Reign A Romance Anthology - Nina Levine Page 0,165

as Lila descends the stairs and is engulfed by her sisters, who are hugging her so tightly and whispering in her ears.

“She seems like a nice choice,” my father says from beside me. “Not at all who I thought you would have chosen. I guess you know what you’re doing.” Then his eyes fall on Greyson and the way he’s looking at Lila. It’s evident by his heated stare that he’s attracted to her. “Ah… now I see.”

I turn to my father. “What does that mean?” My brows furrow as my eyes narrow on him.

“Doesn’t mean anything.” My father turns to me. “But if you’re going to pursue this unconventional lifestyle, then make sure it’s only your babies she’s producing,” he warns me.

I’ve known the woman for a night. I haven’t even thought about babies yet.

“What happens behind closed doors is on all of you, but if it filters into the open, then I will step in.” And with that, he’s gone.

I shake off the unease and stride on over to Lila and her family. Her sisters are admiring her engagement ring. Greyson is with them too.

“Oh, your highness.” Her sisters curtsey when I join them.

“Please, none of that. We are a family now.” Giving them my megawatt smile, I reach out and tuck Lila into my side again. I like the way she feels against me. Her sisters’ eyes widen a little at the intimate gesture, but they don’t say a thing.

“Congratulations to you both. Lila is going to make you very happy,” Magnolia, her oldest sister, tells me.

Lila’s face has turned a shade of pink, which is cute.

“I think she will, too.”

As Lila and I look at each other, sexual heat swirls around us.

“Wow, someone call the fire brigade because these two are smoking,” Skylar, her other sister, adds, which makes us all burst out laughing, cutting the awkward tension surrounding this crazy situation.

“Would you mind if we all go somewhere to talk? We have much to discuss.”

They nod their heads.

Greyson heads out through the backdoor of the ballroom, which leads into a grand hallway. The sound of Lila and her sisters’ heels echoes down the empty hallway. Greyson strides on ahead while I have Lila’s hand linked with mine. We turn left down another corridor, and then Greyson opens the door to my private office. I wait for the women to enter before closing the door.

“Please take a seat.” Indicating toward the leather sofa sitting against the wall, the three girls sit. I rest my backside against the edge of my wooden desk while Greyson takes a seat beside me.

“So, tonight has been interesting.” Looking between Lila and Greyson, the others don’t need to know how interesting. “A little unconventional,” I add. “But I want to assure you that I will take good care of your sister.”

“Thank you,” Magnolia speaks up first. “Lila would not have said yes if she didn’t feel comfortable.” Her words make me grin because I can see that.

“That’s good. Even though we all understand what tonight was about, I only want to be with someone who actually wants to be with me.” Letting a little bit of vulnerability through, Lila stands and walks over to me. She sits on the desk beside me. Her hand reaches out and touches my chest, her engagement ring sparkling underneath the lighting of the room. My chest tightens, looking at the scene.

“I want to be here,” Lila whispers, and the unease I felt subsides. My hand reaches out and covers her hand on my chest.

“I’m aware of the situation your father left your family in.” Audible gasps leave her sisters’ throats. “I will be wiring half of the money to your family tonight.” Relief immediately falls across Magnolia’s face. “The rest will arrive after the wedding.”

“Thank you.” Lila looks up at me. Emotion swimming behind those blue eyes. “You’ve saved my family,” she tells me.

I reach out and cup her face. “And you have saved me.” Letting my thumb run along her cheek. “I want you to stay tonight,” I ask. Turning to her sisters, I state, “All of you.”

“Of course,” Magnolia answers.

“Tonight, we will send for your things, Lila.”

I look up at her.

“You want me to move in right now?” she questions.

“Yes.”

Those blue eyes narrow, and I can see she’s not as keen on the idea as I am.

“Do I not get to go home ever again?”

Oh, I see why.

“You can go home anytime you like,” I reply.

“Just not tomorrow to get my things,” she