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“I think some space is needed and I don’t want them doing anything under my roof.”
“This is my house too, isn’t it?” Lottie asked.
Regent’s eyes widened. “Of course, it is.”
“Then I can have whomever I want stay over. I’m not some young teenager, Reggie.” Lottie rose and went to her brother. Liam wanted to pull her back, but he forced himself to let her go. She knelt in front of her brother. “I know you want to protect me, and I love you for it. But when I’m with them, I feel safe. Protected.”
“You don’t feel that with us?” Regent asked stiffly.
“Of course, I do. But you shouldn’t dedicate your life to taking care of me. And the truth is, you’re all so busy. I want something more than sitting at home while life happens around me.”
“It’s late,” Victor said. “Be hard to find a hotel now.”
Regent turned to look at him. “You support this?”
Victor frowned. “Lottie’s right. She’s not a child. She’s smart. Although she is naive.” He looked to Liam and Nico warningly. “And she will not be pushed into anything she’s not ready for.”
“We would never do that,” Liam replied stiffly.
“You’re asking for a lot of trust,” Regent said.
“I trust them. Doesn’t that say a lot?” she asked.
“If they’re here, then you can keep an eye on them better,” Victor pointed out.
Liam scowled. “We’re not fucking teenagers driven by hormones.”
Regent grunted, not looking convinced.
“She’s different, changing,” Victor said to Regent. “She stepped out of the house on her own today. I think you should give them a chance.”
“Lottie is ours,” Liam growled. He’d had enough of this. They didn’t need fucking permission. But Nico put his hand on his arm warningly, while Victor sent him a glare.
Right. Fuck. He was trying to help.
“I just want to do what’s best for you, darling.”
“Then you’ll let them stay. You raised me to be smart and take what I wanted. I’m who I am because of you. You’re more of a parent to me than anyone. I adore you. Please be okay with this.”
Because she was going to do it anyway.
The words were unsaid but he saw Regent acknowledge them in his head.
“Fine. You can stay.” Regent scowled at them. “But fucking hurt her, either of you and . . .”
“We’re fish food, got it,” Nico said, but there was a smile dancing on his lips, and he stood, opening his arms. Lottie rose and rushed into them. He spun her in his arms while she giggled.
Liam watched Regent and Victor as she laughed. Their faces displayed their shock and he thought for a moment, he caught a glimpse of tears in Regent’s eyes. But he must have imagined that because the other man gave him a stern look as he stood.
“Bed time,” Regent ordered. “Separate beds.”
Liam just smiled. Oh, Regent could dictate all he liked. But Lottie had just told them all that she loved them and was theirs.
And nobody got between Liam and those that belonged to him.
“Come, baby. We’ll walk you to your room.” Liam held out a hand to her.
“Actually, I’d like a word,” Regent said smoothly.
