Dad clears his throat, silencing the room like a principal walking into detention.
“It’s not like we didn’t all figure out what you two were up to after your little hissy fit, Colter,” Dad says, straight-faced. “Anna made sure to tell us, in detail, exactly what you were going to be doing with those ice cubes. Which, by the way, isfartoo much information for a father to know about his little princess.” Colt visibly swallows. “And if you ever treat her like that in front of me again, dragging her upstairs like she’s some insolent child, I’ll make my own set of claw marks on you. You understand me, son?”
Colt’s serious face locks into place instantly, his cocky demeanor vanishing. “Yes, sir. I’m sorry. I was drunk, and I know that’s no excuse, but seeing another man touch her, I lost it.”
The guys chuckle behind him at the quick shift in Colt’s posture.
“You’redamn rightthat’s no excuse,” Dad says, sternly. “Don’t let it happen again, or so help me, I’ll have her back living under my roof faster than you can say ‘rock god.’”
I scoff, crossing my arms. “Oh, come on, Dad. That’s not even realistic.”
“Dee, stay out of this,” he snaps, then turns to Colt. “And you, go put a damn shirt on. Show these women some respect.”
Colt nods and walks out of the kitchen.
Everyone laughs, and I bite back a grin.
It still amazes me how my dad is the only person in the world who can intimidate‘the’Colter Slade.
“Good job, Mr. Norman,” Johnny says with a grin. “It’s about time someone scared the king of the world.”
“Damn right,” Dad mutters. “He’d better keep treating her right, or he’ll be answering tome.”
Just then, Joseph walks in, looking like a reanimated corpse. “Ugh, too bright,” he groans, shielding his face with one hand as he stumbles toward me. “Dee… coffee.Now.”
I pass him a mug with a sympathetic smile.
“Where’s Danny?”
“Curled up on the couch with Princess Sofia. The poor guy had one too many frozen daiquiris.”
Joseph narrows his eyes and brushes my ponytail aside.
“What’s that?”
“What’s what?”
His grin widens. “Dee’s got a hickey, Dee’s got a hickey—”
“Shut up!” I laugh, smacking his hand away as the entire room erupts. I yank my hair back to cover the spot and glare at Anna, who’s doubled over laughing. “Oh, shut it, Madam A.”
The Slayettes lose it, while my parents and Colt’s mum exchange a look of confusion.
Anna quickly quiets and slides down into her seat like a guilty schoolgirl.
I help finish prepping the plates, and we’re just setting everything on the table when Colt walks back in fully clothed, long sleeves and all. I can’t help but grin. It’s like he’s doing penance for showing up half-naked. I kind of love him even more for it.
We sit down to eat, and I notice Sia, sitting across from me, looking… off.
“Sia, you okay? Rough night?”
She smiles a little and shakes her head. “Didn’t drink. Still fighting this stupid bug.”
Dingo takes her hand and squeezes it gently. His jaw tightens with concern. But then she pulls away suddenly and claps a hand over her mouth. Without a word, she bolts from the table, her chair skidding back loudly across the floor.
My stomach sinks.
“Is she okay?” Colt asks, looking at Dingo.
