"Ladiessssssss!"
The loud voice came first, as the bedroom door swinged open with enough force to make both Kashi and Zarri jolt where they sat.
They turned at the same time.
A young man strolled in like he owned the entire mansion. He was dressed in a dark suit, his slick red-tinted hair brushed neatly back, a gift bag dangling from one hand and a cigar balanced lazily in the other. Every step he took screamed trouble wrapped in charm.
The moment Zarri saw him, she shrieked and recoiled straight into Kashi.
"Dios mío, he's here!" she cried, squeezing her eyes shut as though that might make him disappear.
Kashi only sighed and pressed a hand to her temple.
"Oh, come on, don't be like that," the man said, already grinning as he dropped onto the bed beside them as if he belonged there. "Miss me?"
Kashi frowned and kicked his leg off her bed. "You still live," she said, her tone dripping with disappointment.
The man's grin only widened. "Ever the Ice Queen, eh, Saints?" Then he turned toward Zarri, who was still half-cowering against Kashi. "Sugar darling... "
"Go away, Dante!" Zarri squeaked out.
Dante pouted dramatically. "Oh, come on. I fly eighteen hours back to this mansion all the way from Germany, and this is how you both receive me? What happened to the love we shared?" He clutched his chest as if genuinely wounded.
"Love died when you fled with Ivar," Kashi replied dryly.
Dante rolled his eyes. "I don't expect you to miss me, Kashi, but you, Zarri? Tut, tut, tut." He clicked his tongue and leaned closer. "Don't lie to me."
Zarri yelped and smacked him with a pillow. "You crazy freak, stay away!"
Dante had always been more than just a nuisance, he was their friend, and more importantly, Kashi's personal bodyguard. And now, by her grandfather's decision, he was back to resume his duties.
"Check out what I got you," Dante said, holding out the gift bag to Zarri.
She took it slowly, narrowing her eyes at him in suspicion, silently warning him that whatever was inside had better be worth it. The moment she opened it, her expression changed. Her eyes lit up instantly, sparkling with delight.
"Dante, darling!" Zarri purred.
Dante physically recoiled at the tone. Oh no!
Before he could react, Zarri launched herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and peppering his cheeks with rapid kisses.
"I've missed you so much! Where have you been? Oh, Dante, Danteeeeee!" she squealed.
Dante stiffened. This woman, This crazy bitch. Women? Tsk. Still, he didn't push her away at least. Across from them, Kashi watched, her gaze subtly shifting toward Dante, clearly waiting for her own present.
Dante caught the look and laughed before finally prying Zarri off him and pushing her back.
"That's enough, you pervy woman. Sit still," he ordered, though there was a teasing edge to his tone.
Zarri obeyed instantly, because the diamond-encrusted jewelry now resting in her hands was something even she couldn't easily get her hands on.
If he wants me to kneel and kiss his feet, I might even consider it, she thought smugly, though she only huffed outwardly.
Dante reached out and patted her head. "Good girl."
Kashi shook her head in disbelief. "Zarri, have a bit of shame and dignity."
Zarri didn't even look up.
"Shame? Dignity? What's that?" she replied casually, completely absorbed as she examined the jewelry, her eyes glittering with excitement.
Dante nodded approvingly. "I see you haven't forgotten my teachings."
"Never, sensei," Zarri beamed, still not tearing her gaze away from the diamonds.
"How's Ivar?" Kashi asked.
Dante waved a hand dismissively. "He's fine. Still the same. He sends his greetings, though."
Then his gaze settled properly on her, the playfulness slipped from his expression. "You're not hurt too badly. That's good," he said quietly.
Kashi didn't answer.
For a moment, the room fell still.
Dante looked at her, his voice gentler now, stripped of its usual teasing edge. "Kashi, I'm here because Mr. James called. But if you don't want me to…"
He let the words hang, waiting for her answer.
Zarri finally tore her attention away from the jewelry, her gaze moving between them both.
Kashi smiled faintly. "I hate being watched…" She sighed, then looked at him properly. "But it's been less interesting without you around."
Dante smiled back at her, something warm and familiar settling into his features. "Then I'll guard you with my life, as always, Miss Saints."
As much as he was their friend, Dante had always been loyal to his duties and to the Saints family above all else. Now he was back to guard his mistress once again. He had been away for nearly two years.
It was good to be back.