“You keep that in mind,” Clio warned Chance.
“Enough, I visited because I want to learn about my sisters. I can protect myself, and I lay money; none of your MC would like to take me on,” Polly said, interrupting the argument. “But I don’t need babying, nor do I like being crowded. If you can’t give us time to get to know one another, I don’t know why I bothered coming.” Polly steadily held Chance’s gaze.
“My wife…” Chance began, and Polly cut him off.
“Your wife has three sisters, and we are going shopping. I don’t know what any of you expect but playing happy families and coming under your control is not it. We are four women, each with our own personality and thought processes. We need to get to know one another. That’s impossible while constantly being watched; that would be uncomfortable. Nor can we relax enough if we’re being spied on. If that is your intention, then I will pack up and return home.” Polly issued her ultimatum in calm, collected tones. Chance scowled, as did Bear, but Shee and Pyro grinned.
“Clio, tell your sister how much I love shopping,” Shee said.
“Shee always comes shopping with Tati and me. He has great taste even when I disagree with him,” Clio said.
“If Shee wishes to be part of the shopping trip, that’s cool. But I won’t be smothered nor spied over,” Polly retorted. I watched Chance and Bear curiously, wondering what they would do. Finally, Chance rubbed a hand over his chin.
“Fine, you’re right, but I don’t like to admit it. Clio is my world, and that’s my baby. After what happened to her, I’m going to worry,” Chance said.
“That is entirely natural. And I understand, I haven’t yet heard Clio’s full story, but I have guessed that it’s not pretty. But if you don’t let your grip loosen, we won’t get to know each other. She’ll be with three sisters and a brother. Clio doesn’t need protection from us,” Polly said. Calliope hid behind her, not liking the fighting. Chance’s gaze settled on me, and I squirmed.
“I apologised,” I snapped, and Polly turned to face me with a raised eyebrow. “I was a brat when we met and made several erroneous snap judgements. And I’ve apologised several times now; I won’t keep doing so.”
“Yeah, you did,” Chance said, his face softening.
“Can we go now?” Clio asked, her foot tapping on the floor. Chance visibly struggled with himself. His urge to protect Clio and her wish to have freedom caused a war inside him. We saw when Clio wishes won against his own. Chance sagged and then glowered.
“Fine, but text me a few times,” Chance growled, strolling over to Clio and dropping a kiss on her mouth.
“Okay,” Clio chirped, smiling that she’d got her wish. Chance snorted and tapped her nose.
“Don’t rub it in too much, baby, that you got your own way. Shee will still be there,” Chance smiled, and I blinked as Chance transformed into a completely different man. Love shone from Chance’s eyes as Clio plastered herself against him and dragged his head down for a kiss. Chance indulged himself and, pulling away, nodded at Bear and Pyro, and they left.
“Who’s ready to shop?” I asked, and Clio groaned.
“I really hate shopping! This sacrifice proves how much I want to know you!” Clio said and stomped off.
“I love shopping,” Calliope smiled as Polly scowled too. Guess Polly hated shopping.
“Let’s go,” Polly said, and Calliope and I followed behind her.