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M aggie raced up the stairs to her room before anyone could stop her.

Yep, her hip was aching from all the standing and walking she’d done today, but she was used to it.

And it didn’t hurt half as much as her stomach did.

She’s just a brat who likely has to work for family because no one else will have her.

God.

Ian had certainly hit her where it hurt with those words. And the thing was, he probably hadn’t even realized how much those words would hurt.

Or had he?

No doubt they’d done a background check on her. She threw herself onto the bed. Why hadn’t that occurred to her yet? Of course they had.

They knew all about her pathetic life.

Did Ian know how much of a disappointment she was to her family?

How she’d failed them all?

She tugged hard at her hair as she felt tears threaten.

Stop.

If she wasn’t careful, she was going to end up bald. Maggie forced her fingers out of her hair. There were a few strands caught up in her fingers.

But the pain wasn’t enough to get her out of her head.

A knock on the door made her glance over. She’d locked it.

Right?

“Maggie? Can I talk to you?”

She huffed out a laugh, even though she didn’t find anything humorous about it. Rolling off the bed, she grabbed Ziggy out of the side table’s drawer and moved toward the bathroom.

Her attached bathroom had a massive tub that she hadn’t yet used. And if she ever needed to relax, it was now.

Filling the tub, she ignored the knocking on the door.

Did that make her a coward? Maybe.

But Ian’s words had been a kick in the teeth. Sure, he grumbled a lot. Bossed her around. But hearing that . . .

It’s only because it’s true that it hurts so much.

He’s not saying anything you don’t know.

Taking a deep breath in, she grabbed her phone. Perhaps she should call Indie while the bath filled and tell her what was happening.

Then she looked at the time. Shoot. Indie would still be at work.

Besides, Indie didn’t need this crap on her mind. She had enough going on.

She saw a several missed messages from her family. But the idea of dealing with them made her feel nauseous.

She was going to take tonight off. Hide and lick her wounds.

Tomorrow was a new day.

The following morning, Maggie groaned as her alarm went off. Last night, Uncle Willy had popped by her room to tell her they were going to scout palace locations today.

But she really wasn’t ready to get up.

After her bath last night, she’d curled up on the bed with Ziggy to watch cartoons on TV. She might have stayed up a touch too late.

Yawning, she pulled on some yoga pants and a long-sleeved gray sweatshirt with a black wolf on the front.

With her boots on and her hair up in a messy bun, she was ready.

She didn’t bother with any makeup.

Walking out the door, she nearly stepped on a tray of food.

Actually, two trays of food. She lifted a silver lid to find a plate that held some shredded chicken, rice, and beans. The other tray had French toast smothered in maple syrup.

Jack?

She’d have to thank him even if she didn’t feel like eating it. Picking up one tray, she headed downstairs, coming to a sudden stop as she found Beck and Hux standing in the kitchen.

“Where are Ian and Jack?” she asked.

Beck raised his eyebrows, giving her an amused look. “Hello to you too.”

“Sorry.” She could feel her cheeks growing hot. “That was rude. I was just surprised. I thought you’d been reassigned.”

“We were,” Hux told her. “But Caleb needed Ian and Jack to come in for a meeting and to do a few things, so you have me and Hux. Is that a problem?”

“Of course not. I missed you guys. You’re much friendlier than Ian. And you bark at me less.”

It was a relief not to have to see him.

Or that’s what she told herself.

“With Vivi pregnant and Wolfe refusing to leave her side, we’ve had to reshuffle a few things,” Hux added.

“Oh. She is pregnant, then? That’s great. Wait, Wolfe won’t leave her side? Why? So he can control her?”

She didn’t like the sound of that.

Hux laughed and Beck grinned.

“Control her?” Hux said. “Nah. Fuss over her like a mother hen? Definitely.”

Oh. That wasn’t what she’d been expecting him to say.

“Right, let’s go!” Uncle Willy walked into the kitchen. “Oh, it’s you chaps again. Good, I didn’t like those other wankers.”

“Uncle Willy!” she protested.

“Well, that’s not true. I don’t like the brooding one. I have a mind to speak to Prince Kassim about him.”

Beck and Hux frowned.

“Uncle Willy, please don’t,” she begged. “It’s fine. He was just speaking the truth.”

“He was not! You’re the best assistant I’ve ever had. And I didn’t give you the job because you’re my niece.”

She shot him a knowing look. “I’m the only assistant you’ve ever had. And, of course I got the job because I’m your niece.”

“Still don’t like him upsetting you. Plonker.”

She walked over and wrapped her arm around his, squeezing it. “My hero. Don’t worry. I’m fine now.”

“Are you sure?” Hux asked, looking concerned. “Because if you need to tell us something, we’re here.”

“Nope. Nothing to tell. Come on, let’s get moving. Places to see, photos to take, and all that. Time to move!”

Maggie let out a deep breath as she tried to push all her thoughts away and concentrate on her movements.

