It was a spot-on imitation of Sheryl's whiny tone.
Except, when Sheryl did it, Shanley found it nauseating. When Juniper did it, it was maddeningly seductive.
"Jealous?"
Shanley's eyes darkened. He pulled her into his arms, a helpless smile playing on his lips.
"Yeah."
Juniper admitted it without hesitation. Her lips curved up, but there was zero humor in her eyes. "If I hear another woman call you like that, I'll crack your skull open."
"So vicious, Ms. Payne." Shanley let out a low chuckle, his smile widening.
She looked so cute when she was possessive. He absolutely loved it.
"Wipe that smirk off your face." Juniper pinched his waist, showing no mercy.
"Understood."
Shanley nodded, his attitude a picture of perfect repentance. "I promise I won't attract any more crazy admirers. If another woman even looks at me, I'll gouge her eyes out and give them to you to play marbles with."
Seeing he wasn't taking it seriously, Juniper rolled her eyes, shoved him away, and collapsed onto the couch. She pulled out her phone and booted up a mobile game.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Her in-game opponents were soon scrambling for their lives as she ruthlessly sniped them down.
Shanley's throat tightened as he watched the screen. Thank god it wasn't his head exploding into pixels.
His girl definitely held a grudge.
***
The holiday season officially wrapped up.
Once the festivities were over, Juniper reported to Eclara University, escorted by her six older siblings.
An A-list actor, a top-tier surgeon, and a professional racer for brothers. A Special Forces instructor, a legendary botanical scientist, and a casino boss for sisters.
Their arrival turned the university campus into an absolute spectacle. Everyone now knew Juniper was no longer some isolated orphan. Not only did she have the Schwartz family backing her, but she also had six terrifyingly powerful siblings. Pulling out just one of them was enough to shake the city.
Life quickly settled into a routine.
But the peace barely lasted two days.

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