I stood up and moved toward the galley hatch. Behind me came a clatter of footsteps and I turned to find Annalynn right behind me. "Yes?"Annalynn hesi...tated a second before grabbing my face in her hands, leaning down slightly, and giving me a kiss. I stood there in shock for a second before I responded. It wasn't a passionate kiss but a gentle one. After a few seconds she backed up."Lady Estebahn," I started."Anna," she said."That wouldn't be appropriate, Lady Este-" This time she stopped me. So, I decided to make a surprise visit back to the apartment and see what my daughter was up to.Later, I left for my work. But I came back after some time. I carefully opened the main entrance gate with a duplicate key, very quietly.I saw Jia had entered the study room. She knew how to enjoy herself while staying alone, and she thought this type of opportunity was very rare. So she decided to enjoy it at its peak.At first, my daughter opened all her dresses and became completely naked. She had. As if I wanted him to...” “Shhh! It’s ok... I promise... No-one will ever know...” I slipped under the duvet, still holding his hand, not wanting to let it go. “Would you... Cuddle me a while?” I asked tentatively, “Like you used to?” Mike smiled and slipped under the duvet alongside me, snuggling up in the half darkness in the bedroom. His arms hugged me closely, the warmth of his strong body reassuring and comforting. “There you are, Nic,” he whispered in my ear. “You’re safe now.” And indeed. Even sleeping they were trying to protect him. It would be easier to lift Athea’s hand rather than unwrapping Menja’s arms. The dagger held high above her head, Jenaya carefully grabbed Athea’s wrist to remove her hand from the target.“Couldn’t you wait until morning to kill him?” Athea asked mumbling sleepily.Surprised by the sudden sound of her voice, Jenaya froze in her motion.“Don’t try to stop me, I’ll kill him,” Jenaya whispered in return, but still didn’t move.“I won’t, just be careful.