I Owe the Tyrant Four Little Heirs novel Chapter 184

"Mommy, am I dreaming?" Aurelia was the first to speak, her curly hair a messy halo around her head. She blinked her large, onyx-like eyes, rubbing them with a small hand as if to clear the impossible vision.

"Good morning, Aurelia," Jareth said with a gentle wave.

Before Aurelia could respond, Keir marched up to him.

"Mr. Bragg, what are you doing in our house so early in the morning?" he demanded.

"I'm here to take you all to your new school with your mom," Jareth replied with a smile.

"No, thank you," Keir said instantly. "We have hands and feet. We can get there ourselves. We don't need to trouble you."

"Keir," Jove interjected, "Mommy told me Mr. Bragg was the one who found the new school for us. He has to be there to handle the registration. I also heard his family owns the school."

"Wow, Cliffhaven International Preschool is owned by Mr. Bragg's family?" Aurelia's eyes lit up. She extended a hand toward Jareth. "Well then, Mr. Bragg, you'll have to look out for us from now on."

Phaedra slapped her hand down. "Traitor!" she hissed.

"Phaedra, I'm not a traitor!" Aurelia cried, rubbing her smarting hand.

"Did you forget what you promised me last night?" Phaedra shot back.

With that, she threw herself into Jareth's arms, clambered onto his lap, and wrapped her arms around his neck, planting several firm kisses on his cheek.

Jareth felt his heart melt.

"Mr. Bragg, let's be friends, okay?" Aurelia cooed.

"Of course," he replied happily, returning the gesture with a gentle kiss on her cheek. The faint, sweet scent of a child clung to her, and her face was as soft as a freshly baked cake. Her little body was plump and cuddly, like a warm little ball in his arms. It was the first time in his life he had ever kissed a child—and it was his own flesh and blood.

Phaedra stomped her foot. "Aurelia, don't talk to me ever again! We're through!" she declared. "And Mommy, I don't want to share a room with Aurelia anymore. I want to room with Keir. You can arrange it tonight!"