Yoga and meditation had become her friends.

Sometimes, they were the only things keeping her sane.

Especially at the moment. She’d thrown herself into work today and might have pushed herself a tad too far, considering her entire body hurt. Especially her hip.

By the end of the day, even Hux was staring at her in concern.

But they’d gotten the shots they needed.

And she hadn’t seen Ian all day.

Win-win.

She was up on the rooftop deck. It was calm up here. Serene. She raised her hands to the sky, then bent over to touch her toes, enjoying the stretch.

A headache thumped in the back of her head. She probably should have drunk some more water today.

It could also be due to how much she’d been tugging at her hair in the last couple of days. She needed to be careful or she was going to develop a bald spot. There was a reason she kept her hair long, even though it would be easier to cut it all off.

“What are you doing?”

She glanced over with a cry.

“How do you move so quietly?” she asked, standing.

Jack just smiled. She couldn’t help but grin back. He was such a peaceful guy. Immediately, the knot in her stomach started to unravel.

That was until she realized that if Jack was here, Ian likely was too.

“Yoga. Ever done it?” she asked.

“Nope.”

“I like to do some yoga and meditate every day,” she told him, watching for any signs of derision. Not everyone understood her need to meditate.

Namely, her family.

They thought it was a waste of time.

“Yeah? Why?”

“Yoga can help with strength, agility, it can help manage stress. There are loads of benefits. Better sleep.”

“And meditation?”

“Some similar benefits. It can help with anxiety, improve your sleep, and boost your immune system. I know not everyone believes that . . .”

“Don’t knock something until you try it, right?”

She smiled at him. “Right.”

“Can I do it with you?”

“Sure. Here, I will show you a few moves. But first you need to stretch.”

“Like this? I’m getting it now, right?”

Maggie giggled and moved over to help Jack as he started wobbling. Somehow, he couldn’t seem to grasp the most basic moves and constantly needed her help.

It was cute.

He was like a baby lamb learning to walk.

“Here, put your foot like this. Oh no! Watch out!” she cried as he fell backward.

Jack grabbed her, pulling her with him. Poor guy had obviously thought that she’d be able to keep him up. But while he wasn’t as big as Ian, he still outweighed her by a good seventy pounds or so.

He fell on his back and she landed on top of him, giggling hysterically.

“Shit! Are you all right? I didn’t hurt you, did I?” he asked, running his hands over her.

“No, I’m f-fine,” she sputtered out. “I’ve just n-never seen someone s-so bad at yoga.”

Jack grinned. “Well, now you have.”

“Yep.” Suddenly, she became all too aware of how she was lying on him, her breasts squished against his chest.

She swallowed heavily. “I, um, I should . . .”

He tightened his hold on her when she attempted to move away. “Stay for a moment? I have something to ask you.”

“Okay. Oh, I forgot to say thank you for the food. So, uh, yeah, thank you.”

Smooth, Maggie.

Dear Lord. Could she embarrass herself anymore?

Also, were his hands on her bum? Were they squeezing her bottom? That was . . . exciting.

She wriggled slightly, pressing her thighs together. Jack watched her, his face was blank, but his eyes were hot and dark.

Yikes.

“What food?” he asked.

“Oh, um . . .” This was worrying. Did he have memory issues? “The trays of food outside my room.”

Jack gave her a strange look. “That wasn’t me, baby.”

She frowned. “Are you saying that it was?—”

“What the hell is going on out here?” a deep voice boomed.

“Great timing,” Jack muttered. “As always.”

Maggie glanced over in surprise as Ian stormed his way toward them. “What happened? Are you all right, Maggie?”

She gaped up at him and attempted to move off Jack. But he tightened his hold for a moment.

“Are you okay?” she whispered.

He smelled so good. She was getting addicted to the scent of pine.

“Yeah, baby.”

“Here, I’ll help you up.” Ian held out his hand to her.

She bit her lip, wanting to refuse. But that seemed petty and silly.

And while she might be a failure and a disappointment, she drew the line at petty.

Actually, she didn’t really. But she didn’t want Ian to think she was still smarting because of his words yesterday.

So she took his hand and let him help her stand. Ian’s jaw was tight as he stared at her, then at Jack, who had rolled onto his belly.

That was strange. Was he okay?

“Well? What happened?” Ian asked.

“Jack slipped over doing yoga,” she explained.

“He did what?”

“He’s struggling a bit with the moves,” she explained.

“Struggling with the moves . . .” Ian chewed on his lip. “Right.”

“Jack, are you all right?” She crouched next to him. “Do you have a cramp? Do you need me to touch you somewhere?”

Jack groaned again. It sounded painful.

“Tell me where it is. I once got a cramp in my bum cheek. Worse thing I’ve ever felt. Harry had to massage me right there on the ice. So embarrassing.”

“Who the hell is Harry?” Ian demanded.

Why did he sound so angry about Harry? Weird.

