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She parted her lips and took the pacifier into her mouth, sucking on it. He hummed and it helped her relax and she found herself drifting off to sleep.
Chloe felt him move her, laying her on her side on the bed. He lay on his back, pulling her against his chest.
“Go to sleep, Baby Blue. I’ll watch over you.”
45
“What are we going to do?” Hux asked, looking around at them all. “We can’t let her leave.” Panic filled him at the thought of living his life without her.
They were all sitting in the living room while she slept in Judd’s bedroom. Judd kept looking at the door, as though worried she might disappear unless he was watching over her.
“We’re not going to let her leave,” Owen said calmly.
“Yeah?” Hux asked. “So what’s the plan?”
“It’s simple. We’re going to take her as our intended bride.”
Beck gaped at him, and Judd’s frown increased.
But Hux just smiled. “Fuck yeah. We are.”
“Tonight is the night, my dear,” Jonathan said with excitement. “When we get the go-ahead to open up trading lines. I expect the Kings to be here tonight as well. Or in the near future, at least, to help us celebrate.”
Chloe eyed him nervously. What if they didn’t give the go ahead? How was he going to handle that?
Not well.
That was the answer. Not well at all.
She decided not to mention that possibility, though. He never treated the messenger well, as she’d learned that the hard way. And she was already feeling down.
She’d have to say goodbye to her guys tomorrow. The last two days had been amazing. She’d spent as much time as she could with them.
They’d started doing rock, paper, scissors over who got to guard her.
She’d thought about telling them a couple of times about what Jonathan had asked of her. But she kept chickening out . . . and what was the point? It would only make them upset with her. Tomorrow, she’d be leaving anyway.
“My father would always tell me how much I disappointed him. How I should be more like the Kings of Escana. He always kept up with what they were doing.”
Sympathy filled her for him. How awful.
“I’m sorry, Jonathan.”
He snapped his head to her. “Why? It made me the man I am today. And I am successful. Look at me. Now, I’m here, making business deals that no one else would have been able to make.”
She guessed in a way that was true—if those deals went ahead.
And she had a bad feeling . . .
She followed Jonathan into the large dining room.
“Damn it, they’re not here,” Jonathan said with a snarl.
Shoot. She looked around, but didn’t see the Kings of Escana.
“But you knew there was a possibility they wouldn’t be.” She glanced down at his hand. Twitching.
Shit.
Not a good sign.
“Yes, of course. You’re right.” He breathed out and plastered on a smile as Prince Kassim came walking toward them.
“Here we go.”
An hour later, Chloe was exhausted. She felt on edge and was unsure why. She glanced across the room at where Judd stood. He was frowning. But that wasn’t unusual.
Turning, she saw Beck. He gave her a quick wink, then went back to studying the room. As well as the Princes and Pippa. Their cousins and Alina were also there.
She pushed the food around on her plate, not feeling hungry.
Jonathan was practically buzzing beside her.
Caleb and Aleki were in here as well. Caleb was behind Prince Kassim while Aleki stood behind Princess Pippa.
Who looked beautiful tonight.
Where were Owen and Hux? Why weren’t they here?
“Eat your dinner, Baby Blue,” Judd whispered in her ear. “I want to see five more mouthfuls eaten before you push your plate away. Or you’re going to be in trouble tonight.”
Tonight. Their last night.
She didn’t want to spend it over one of their laps or in the corner. She’d experienced that punishment yesterday when she’d lied and said she wasn’t tired.
Then she’d promptly yawned.
Typical.
She turned to frown up at Judd. How had he moved over to her so quickly and quietly?
“You’re so bossy.”
“And your bottom is toast unless you start eating.”
He strode away before standing opposite her again. He gave her a firm look and nodded to her plate.
“So, Prince Kassim, I am surprised that your fathers didn’t want to come for this announcement.”
“Announcement?” Kassim asked, staring at Jonathan in mild surprise. “There won’t be much of an announcement.”
Shit.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
She knew this wasn’t going to go well.
Jonathan frowned.
It’s okay. He can’t flip out here. Hopefully.
“I thought I would talk to you in my office after dinner,” Prince Kassim said.
“Tell me now,” Jonathan countered.
Kassim gave him a stern look. “Very well. Jonathan, I know this is something you desire and that you have a tie to our family, but at this time, I’m sorry, we will not be opening up more trade lines. Nor will we be making any more business arrangements between Escana and any other countries.”
