Sky Ashford's POV
I curled up in the passenger seat, wrapped in Seb's suit jacket because I'd "forgotten" my cardigan again. It smelled like danger and dad—so obviously I was keeping it forever.
Dad was driving like he owned the road, which, to be fair, he probably did. I stole a glance at him. Hair slicked back, sleeves rolled, veins on his forearms showing as he shifted gears. He looked like a boss battle in a video game. Cold. Untouchable.
But his jaw softened every time he glanced over at me.
Sucker.
I held up his phone and scrolled through his texts.
"Did you really ignore a call from the Prime Minister?" I gasped.
"He can wait."
"Sebastian." I gasped again. "He texted twice!"
"So call him back if it bothers you."
I did call him back. And said, "Hi, this is Sebastian's daughter, he's busy right now, but if it's world war three, I'll pencil you in for Tuesday. Thanks, have a democracy day!"
Dad didn't even flinch.
I loved him so much it made my chest hurt sometimes.
We turned into the private road leading up to the estate—gates tall enough to block missiles, cameras blinking like polite little spies. One of the cars from the security convoy pulled up beside us. That's when I saw him.
I gasped. Loudly. Dramatically.
"KAI!"
Dad winced. "Sky, don't—"
Too late. I was already half-crawling over the gearshift like a feral cat.
I slammed my palm against the Bugatti window and waved like a lunatic. "KAI! I MISSED YOU, YOU HEARTLESS KILLER!"
The window in the black SUV next to us slowly lowered.
Kai didn't even look at me.
"You're ignoring me?" I yelled. "How dare you? I baked for you! I painted your nails last week, remember?"
Dad snorted. "He hasn't forgiven you for the glitter polish."
I glared at Kai through the glass. He glanced at me, deadpan as ever. Jet-black hair. Tactical gear. Sharp cheekbones that could cut through international borders.
I blew him a kiss. "You look like a hot vampire today."
His eye twitched.
Success.
"I brought cookies!" I said sweetly. "Say you love me and I'll give you the lemon ones."
Still no answer.
I turned to Dad. "Is this workplace harassment?"
"No. He's just terrified of you."
I beamed. "As he should be."
We pulled up to the mansion—the kind with so many columns it looked like a presidential palace. Drivers opened doors. Men in suits stepped back. Everyone bowed slightly. And then—
"Sky!"
A chorus of maids and gardeners waved as I stepped out. One of the guards ran up to take my bag. The chef came sprinting out with a smoothie. Even the head of internal operations smiled when I hugged him.
I high-fived the sniper on the roof. (He high-fived back.)
Kai got out of the SUV behind us, and I tackled him before he could escape.
"Oh my God, you're so dramatic," I said, clinging to his arm. "What's it like being my favorite? Did you cry while I was gone? It's okay. You're safe now."
"I don't cry," he muttered.
"He does," I whispered to the housekeeper. "He just doesn't know it."
She laughed and handed me fresh cookies.
Kai sighed.
"Don't roll your eyes at me, Kai," I warned, poking his cheek. "Or I'll tell everyone how you fell asleep during Barbie: The Movie."
Dad passed us with a smirk. "Make it quick, Sky. We've got a briefing in ten minutes."
"Wait—can I sit in your lap during it again?" I asked sweetly.
"No," Dad said.
"Yes," Kai muttered under his breath.
I smirked. "Told you I'm his favorite."