Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess novel Chapter 137

Buzzed and boisterous, Josefina flaunted her surprising strength. "Dare to defy me? Where's that little whip? I'll show you who's boss," she slurred.

Oliver lounged back with his hands clasped behind his head, a charming, crooked smile lighting up his eyes with mischief. "And how do you plan to enlighten me?"

A tipsy chuckle escaped Josefina as she hiccuped, her body slowly slumping down as sleep overtook her.

Oliver shook his head in disbelief. After tucking Josefina in, he texted the house cook, requesting some black coffee be ready at dawn.

Josefina's phone rang. It was a message from Hattie. Oliver gently placed her finger on the phone, unlocking it, and typed a reply: [Mom, staying at a friend's tonight, won't be back.]

Sending the word "Mom" stirred an odd emotion within him.

Hattie's instant response was a mother's typical blend of concern for safety and health.

After setting Josefina's phone aside, Oliver went to freshen up with a shower.

Post-shower, a video call from Finley came through, thanks to his second phone. "Oliver, why'd you block me on Facebook, man? We're buddies. You've gone all love-blind on me." Finley protested, half-joking.

Oliver frowned as Finley grinned and said, "That bed behind you ain’t looking too neat, seems like you've got company. Don’t tell me that's a dude lying there."

Oliver glanced over to where Josefina lay asleep, her slender form still making a noticeable rise against the smooth bed linen. Finley's sharp eyes hadn't missed a thing.

With a cool stare, Oliver asked, "What's up?"

Finley's face twisted in mock agony. "Man, Oliver, you really do ditch your bros for a girl, huh?" Without a word, Oliver ended the call, choosing silence over banter.