Marcus didn't know how to respond to Lucas's serious expression and words. But almost as soon as he said the words, Maya began to grin widely, their serious tone dissolving into laughter.
"Got you!" Maya exclaimed, pushing past Marcus. "Your face was priceless."
Lucas followed, sniffing the air with a knowing smile. "Did we interrupt something?"
Fully dressed, Kai and Samantha emerged from the bedroom. Kai opened his mouth for his usual boisterous greeting but caught himself, throwing a questioning glance at Marcus.
Marcus's hand brushed his neck - their subtle signal for breaking protocol. Relief washed over Kai's face as his natural energy returned.
"The terrible twins return!" he bounded down the stairs. "Miss us?"
Samantha appeared beside him, properly dressed but still glowing from their earlier activities. The silk ties were safely hidden away, though Maya's enhanced senses made her smirk knowingly.
