“What do you want?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“You’re out for dinner tonight,” Benzy said, straightening slightly. “Macky and I thought we’d watch the children.”
Her reply was immediate. “No.”
“Yes, Bella,” Benzy said evenly, his calm tone making it clear he wasn’t here to debate. “Anything could happen to them while you’re out for hours.”
Her green eyes narrowed, suspicion flaring. “Is that a threat, Benzy?”
He sighed, shaking his head. “Bella, you’ve known me your whole life. Do you really think I’d hurt your children—Luke’s children? For that matter, he’s my…best friend.” She caught the hesitation, noting that he’d almost said Alpha, likely avoiding the term with Jordan nearby.
Bella scoffed, her tone sharp. “I was his best friend once, too. But you still sent those men after me at his command.” She shrugged, the bitterness in her voice unmistakable. “You might just take them.”
Macky sighed heavily, stepping between them as tension rose. “Please don’t fight,” he said, exasperation clear. “I hate getting stuck in the middle of you two. One day, I’m going to get injured trying to stop you both.”
He held up a hand to forestall any retorts, his voice softening. “Look, let’s call a truce. Just for tonight. Bella, you go have a nice dinner with Anthony, Nina, and Ben. Benzy and I will assist your nanny. A win-win.”
Bella stared at him, her mind churning. Could she trust them? A truce seemed unlikely to hold, but deep down, she knew they would never hurt her pups. After a long pause, she relented. “Fine. But my rules—and no arguing about them. Period.”
“Good,” Benzy said simply. “State your rules.”
“I haven’t thought of them yet,” she admitted, barely able to process the idea of them babysitting her children.
Benzy pushed off the doorframe and walked past her, exuding confidence. “We’ll be at your apartment at 1830—half an hour before you’re picked up.”
“Fine,” she muttered.
At precisely 1830, her phone buzzed. Jimmy, the doorman, informed her that Benzy and Macky were in the lobby. She instructed him to send them up, then turned to her nanny, Suzzy.
“Don’t let them in,” Bella said firmly. “Not even to use the bathroom. If they try to take the children, call the police immediately. Use the address and names I gave you. And whatever you do, don’t talk to them—especially Macky. He’s charming as hell and will sweet-talk you until you’re convinced he’s harmless. He’s not.”
Suzzy nodded, her eyes wide but determined. “Got it.”
Bella exhaled, trying to steady her nerves. Tonight would test the fragile truce she’d agreed to, and she wasn’t sure how it would hold. But for now, she had to trust that Benzy and Macky wouldn’t overstep. For the sake of her pups—and her peace of mind.
Suzzy chuckled at Bella’s warning, clearly not taking it as seriously as she should. Bella sighed, her concern deepening. Poor Suzzy. If Macky and Benzy managed to get her to open the door, the girl wouldn’t stand a chance. She was human, and Bella was certain that if Macky used his Gamma Charm—or even if they simply turned on their natural wolfish charm—Suzzy would be helplessly attracted to them. And it wasn’t uncommon for unmated wolves to fool around with humans.
Bella waited outside her apartment, her arms crossed as the elevator dinged and the two men stepped out. They were dressed casually in jeans and T-shirts that strained against their muscular frames. Hell no, Bella thought, her jaw tightening. They’re not going anywhere near sweet Suzzy. She’d never survive either of them.
The two strolled toward her, both wearing easy smiles that made her stomach churn—not from attraction, but sheer annoyance. She didn’t smile back.
“Rules,” Bella stated firmly, cutting through the casual atmosphere they were trying to create.
“1. You will not go inside. You’ll stay out here on door detail.
2. Hand over your phones. I’ll keep them inside the apartment. No photos of my children for him.
3. If you need the bathroom, use the one in the lobby. Don’t ask Suzzy to let you in.
4. When I get home, you leave without issue. Do you both understand?”
The smiles faded as they frowned, clearly displeased. Macky, ever the peacemaker, nodded immediately and reached into his back pocket, handing over his phone without protest. Benzy, however, hesitated for a good ten seconds until Macky elbowed him sharply. Grumbling, Benzy complied and handed over his phone.
“This isn’t assisting,” Benzy muttered flatly, his tone clipped.
“No,” Bella replied sweetly, her smile saccharine. “It’s guard duty.”
Like the watchdogs you are, she thought but didn’t say aloud. Tyler snorted in her mind. ‘Good one.’
Bella stepped back into her apartment and reiterated the rules to Suzzy. “Don’t let them in. Not for any reason.” Then, satisfied her nanny understood, Bella went to her room to get ready.
She pulled on a soft mint-green silk dress that hugged her curves perfectly and flared out from the hips to just below her knees. She slipped on white high heels and a matching white bolero jacket before stepping out the door.
Both Benzy and Macky were leaning casually against the wall across from her apartment. As soon as she emerged, their eyes swept over her, openly appraising her appearance. Benzy gave a low whistle.
“Take a photo; it’ll last longer,” Bella snapped, annoyed.
“Can’t. You took my phone,” Benzy quipped with a smirk. “But you should take one before you give it back. I’m sure I know someone who’d love it—and make damn good use of it, if you know what I mean.”
Macky burst out laughing, punching Benzy in the arm. Bella rolled her eyes and walked past them, her heels clicking on the floor.
“Oh, Bella,” Macky called after her, his voice dripping with teasing charm, “you have a nice dinner now, won’t you?” Their laughter echoed in the hallway as she walked away.
At FourWeather, Bella walked in alongside Matt and Nina, handing over her coat as they did the same. Just as the staff were preparing to escort them to their table, her phone buzzed. The screen read Home.
Her heart skipped a beat, panic bubbling up. Please, Goddess, don’t let me have trusted them just to have them kidnap my babies.
“I’ll be just a minute. Go on ahead,” she told Matt and Nina, forcing a calm tone. They nodded and followed the host upstairs to their table. Bella quickly answered the call.
