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“I’m certain he isn’t. There’s a concerning undercurrent with him.”

I smiled. He was good. So good at reading people. At reading everything.

“Thanks for asking, Papa, but I’m okay.”

“But he’s a factor?”

“Whether he is or isn’t, I can handle it.”

He stared at me for a moment, his concernandoverprotectiveness toward me very clear.

But then he smiled and nodded. “Of course. I have no doubt. But I’m here should you wish to pass the buck where that’s concerned. Understood, Ariana?”

“I understand. Thank you, Papa,” I said, nuzzling against him.

As we pulled apart, he whispered, “You know I can inflict damage before he’s even aware of what has transpired.”

I chuckled. “Duly noted.”

“Very good.”

“Can you tell Mom that I’ll have my piece of cake in a few minutes? I just need to head upstairs to my room and change my shoes. I still have a couple of pairs I left in my childhood bedroom. These glittery heels are killing my feet.”

“Of course. Just put a pair of your boots on if they’re more comfortable.”

“Wow, coming from you, the man who dresses to impress, that’s major.”

“Well, it’s your party. And you know I’m more than willing to make exceptions for my daughter.”

I beamed out at him. “I know, and I love you so much for it.”

He beamed back at me as I kissed him on the cheek.

And then I made my way through the crowds and headed on upstairs—one place the party wasn’t allowed.

I couldn’t get to my childhood bedroom fast enough.

Specifically, the ensuite bathroom inside.

I was so uncomfortable in my fucking panties, thanks to Kai’s ridiculousness. His perverted ridiculousness.

I rushed inside and locked the door behind me.

The room looked like something out of a storybook dream laced with luxury. Fit for royalty, really. A supernatural princess.

The bed in the center was covered in a deep pink plush duvet and framed by an ornate gold headboard with a carved canopy from which soft drapes fell like silk waterfalls.

A chandelier hung from the ceiling with soft gold trim.

The ensuite bathroom visible through the room had more golden accents and ivory marble countertops.

Yep, fit for a princess, for sure.

It had been my dads’ doing—all three of them.

Even my mom had thought it had been a bit much and that had really been saying something, seeing as though she loved her luxurious surroundings more than anyone. Well, except for Papa, he was the biggest on all of that.

I pushed through into the bathroom and hurriedly shut the door.