The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker novel Chapter 6

Julius and March pushed their way through the crowd in time to see Katherine slap the boy bravely standing up for his sister. They stood in shock not only by her hostile behavior but also because of the boy’s appearance. His hair had a reddish tint and his eyes were a clear, vibrant green but despite that he looked enough like Jude to be his little brother.

Who was he?

“Security! Security!” Katherine’s shrill voice called out. “Get these heathens out of here!”

Door security was already approaching before the summons drawn in by the crowd. They stared from Katherine to the children and back again not sure what the best course of action was. Katherine was an important guest but they had been given special instructions concerning the twins by the host of the event himself.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Katherine demanded while they hesitated. “These creatures are disturbing the guests. Get them out of here!”

Before the brothers could react another voice suddenly thundered, “Don’t lay a hand on their heads if you want to keep yours!”

Everyone froze and idle chatter fell silent. The crowd parted making way for the formidable DaLair patriarch. His gray eyes were a storm of rage. Harming his grandkids was a dangerous gamble. The entire crowd felt the unbearable tension unsure of what was happening.

No one knew what to expect until the little girl suddenly exclaimed, “Grandpa Gus!”

Without hesitation the pair ran up to the ruthless business mogul. Augustus’s scowl instantly disappeared and he dropped to his knee to catch the exuberant pair wrapping them in a bear hug.

“There are my little rascals!” he laughed much to the crowd’s surprise.

“We missed you grandpa!” the little girl said. “Why weren’t you waiting for us?”

“I’m sorry sweetie. I got caught up with some business.”

“That’s okay. We forgive you,” Aria said her tone almost patronizing.

Augustus chuckled, “Where’s your mother?”

“Looking for you. Mommy! Mommy! We found Grandpa!”

The crowd moved aside allowing the elegantly dressed redhead to approach. She smiled at the twins saying, “I see that. Caden! What happened!”

Macey rushed forward kneeling in front of her son studying the red mark on his face. The boy shrugged off his mother’s concern but explained, “That dragon lady was picking on Aria and I told her to stop so she slapped me.”

“What dragon lady?” Macey’s face darkened.

“Her.”

Caden pointed to the stunned Katherine.

Ever since Augustus appeared and claimed the kids as his own she had been left unsure of the best course of action. She was already among his least favorite people and couldn’t afford to irritate him further. Despite this she had raised a hand to a child he evidently favored.

Should she beg for forgiveness? Maybe if she fawned over the children and complimented on how adorable they were? But why should she debase herself like that?

Green eyes shining with rage Macey stood marching toward the blonde who dared accost her children. Reaching Katherine she offered no warning before slapping her so hard Katherine stumbled back in surprise. Katherine stared at the furious woman in front of her. No one ever dared lay a hand to her before but the woman in green offered no apology and showed no remorse.

“If you ever lay a hand on my kids again I promise you no one will ever find your body,” Macey declared before spinning around and marched back to her children who watched impassively as if this was an expected reaction.

Over the years they had endured a few bullies mostly poking fun at them for not having a father. Rarely did the taunts become physical. The few occasions when the line was crossed immediately brought out Macey’s protective side. School officials and parents soon learned never to anger her and mind other children’s behavior carefully when it came to the twins. Reaching her children Macey gently stroked Caden’s cheek before kissing him on the top of the head.

Augustus cleared his throat, “Have you eaten?”

“We had some hors d'oeuvres but they weren’t really good,” Aria said.

“Well we can’t have that!” Augustus exclaimed. “Let’s head over to the restaurant shall we?”

“Yeah!” the twins cheered.

“So how was your flight?” Augustus asked taking Aria’s hand as he led the way while Caden clasped his mother’s hand.

“We don’t like flying,” Aria said. “It makes our ears hurt. I got a tummy ache and Caden got a headache.”

“You know flying does the same thing to me. How did you like the villa?”

“It’s great grandpa! We really like our room!”

* * *

From the moment the twins called Augustus grandpa and threw their arms around him Julius was frozen in place, mouth open in shock. Even more surprising was his father’s reaction. Augustus showed no hesitation in embracing the pair. In fact his face was rapt with joy. It was clear he not only knew them intimately he also expected to see them tonight.

And then she appeared.

Like a ghost of the past Macey was suddenly in front of him. She was gorgeous wearing an elegant and simple gown that hugged her gentle curves. Its color highlighted her eyes and complimented her hair and complexion. There was a new confidence surrounding her making her even more alluring.