Chapter 37. Outnumbered

They did exactly as she had instructed. Although they clearly resented it—whether because of the facts themselves or simply by instinct—they complied. “I whispered, “Okay.” She brushed the tears from my cheeks with gentle fingers and spoke in a warm voice, “Now, dry your tears, little pup. Are you hungry?” I nodded. She’d given me so much to think over.

We walked back into the living room. Noah and Daniel had already finished their meals; both sat rigidly on the couch, staring straight ahead in stony silence. Once again, they had done precisely what Ashley had asked. They didn’t like it, but they obeyed. Under any other circumstances, I might have laughed aloud at the tension etched across their faces—but right now, it was impossible. Perhaps Ashley really did know something about handling domineering males.

Daniel’s head whipped around toward me; every muscle in his body tensed. I offered him a shy, tentative smile. He inhaled sharply, his eyes widening, no doubt startl