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I thought this trip would be enjoyable, that it would help secure my ticket to a better life. But now I’m dancing with three princes, and there could be serious consequences.

I can’t be the person who comes between them and ruins their friendship. It’s not just their personal bond, although that would be devastating enough. It’s also their business. If anything happens between the men—if they have any kind of falling out—then their entire company and all their employees, plus every other business that deals with them, will suffer.

I could be responsible for tens of thousands of people getting hurt. The thought makes me nauseated.

Maybe I’m overthinking this, giving myself too much importance. I’m not that special. But I’ve seen how people can become jealous over things that seem trivial. And attraction still means something, even between friends.

What if they all think they’re fine with sharing, but when the moment comes they realize it’s actually too difficult? That they can’t stand seeing each other that way? Then I’ll have ruined everything, all because of my own selfish desires, like some hormone-driven teenager who can’t control herself.

Especially right now, when the men need this Silver Start deal to go through. I’m sure their company won’t collapse without it, but their hearts are clearly set on it. I want this for them. Despite Gabriel’s talk about doing what we want, this isn’t about fun and games. We’re not here for vacation. I’m here because I was hired to do a job.

For their sake and mine, I can’t let that be jeopardized. I need this money. They need this deal. I can’t allow any of it to be ruined.

You’re getting worked up over nothing, I tell myself as we clean up the room—folding blankets, fluffing pillows, tossing empty snack wrappers. These are grown men who can make their own decisions. If they think this is something they want and can handle, you should trust them.

But I can’t shake the awful feeling in my stomach, like curdled milk.

“Dinner!” Elaine calls, ringing a bell that carries throughout the massive house. Everyone instantly appears from wherever they’ve been hiding. Honestly, the bell makes perfect sense—it carries much better than her voice in a place this size.

Dinner is served by the same staff as before, although we’re all dressed more casually tonight. I notice the male server doesn’t engage me in conversation the way he did previously.

I feel my cheeks warm as I remember Hayden’s claim that the man was interested in me. I make sure my engagement ring is visible on the table, just in case.

We’ve just been served the first course when the three men emerge from the office, stretching and looking tired but satisfied. I recognize that expression from work—the end of a long but productive day.

“Hey there,” Ford says with a grin, approaching my chair. He covers my hand with his on the table and kisses the top of my head. “Did you have a good day?”

Hayden actually winks at me as he sits down, which is so unexpected I feel my face heating up. I hope everyone assumes it’s because of Ford’s attention.

“I did, thank you.”

“Good evening, Maeve,” Gabriel greets me as he takes his seat.

“Hello.” I try to keep my tone polite but neutral, which is harder than it should be. I’ve never had to monitor how I speak to these men before, never worried about seeming flirtatious or distant.

I catch Gabriel glancing over my head at Ford. They’re clearly exchanging some kind of look, but I can’t decipher what it means.

Ford settles beside me, and we begin eating.

Dinner is pleasantly quiet, everyone casually chatting about their relaxing day. The men discuss the work they accomplished, their passion for the project clear in every word. I love seeing them this engaged, but it also reinforces my fears. I can’t let myself—or them—do anything that might disrupt this perfect synchronicity between them, or jeopardize this deal they care so deeply about.

I try to stay quiet, letting them talk. I’m pretty sure they can tell something’s wrong. They keep sending glances my way, but I do my best to ignore them.

“I was thinking,” Elaine says as dessert is served, “we could have family game night tonight. We’ve spent all day apart, and I don’t want us just sitting around staring at screens together. What do you all say?”

“That sounds wonderful,” Gabriel agrees smoothly.

Everyone else chimes in with approval. I nod along.

We move to another room after dinner—this house seems to have an endless supply of specialized spaces—featuring a large round table perfect for board games.

There are several options available, but we end up choosing something that requires teams. Lydia immediately claims Hayden since she knows he’s competitive, and everyone insists I partner with Ford since it’s only natural for an engaged couple. Liam gets paired with Elaine, and Charles with Gabriel, which seems ideal. Elaine can handle her son’s moods, and Gabriel is charming and gracious where Charles clearly passed his competitive streak to his children.

“What’s going on, Spitfire?” Ford murmurs in my ear as we get started.

“Nothing,” I whisper back. “Shh, I’m trying to pay attention.”

I don’t know this game and want to understand the rules as we begin. Board games are one of those things you can only really learn by playing—someone can explain all they want, but it doesn’t click until you’re actually doing it.