Ruthless King

“I’ve missed you so much,” Lottie told him, clinging to him.

Jilly watched on, feeling out of place. Perhaps she should just leave?

But then Liam walked into the hallway. He was built like a tank. His white-blond hair and ice-blue eyes gave him an almost angelic appearance. But she had the feeling he was anything but. Behind him was Nico. He was slightly shorter than the other man. With tattoos on his arms and up his neck.

He had this sexy, bad boy rock star look about him. Glancing over at her, he winked. She felt herself blush.

Yikes.

The full effect of Nico hadn’t hit her like this last time.

“Lottie! What do you think you’re doing, running off like that?” Liam snapped.

Immediately, Regent put his sister behind him and stepped forward. “Do not talk to my sister like that!”

“Your sister has trouble listening,” Liam said back with a scowl. “She’s been burning the candle at both ends lately and she needs to rest. Which includes not running around, eating properly, and going to bed at a reasonable hour.”

“A reasonable hour!” Lottie complained. “You tried to put me to bed at five last night!”

Liam crossed his arms over his chest. “You’ve got bags under your eyes, and you’ve been so tired you’ve been falling asleep over your dinner.”

“Is that true?” Regent demanded, turning to his sister.

“Pfft, he’s exaggerating.” Lottie waved a hand through the air.

“No, he’s not,” Nico said.

“Nico!” Lottie said, looking betrayed. “You’re supposed to be on my side!”

“I am. You need to rest.”

“You’re both ganging up on me. Make them stop, Reggie.” Lottie gave her brother a pleading look.

But he simply grasped hold of her chin, tilting her face back. “You need a nap.”

“Urgh!”

Jilly attempted to step away, figuring she wasn’t needed for this. Nico sent her a curious look as she headed toward the stairs. To her surprise, he shook his head at her.

“I don’t need a nap. I came to spend time with you and the rest of the family. Are they here yet?” Lottie asked.

“If they were here, it would be a lot noisier,” Regent said.

As if on cue, the front door opened and Ace and Keir barreled inside.

“Lottie!” they cried.

Ace threw himself at her. Regent had to grab her to stop her from falling. Everyone surrounded Lottie and her men. Thea, Jardin, and Carrick soon arrived. Carrick was striking, with his muscular frame and piercing blue eyes. They were followed by Maxim and Aston, a gorgeous woman with blonde hair and a friendly smile.

Then Gracen and Victor were last. Gracen was curvy but petite. Her white-blonde hair was pulled back from her face in a ponytail.

Jilly kept walking back. She wasn’t really needed here. She wouldn’t fit in.

Reaching the stairs, she started up them.

“Lottie, why do you look so tired?” Victor demanded, scowling at Liam. “Why aren’t you taking care of my sister?”

“Oh my God!” Lottie cried. “You’re all making it seem like I’m about to collapse and I haven’t even spoken to Jilly yet. Wait, where is Jilly?”