Page 14 of The Royal in Room 3

“That’s okay. We can talk about it some more, but just so you know, the caregiver relationship isn’t inherently sexual. Many of our caregivers are just looking for someone to take care of and to guide them.”

“Oh, okay.”

Phoenix rose to his feet. “This is what we’re going to do. You’re going to follow me to the closet where we keep supplies and pick out all the clothes that you want for now. You can wash up, get dressed, then join us for breakfast, and I’ll introduce you to the rest of our angels. Afterward, we’ll go to my office and have you fill out some forms so I can get to know you a little better and see how Halo House can best help you get on your feet. How does that sound?”

“Okay.” Honestly, it all sounded great in theory, but I was still skeptical. I nodded and stood. “Thank you, Phoenix. I don’t think I said that last night. Everything’s a mess right now, and I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m feeling a little better that I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to sleep.”

His smile was warm and inviting. “You’re welcome, dear. That’s the vision of Halo House, to provide refuge for those who need it. Someone once did the same for me, and now I extend the same hand to others who need it most.”

5

JUDE

Halo House’s events were infamous, and Phoenix had gone all out on Kim’s engagement party. Her Daddy, Lucas, had offered to take care of the cost related to the evening, but Phoenix had refused. Instead, all the members of Halo House had teamed up to throw a wonderful party, both celebrating Kim as a success story of the house and the new chapter in her life.

Standing in the corner of the room, a plate of untouched appetizers in my hand, I smiled at my former little, who could barely tear herself away from her fiancé’s side. She might not have understood why I’d kept our relationship platonic while I’d been her Daddy, but seeing how happy she was, I knew I’d done the right thing. Otherwise, she would have held on to her infatuation, I would have ended up hurting her, and she might not have given her fiancé a chance, which would have been a damn shame.

The real estate mogul not only doted on her but could also provide the kind of support and stability she needed. In fact, when Kim had broken the news of her engagement to me, she’d been in tears because he’d bought a house in her name, knowing how much she feared not having a home.

I dragged my eyes away from the happy couple and scanned over the groups of people in the ballroom. Except for Tony, all the regular angels of Halo House were present. There was one face I’d expected to see—Soren, the boy who’d shown up last night—but I had yet to get a glimpse of him even though I’d been at the party for over half an hour, which was fifteen minutes longer than I’d originally planned to stick around.

Maybe he left this morning.

The thought shouldn’t have left me feeling as disappointed as it did, but there was something different about him. I didn’t necessarily want to be his Daddy, but I would have liked to learn his story.

“Jude, there you are!” Phoenix came up to me, smiling as usual. He had such a warm personality that your face automatically rearranged itself into pleasantness just for him.

“Hey, great party,” I said. “And am I seeing new sponsors?”

“Yes, aren’t we the lucky ones? And Lucas has indicated an interest in acquiring a new place for an additional Halo House.”

Kim was so lucky to have him. I’d done my own research on him when they’d started seeing each other and didn’t recall any red flags.

“That’s exciting. I know how important Halo House is to you.”

“It is, but one of the reasons we’ve done so well in making meaningful changes to the lives of our angels is that we are small enough to manage everyone properly. I’d have to give it some thought if expanding will compromise the effort.”

“I get it.” I glanced over his shoulder when I caught a glimpse of dark brown skin, but it was only Dean. “How’s it going finding care for Dean?”

“Not so well. I know he seems like one of the most social of all our guests and can charm everyone, but he lacks focus. His ADHD has improved since Doctor Vale got him the help he needs with medication.”

Aaron Vale’s brother was a doctor who worked closely with Phoenix and Halo House to provide care to the angels since they usually didn’t have health insurance.

“He’s not been here for long,” I said. “Give it time. I know you’ll figure something out.”

“Fingers crossed.”

A passing server offered us champagne, but I shook my head and gave him the plate of appetizers.

“Tony decided not to attend?” I asked carefully.

“Yes. He was feeling a bit blue today after seeing his Daddy. I suspect he’ll be leaving us soon.”

“But that’s great, right?”

“Yes, but I’ll miss him. He’s been a fixture at Halo House for so long. I’m proud of him and how far he’s come.”

“So is he upstairs alone now? Want me to check on him?”