“He was my coach. Jack? Where do you want my hands?”

“I’m all right, baby.” Jack let out a deep breath, then moved up onto his knees and feet.

“Careful. You don’t want to get dizzy.” She put her hands out as though she was going to catch him.

“Get away from him,” Ian said.

She gaped at him. That was rude. And weird.

“If he falls, I don’t want you getting hurt,” Ian explained. “He could fall on you.”

Lord. She didn’t understand this man.

Actually, men in general. They were a bunch of weirdos. They got upset at the slightest thing.

They required a lot of hand-holding that was for sure.

“I’m not dizzy,” Jack reassured them as he stood and helped her stand again.

Her head was thumping, but she tried to ignore it.

“Do you have sunscreen on?” Ian asked.

She glanced up at the sky. The sun was setting so did she really need sunscreen?

“You can still get burned at this time of night,” he added.

“Do you care?” She winced as she said that.

Ian sighed and grimaced. Then he glanced at Jack. “Give us a few minutes?”

Jack crossed his arms over his chest. “No.”

Ian narrowed his gaze at him.

Jack just stared back at him.

“Fine. Fine.” Ian turned back to her. “Maggie, I, um . . . I . . . I wanted to tell you . . . um . . .”

Lord.

This was terrible. She felt second-hand embarrassment for him.

She just needed it to end.

“I forgive you!”

“What?”

“I forgive you for what you said. Hey, what are you two doing here? I thought Hux and Beck were guarding us today.”

“We finished what we were doing and are back as your guards,” Jack told her. “Although Beck and Hux seemed to want to stay. They were quite insisting while scowling at Ian.”

“You can’t just forgive me!” Ian blurted out.

She blinked, staring up at him. “What?”

“You can’t just forgive me.”

“Why not? Isn’t that what you wanted?”

“Yes . . . but you . . . I mean . . .”

“You should make him apologize properly,” Jack told her, moving closer. As though lending her his support.

And she appreciated it.

“And maybe grovel,” Jack added. “On his knees.”

“Thanks for your help,” Ian said dryly.

“Oh, anytime.” Jack waved a hand through the air. “I’m always here to help.”

She smiled up at Jack. He really was so sweet.

“But you should make me apologize properly,” Ian told her.

“You seemed to be having trouble getting it out, though. I just wanted to help you.”

“Help. Me.” Ian sighed. “Maggie, you’re being too sweet.”

“I am? Is that a bad thing?”

“Not as long as you have someone to protect your soft spot,” Ian said gently. “And make sure that you aren’t taken advantage of.”

But she didn’t have anyone to do that. So what did that mean?

Jack placed his hand on the small of her back and she leaned into it slightly.

“What I said yesterday. . . I didn’t mean it. I was rude. I was in a bad mood and . . . I was a complete and total dickhead.”

“It’s really big of you to acknowledge and recognize that about yourself. You were definitely a diddlewombat.”

“Right,” he said, looking somewhat confused. “Definitely. So you’ll forgive me?”

“Yes, of course. I already said I would. I do . . . I mean . . . I work hard for my uncle. And I’m not trying to take advantage of him or anything.”

Ian’s face dropped. “Oh, Little Misfit, I know that. Like I said, I was a complete diddlewombat. From now on, I’m going to try very hard to think before I speak.”

But then he wouldn’t be Ian, would he? So she didn’t know about that.

However, she nodded since he seemed to need it.

“All right. Thanks. And, um, thanks for leaving food out for me.”

He frowned. “You didn’t eat it.”

She waited for him to bark at her that she needed to eat and to come with him now so he could ensure that she did.

But he grimaced. “I guess you weren’t hungry.”

Okay. Maybe he really was trying to be less, uh, domineering. Though it was weird.

“I need to go check on the perimeter,” Ian said. “Jack, are you coming?”

“Nope,” Jack replied.

She gave him a surprised look at the abrupt reply. Ian didn’t look pleased, either, but he turned around and left.

“Do you want to do some meditation?” she asked Jack.

“Sure. But first . . . I wanted to ask you on a date?”

Okay. That was not what she was expecting. She gaped at him. “A date?”

“Yep. There’s an ice skating rink that was built about three months ago. I thought we could go ice skating. I know you were a really good ice skater.”

Panic seized her. She couldn’t breathe. She shook her head, her heart racing. There was no way . . . no way she could do that.

“Maggie? Are you all right?” Jack reached for her, concern filling his face.

But she stumbled back. She couldn’t have him touch her right now. She knew she’d lose it.

“I can’t . . . I can’t . . . I’m sorry.” Turning, she raced down the stairs, ignoring the way her hip protested the movement after all the walking she’d done in the last two days.

Heading into her bedroom, she locked the door. Then, grabbing Ziggy and a blanket, she climbed into the empty bathtub.

She couldn’t . . . she couldn’t . . .

There was no way she could go back onto the ice.

Ever.