His Shortcake

Chapter 43

Dustyn Franco

"Where's the birthday girl?" I asked Alec as I gently set my gift—a beautifully wrapped box adorned with a shimmering silver bow—on top of the growing pile of colorful presents that overflowed on the long rectangular table, each one promising a moment of joy for the birthday girl.

I scanned the expansive, elegantly lit living room, where clusters of well-dressed guests mingled beneath shimmering chandeliers. Laughter and soft conversation filled the air, but even in the bustling crowd, my eyes searched anxiously for the one person I had been longing to see after two long weeks away.

Alec smiled, his expression a mix of excitement and reassurance. "She's on her way with Emil," he replied, before striding ahead of me with an air of confidence. I fell into step behind him, reaching out to take a sparkling flute of champagne from a passing server, the bubbles fizzing gently as I lifted it to eye level.

"Didn't she ask for less security tonight?" I chuckled, the image of her pouting and crossing her arms in frustration at the thought of Emil having to chauffeur her here dancing in my mind.

"I did set up less security," Alec said with a casual shrug, as if it were no big deal.

"By 'less,' what exactly do you mean?" I asked, halting beside him as we neared a lively conversation.

"I gave her four bodyguards, including Nica, the day off," he replied, a hint of pride evident in his voice. "Plus, there are only five guards keeping an eye on the entire place. Emil isn't even working tonight; he's just dropping Mara off."

I nodded, realizing that Alec easing security around Mara this much was out of character for him. I had often pointed out how overprotective he was—acting more like a parent to Mara than Jack ever had, hovering like a watchful guardian.

Just then, Artemis approached us, radiating confidence in a striking purple knee-length dress paired with sleek black stilettos. Beside her stood her brother Apollo, dressed sharply in a tailored black suit, his demeanor giving him an air of maturity that belied his age. "Where's Mara?" She asked.

"She's on her way,"Alec rolled his eyes, a sigh escaping his lips as if the question had become a tiresome refrain. I couldn't help but wonder how many times he had been asked that very same thing tonight for him to wear such an irritated expression, as though he were navigating a sea of relentless inquiries.

Artemis beamed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I'm so excited!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.

"Why?" I asked, genuinely curious about her enthusiasm.

"We've been away since the start of summer break, and Mara doesn't even know we're here," Artemis replied, a mischievous grin spreading across her face, her excitement palpable.

Apollo shook his head with a knowing smile. "She just wants to see Mara cry from the surprise—that's all there is to it," he said, affectionately ruffling his sister's hair with a playful hand.

Alec joined in, his smile widening. "I think it'll be fun," he added, clearly caught up in the excitement of the moment.

"I didn't think 'fun' was in your vocabulary," Eros remarked with a sarcastic edge, prompting an eye roll from me. Naturally, he had to show up.

"Eros," Alec greeted him, his tone casual but laced with familiarity.

I found it surprising that Alec was all smiles tonight, radiating a relaxed confidence instead of fretting over every little detail like he usually did.

"I thought this was supposed to be a small celebration," Eros said, his gaze sweeping over the crowded room filled predominantly with business associates, their chatter blending into a low hum.