The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 2004

"Damn it," Alaric muttered under his breath, utterly annoyed by the interruption at the most crucial moment. He had just let go of Hertha, ready to lash out, when he turned and saw a familiar face.

His irritation instantly turned into embarrassment and guilt.

There, standing before him, was none other than his mother-in-law, Kimberly!

He was caught red-handed kissing her daughter, about to lead her into temptation, and now he was about to snap at Kimberly. He felt like he was seriously asking for trouble.

The harsh words that were about to escape Alaric's lips were forcefully swallowed back down.

With a guilty conscience, he muttered a low, "Kimberly."

He had wanted to call her "Mom" but feared being rejected, so he reverted to using her first name instead.

Hertha, still dazed from the kiss, lay limp in Alaric's arms, oblivious to the unfolding situation.

"Don't you dare," Kimberly said with a look of disdain.

"Daddy, Mommy, are you playing the kissing game? I wanna play too!" a soft, adorable voice chimed in.

"Me too, me too!" another equally cute voice added, bubbling with excitement.

Hertha, startled from her daze, felt a jolt of shock run from the depths of her heart to the top of her head.

She lifted her head and saw her mother frowning at her with utter disdain. The sight was shocking enough, but then she glanced down to see two angelic little faces looking up at her with innocence and excitement, as if waiting to join in the kissing game.