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Without questioning the impulse, Margo nudged Li out of the way to wrap her arms around Nick. He didn’t move. Didn’t even breathe. “Thank you for having his back. For not thinking the worst of him.”
After a second, Nick awkwardly patted her back, and Margo just knew he was exchanging a helpless look with Li. It made Margo smile faintly as she moved away. “But if he gets hurt on your watch, I’m holding you personally responsible.”
“Oh, sure. Blame the guy who came in lat
e.”
“I’m not blaming anyone. Except the man who chose to announce such personal information on TV.” Margo sighed and tucked her suddenly cold hands in the pockets of her robe. “You’ll tell him why I didn’t come with you?”
Nick nodded. “You’re giving us the room to fight it out if need be.”
“No,” she said, shuddering. “I am not.”
Nick’s mouth curved. “No, but that’s what I’ll tell him.”
“He has a show to prepare for. As do you,” Lila reminded him coolly. “Anyone who comes back here with bruises may get additional ones from me.”
“Ooh, promise? Sounds kinky.” Nick grinned and grabbed Li around the waist, hauling her in for a quick, hot kiss that had Margo averting her eyes. Not because she was embarrassed. Simon would have done the same and just the thought had her nerves going haywire again.
God, he had to be okay.
“Get out of here. And get back soon.” Lila gave Nick a light shove before pulling him back to wipe a trace of her lipstick off his mouth.
That was Li. Even while lounging in bed working, her makeup was perfect.
“In one piece,” she added.
As if on cue, one of their girls started wailing next door, followed swiftly by shouted baby accusations and calls of “Dada!” and “Mama!”
Lila sighed. “They were asleep.”
Nick pointed at her and backed toward the door. “All you, Dragon Lady. See ya soon.”
“Need some help?” Margo asked as Li rushed to take care of her children.
She probably needed the practice, though she’d be getting some with Jules’s little one soon enough. And there would only be one kid to deal with.
Eyes widening, she touched her belly. There had better be only one, or Simon would die at her hands.
“No, I’m good. Used to it.” Lila smiled wanly and pushed open the connecting door as more childish taunts rang out in the other room. “Maybe take a nap? Nick will bring him back. Don’t worry.”
Margo nodded and twisted her fingers together as she retreated toward their still unmade bed. “Maybe I’ll do that. Thanks, Li.”
“If you need me, don’t hesitate.” Li moved into the other room. “All right, that’s enough, both of you.” The door snicked shut.
Margo exhaled and dropped down on the bed. She appreciated the offer, but who she needed right then was Simon.
Even if he was an ass sometimes.
But he was her ass. Always.
Eight
“What do my disbelieving eyes see?”
Simon frowned at the familiar voice, but he didn’t lift his head. Instead, he focused on the cobblestone pattern of the courtyard.
The sun was blinding. If he looked up, his retinas would be scarred for life.
