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Edward got up from his seat then paused when he saw Scarlett staring at both of them. He tapped Kenny's shoulder, who glanced up at her as well. A cheerful smile tugged at his mouth, crinkling the corners of his eyes.

“Well, good morning,” Kenny said while Edward continued to the kitchen. “Did you sleep well?”

Scarlett frowned.

“What are you guys doing here?”

Kenny closed the paper in his hands then folded it like it was the nineteen-fifties. “Dave called us earlier, said something happened at the office and had to leave you. He asked if we could come over, so you weren't alone when you woke.”

“And breakfast?” she asked, still not sure if she accepted his answer or not.

“Most important meal of the day,” Edward said. “Or, at least, that's what my mom would say.”

“Dave said he'd call you later because he knew you'd have your hands full with Timothy and the forensic stuff. He also said something about getting in touch with a couple of friends about the pictures we captured last night.” Kenny motioned to the chair beside him. “Sit, you look like you're about to jump out of your skin.”

“Wouldn't you be, if you found two men in your apartment acting like they owned the place?” She sat down beside him and blew out a breath. “So, I suppose you also know what happened between Dave and me last night?”

“You boned,” Edward said. “If it was any indication by the heated looks you were giving each other on the way home, it was nasty as hell.”

Heat filled Scarlett's cheeks. “Well...”

“You don't have to tell us,” Kenny reassured her.

“Yeah, you do.” Edward brought her a mini quiche along with sliced fruit and a roll on a small plate. “I want to make sure I can satisfy you like Kenny and Dave can.”

She choked.

Kenny smacked Edward on the back of the head. “Idiot.”

“What?” He rubbed where Kenny hit him and frowned. “I don't want to disappoint. If I'm lacking, I better get to studying.”

Scarlett stared at Edward for a second. “How would you know if you're lacking?

He shrugged. “Not sure, but I think checking out some porn will help bring my game to a whole other level if I know what Kenny and Dave can do for you.”

She laughed. “You're one weird guy.”

Edward grinned. “Can be at times. Eat up.” He pointed to her plate. “You have a full day in front of you.”

Kenny cursed as he glanced at his watch. “Time for us to get going. If you need anything, you know where we are.”

She nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. “Yep. I doubt I'll need you though. I think I got this.”

“Perfect. Don’t forget, Dave said he'd call later.” Kenny stood then and came over to where she sat at the head of the table. He leaned down and placed a kiss to her lips then motioned for Edward to follow.

Except, the younger man didn't. He went straight to Scarlett and brushed his lips over hers. It was a feather-light kiss, but it made her lightheaded all the same. Edward winked at her as he followed Kenny out of the apartment. She couldn't believe him. Between Kenny and Dave, Edward was the most timid, yet he also had a quiet strength to him she admired. She glanced down at her breakfast he made for her and dug in. The savory mixture of eggs, bell pepper, ham, and cheese, melted in her mouth. A happy, content sigh passed her lips as she took another bite. Edward would have to teach her how to make the quiche, she could become quite addicted to them.

After taking her final bite of the egg mixture, she moved on to the fruit and roll and noticed Kenny had left the morning paper on her table. The front page was an article about the gala and how much money was raised for her sanctuary. She was applauded for her hard work, but also demeaned for her reclusive ways. Little did anyone know, she'd been there, just not where she'd be seen.

The quote from her sister had been a bit pretentious and ironic as well. “The funds raised here will go to new exhibits and make sure each big cat has a free and loving environment for the remainder of their days.”

Scarlett snorted.If only the public knew the truth.She finished off her coffee then grabbed her plate and mug then carried them to the sink. Once she'd rinsed them, she put them into her dishwasher to start later. She only had a few minutes to get to her office before Timothy showed up. The last thing she wanted to do was tip off her sister they were on to her.

She grabbed her bag from the hook then her keys out of the bowl next to the door, thankful Dave had put them away for her. She strode down the hall to the offices facing the sanctuary. When she first picked her space, she knew, if she couldn’t be with her animals, she'd be close enough to look at them throughout the day. Even though it'd been a long time ago, she yearned for the day she'd be able to go back into the enclosures and see her friends without feeling like she'd die from heart palpitations.

Scarlett stepped into her office and turned on the lights. She pulled back the curtain on the window and gazed out over the property. She belonged out there. She belonged with her feline friends. The idea her sister didn't feel the same as she did about the cats who called their property home, irritated her. They were depending on her and Maisie to protect and shelter them. To love them. She spotted Kenny and Edward dropping off food for each of the cats. The way they interacted with each one, like the guys knew the felines on a personal level, warmed her heart.

A soft knock came at her door and she turned around. There in the doorway stood a man a good three inches taller than Dave. He had jet-black hair and almond-shaped obsidian eyes. He lifted his hand in greeting before stepping inside Scarlett's workspace.