fuck are you a real man,” James grumbles. “More like a cunt with long hair.”
