Jade walked through the grand marble lobby of the hotel, the warm yellow lights reflecting off the polished floors. She’d just returned from her day out with Lucas, still feeling the lingering happiness from exploring Rio—its vibrant markets, the delicious food, and Lucas’s easygoing charm.
As she turned the corner, she spotted them: Milan, Enzo, and Thiago. They were standing near the front desk, their tall, commanding figures impossible to miss. Milan was scrolling through his phone, his sharp blue eyes flicking up the moment he noticed her. Enzo leaned casually against the counter, but his usual smirk was nowhere to be seen, his dark gaze cold and unreadable. Thiago, who normally had a teasing comment ready for her, sat slouched in one of the armchairs, his jaw tight as he stared off into the distance.
Jade hesitated, her steps faltering slightly. Something was off. The air seemed heavier, tension crackling around them like a storm waiting to hit.
“Hey,” she said, offering them a small, tentative smile as she approached.
None of them responded right away. Milan gave her a curt nod, his gaze lingering on her for a second too long before looking back at his phone. Enzo’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he gave a simple “Evening,” before turning his attention to the concierge. Thiago didn’t even look up, his hands gripping the arms of the chair as if he were holding something back.
Jade frowned, feeling the shift in their demeanor like a physical weight pressing on her chest. What is their problem?
But she didn’t say anything. The last thing she wanted was to start a confrontation in the middle of the hotel lobby. Instead, she adjusted the strap of her bag and forced a calm tone. “I’ll see you guys later. I’m heading up to my room.”
Thiago finally glanced up at her then, his dark eyes unreadable. “Yeah,” he muttered, his voice low and clipped. “Enjoy your evening, Jade.”
Jade blinked, caught off guard by the coldness in his tone, but she didn’t respond. She turned on her heel and walked toward the elevator, fighting the urge to look back. As the doors slid shut behind her, she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
“What the hell was that about?” she whispered to herself.
Her room was on the top floor, spacious and luxurious. This time, she had a room of her own—no unexpected surprises with Milan, Enzo, or Thiago sharing the space. She kicked off her shoes and sank onto the plush bed, letting out a sigh of relief.
After a few minutes of decompressing, she grabbed the room service menu from the nightstand. “I deserve this,” she mumbled to herself as she skimmed through the options. “After the day I’ve had.”
She ordered a burger, fries, and a mango smoothie—something comforting—and then reached for her phone. Without thinking, she dialed Mia’s number.
It rang twice before her friend picked up. “Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite world traveler!”
Jade smiled, sinking back into the bed. “Hey, Mia.”
“How’s Brazil? Are you working hard, or are you sipping cocktails on the beach?”
Jade laughed. “No cocktails, but you won’t believe what happened today.”
“Tell me everything,” Mia replied eagerly. “If it involves cute guys, even better.”
“Actually…” Jade paused, biting her lip. “I met someone.”
“What?!” Mia practically screeched into the phone. “Are you serious? Who?”
“His name’s Lucas,” Jade said, smiling as she recalled the day. “I met him at a juice stand in the mall. He’s a local, super nice, and he showed me around Rio.”
“You spent the whole day with him?” Mia’s voice was dripping with excitement. “Oh my god, Jade! Is he cute? Did he flirt? Did you flirt?”
Jade rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “Yes, he’s cute. And yes, he flirted—just a little. But it was fun. He bought me food, showed me all these amazing little places. Honestly, it was the best day I’ve had in a while.”
“Girl, you’re living in a romance novel,” Mia teased. “First the three bosses, now Lucas the charming tour guide. When’s my turn to get this lucky?”
Jade snorted, shaking her head. “Trust me, it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. Speaking of the bosses… they were acting weird tonight.”
“Weird how?”
Jade frowned, sitting up. “I saw them in the lobby, and they were all quiet and… distant. It’s like they were mad at me, but I don’t know why.”
“Maybe they’re jealous,” Mia said immediately.
“Jealous?” Jade repeated incredulously. “Of what?”
“Of Lucas!” Mia said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Come on, Jade. Three men, all used to getting what they want, and suddenly you’re out having fun with another guy? You don’t think that got under their skin?”
Jade opened her mouth to argue but found herself pausing. “That’s ridiculous.”
“Is it, though?” Mia said with a knowing tone. “Mark my words, Jade. Something’s brewing there.”
Jade sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
“Keep me posted,” Mia said brightly. “And don’t forget—if Lucas proposes, I’m flying out for the wedding.”
Jade laughed, shaking her head. “Goodnight, Mia.”
“Goodnight, world traveler.”
The next morning, Jade boarded the private jet for their return flight. She was the last one to arrive, and the tension hit her the moment she stepped into the cabin. Milan, Enzo, and Thiago were already seated, all of them impossibly polished and composed—but their expressions were far from friendly.
“Good morning,” Jade said cautiously as she took her seat.
No one replied immediately. Finally, Milan set his coffee cup down with a soft clink and fixed her with a pointed look. “Did you enjoy your day yesterday, Jade?”
Jade blinked, startled. “Uh… yes. It was nice.”
Enzo’s dark gaze narrowed, his voice low and smooth. “Lucas, huh?”
Jade’s stomach dropped. “How do you—”
“We know everything,” Thiago cut in, his voice sharp. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his dark eyes locked onto hers. “What were you thinking?”
Jade gaped at them. “What’s the big deal? I met someone, and we hung out for a day. That’s it.”
Milan’s gaze turned icy. “You don’t belong to him, Jade.”
Her breath caught. “What?”
Enzo smirked faintly, though his eyes were anything but amused. “You belong to us, Jade. You’re under our protection. That means no Lucas. No wandering off. No secrets.”
Jade stared at them, stunned into silence as the weight of their words sank in. Belong to them?
Thiago leaned back, his gaze unwavering. “You’re ours, Jade. Don’t forget it.”