Compromising Kessen (Vandenbrook #1)(37)

Kessen looked between the two in shock. Could they have bonded any more over the past few hours?

“Well, it could be I’ve been keeping her away from sharp objects,” Christian offered.

Nick nodded his head knowingly. “Yes, she does like to throw things.” He paused, and then turned back to Christian. “Have you tried the Wall Street Journal, or Guitar Hero?”

“Both solid options,” Christian agreed. “I’ve actually been relying on my sensuality to coerce her into doing whatever I want. But sadly, I think those days are coming to an end. She is kind of prudish, don’t you think?”

Nick nodded emphatically. “A complaint I often hear. She tends to panic when things get too hot and heavy, if you know what I mean. In fact, I actually had to teach her how to French kiss when we were sixteen.”

“How did that turn out?”

Nick shuddered. “With two black eyes and a broken tooth.”

“Sounds about right.”

“Yes, well, I hope you’re at least enjoying my tutelage.”

“Oh, immensely. Thank you.” Christian shook his hand.

Kessen was rendered mute. Who were these people? What had happened to her best friend? Without thinking, she yelled, “Pick a side, Nick!”

“I’m sorry. Are we playing capture the flag?” he asked, confused.

Christian shrugged his shoulders but did nothing to hide his smug grin.

“No, you can’t be my best friend and still be his friend. It’s not possible—not okay. He’ll get an unfair advantage in all this dating business.”

“So you’re worried about things being fair?” Christian asked.

Kessen’s eyes darted between both men. “Exactly.”

They both looked at one another and laughed. Nick said, “Perfect.”

Christian said, ”I knew it.”

It made Kessen feel dumb and furious.

“I invited Duncan as well. I hope you don’t mind, Kessen. But I thought it would be only fair to have our two best friends here.”

Stupid interfering men, she thought. “Wait. Does that mean I’m alone with three men in this giant house?”

Christian smiled wickedly. “Yes, and to protect your virtue, I believe it necessary for you to move to the room which adjoins mine.” He looked to Nick. “No offense.”

“None taken,” Nick said between coughs of laughter. “In fact, I think that’s wise, my lord Very wise.”

Kessen yelled, then cursed and ran out of the room, leaving both men shocked with her amazing ability to make swear words sound dirtier than they actually were.

Stomping towards the kitchen helped a little, Kessen thought, as she reached the breakfast table. It was filled high with pastries and at least four different kinds of drinks including coffee.

Bless him.

Interesting choice of words considering she had in fact just cursed the two men who probably thought to put coffee on the table. She shrugged and took a sip. Bliss. Now at least she could think straight. What in the world was she going to do about Christian and Nick? The saying “all’s fair in love and war” came to mind with a vengeance.

Of course, she could learn quite a few things from Duncan if he ever showed up. He did seem to be an open book; in fact, she had thought him a lot like Nick.

Then again…

It could quite possibly be the worst week of her life. Three men, all of whom teased her mercilessly and wanted nothing more than to hear her curse, just so they can feel better about their ability to taunt her.

Drat. It was going to be a long week. The wedding wasn’t until Sunday, and it was only Monday. Well, she could always hide out. She took one of the meat pastries and sat at the table.

Muffled voices arose from the other room, then shouts of laughter, and finally hurried steps coming her way. She closed her eyes for what she was convinced would happen next.

“Kessen!” Duncan yelled, entering the kitchen.

She kept her eyes closed. She told herself if her eyes were closed, none of the men would see her.

“Is she praying?” Christian asked.

“Doubtful. She only does that when she plays Guitar Hero,” Nick said.

“Why?” Duncan asked.

“It gives her an edge,” Nick explained. “Not that I’ve seen it help in any of our time playing together, but it doesn’t hurt.”

“Ahhh,” they all said in unison. Kessen continued closing her eyes, but felt her face getting hot.

Christian was the first to pipe up. “Do you think we should let her stay like that for a while?”

Nick laughed. “She’s very stubborn.”

“I’ve noticed,” Christian mumbled.

Duncan laughed. ”Please, Christian. You’re not any better. Last year you punched yourself in the face just because someone suggested you wouldn’t be able to bruise yourself. When the doctor came, you refused pain medication because it might make you appear weak.”

“That’s kind of childish,” Kessen mumbled.

“Oh, so the princess isn’t asleep.” Christian acted surprised.

Kessen groaned and opened her eyes. It was like a romance novel brought to life. Three of the most attractive men in the world were staring at her with curious eyes. Christian looked as though he was about to devour her; Nick looked incredulous, and Duncan wore the most smug of expressions.