A hand reached out, plucking the glass from my fingers just as I was about to take a sip. I turned, startled, to find Leo standing beside with a raised eyebrow.
“I don’t think so, sweetheart,” he said, bringing the cocktail to his own lips and draining it in one swift motion.
“Leo! I was going to drink that,” I protested, watching as he set the empty glass back on the bar.
His eyes fixed on mine with a mixture of concern and amusent. “Did you forget sothing important?”
I stared at him blankly for a mont before realization crashed over . Pregnant. I was pregnant. Heat rushed to my face as I rembered that alcohol was off-limits now.
“Oh,” I said quietly, feeling foolish. “I completely forgot.”
Leo’s expression softened. “Good thing I was here then.”
“Thank you,” I said sincerely, grateful that he’d stopped before I made a mistake. “I guess I’m still getting used to the idea.”
“Understandable. You’ve had a lot on your mind.” His eyes flicked to the dance floor, where guests continued to celebrate. “Speaking of which, where have you been hiding? I looked for you earlier.”
I shifted uncomfortably, aware that my absence had been noticed. “I was just... around.”
Leo snorted. “Around? Try again, Hazel. You disappeared with the triplets for nearly an hour.”
“I didn’t think anyone would notice,” I admitted, unable to et his eyes.
“I always notice when you’re not in the room.” His voice dropped lower, more intimate. “I find myself watching you whenever you’re around.”
My breath caught at the sincerity in his tone. Leo had always been difficult to read—sarcastic and aloof one mont, unexpectedly warm the next. But right now, there was no mistaking the genuine emotion in his eyes.
“Leo...” I began, unsure what to say.
He stepped closer, one hand settling on my waist. “I couldn’t help but notice all three of your husbands got to dance with you tonight.” His lips quirked up in a playful smile. “Seems unfair that I didn’t get a turn, being your fourth mate and all.”
The tension between us broke, and I found myself laughing. “Well, we can’t have that, can we?” I took his hand and led him toward the dance floor. “Co on then.”
As Leo’s arms encircled , I couldn’t help but notice how right it felt to be held by him. Different from the triplets, but no less powerful. We swayed together as the music played, neither of us speaking for several monts.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he finally said, his eyes taking in my slightly disheveled appearance with a knowing look. “Even if you do look thoroughly... celebrated.”
I blushed furiously. “Stop it.”
His low chuckle vibrated against my chest where we pressed together. “Just stating facts, sweetheart.”
The next morning, we left Emberfang right at dawn.
I stifled a yawn as I climbed aboard the yacht, still tired from the wedding festivities that had stretched late into the night. After that, it had been hours of traveling. I hadn’t slept properly throughout the journey.
“Coffee?” Liam appeared beside , holding out a steaming travel mug.
“You’re a lifesaver,” I said gratefully, taking the offered drink.
Lucas and Liam were at the helm, going through pre-departure checks with focused efficiency. Levi was sprawled on one of the deck chairs, sunglasses already in place. And Leo stood at the railing, surveying the boat with what appeared to be reluctant admiration.
“First ti on a yacht?” I asked, joining him.
“First ti invited to the ‘exclusive’ Sullivan island getaway too,” he replied, his tone casual but with an underlying edge. “Funny how things change.”
The engines roared to life, and soon we were cutting through the waves, leaving the mainland behind. I sat next to Leo, enjoying the sea spray and sunshine. Occasionally, one of the triplets would join us, stealing a kiss or wrapping an arm around my shoulders before returning to whatever task had their attention.
As we approached the private island, I couldn’t help but marvel at its beauty—pristine beaches, lush greenery, and a stunning modern villa perched on a gentle slope.
It was just how I rembered it.
“Impressed?” Leo asked, noting my wide-eyed expression.
“It’s paradise,” I admitted. “You’ll understand what I an when you see it.”
As we docked, Leo let out a low whistle. “I have to say, cousins, your family certainly knows how to flaunt their wealth.”
Levi snorted. “You’re welco to head back to Emberfang if it’s too much for you.”
Before Leo could respond, Levi wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling against him. “If you leave, my brothers and I would be more than happy to have so private ti with our mate.”
He leaned in, clearly intending to kiss , when Leo’s hand shot between us, pushing Levi back.
“Not happening,” Leo said firmly.
I couldn’t help but laugh at their childish behavior. “Boys, play nice.”
A small staff greeted us at the dock—a butler and two maids who efficiently collected our luggage. As they headed toward the villa with our bags, Liam clapped his hands together.
“I say we hit the beach,” he suggested, blue eyes bright with excitent. “It’s almost sunset, perfect ti for a beachside barbecue.”
“That sounds amazing,” I agreed enthusiastically.
“Everyone gets a job,” Lucas said, already organizing in his head. “Levi, you’re on drink duty. Liam can handle side dishes. I’ll prep the at. Leo...” He hesitated.
“I’ll man the grill,” Leo offered, surprising everyone. “I’ve been cooking for myself since I was a kid. Unlike so people,” he added with a pointed look at the triplets, “I didn’t grow up with a personal chef.”
“And Hazel?” Liam asked.
“She can help ,” Leo said before anyone else could claim .
Within an hour, the beach was transford. Levi had set up a bar area complete with non-alcoholic options for . Liam was arranging a table with salads and sides. Lucas had finished seasoning various cuts of at and was now supervising the fire pit that Leo was tending.
I approached with a platter of vegetables for grilling. “Where do you want these?”
Leo glanced up, the firelight casting interesting shadows across his face. “Bring them here. I’ll show you how it’s done.”
I set the platter beside the grill and picked up a skewer, beginning to arrange pieces of bell pepper, zucchini, and mushroom.
“Not like that,” Leo said, shaking his head. “You need to consider cooking tis. Put the denser vegetables together so they cook evenly.”
I frowned down at my skewer. “What’s wrong with how I’m doing it?”
Instead of answering, Leo stepped behind . His chest pressed against my back as he reached around, his hands covering mine on the skewer. His warmth enveloped , and I felt my breath catch in my throat.
“Let show you,” he murmured, his breath tickling my ear as his body molded to mine.
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