Maid for Me by Kat Lieu, Eve Lieu

Jameson’s desk, catching both father and son off guard.

    “I’m a pauper, not a princess. But that’s not what you two should be discussing here. Mr. Daniels, I’m sure you’re aware there’s a stalker out there who wants you and your son dead.”

    “I am well aware of that.” Jameson faced his son. “Many people would love to kill me. Oh and Bunion had told me about the damaged Maserati. My deepest condolences to you, Jaiden.”

    Jaiden dropped his head, an invisible tear rolling down his cheek. “Thank you, Father.”

    Mina groaned. “Let’s be serious here, guys. I have reason to believe your lives are in great danger. I can protect your son and help him kill two stones with one bird,” Mina said, her scanning eyes plastered on Jameson’s face.

    “You mean kill two birds with one stone.” Intrigued and amused, Jameson tilted his head downward. “Please elaborate.”

    Mina inhaled, her chest rising like a puffin penguin’s. “In pretending to be Jaiden’s girlfriend, I can help him discourage Madison. Plus, I can protect him because I have a black belt in Mina-Jitsu.” Mina karate-chopped the air in front of her.

    Jameson chuckled. “’Is she serious? Mina-Jitsu?”

    “Yes, she’s stronger and more capable than she appears. Anyway, I’m sure Madison didn’t tell you why she wants me to marry her, right?” Jaiden flashed his brows.

    “Please enlighten me.” Jameson rested his hands on the desk.

    “She’s pregnant and doesn’t know who the father is. You wouldn’t want a bastard as your grandchild.”

    Jameson shook his head. “I see.” He sat back, turning his swiveling chair to face the windows. “Does Michael know about this?”

    “I don’t think so,” Jaiden said.

    Jameson faced the young couple and tapped his fingers on his desk. “Then go ahead. Continue to pretend to date. However…” Jameson stretched his neck. “Madison also mentioned the maid was pregnant. Are you going to pretend to be pregnant, Miss Mina?”

    “I really don’t want to,” Mina admitted. Jaiden nudged her thigh with his knee. In retaliation, Mina stomped on his foot. Jaiden sucked in his breath to prevent himself from grunting in pain.

    “It’s better that way, Father. I’ll have more of a reason to marry Mina than marry Madison,” Jaiden said when he regained his composure.

    “I would appreciate it if you do not do anything that may affect my reputation and career.” Jameson glared at his son for a second.

    “I understand, Father.”

    Jameson picked up a golden pen and twirled it with his fingers. “This means you will have to make sure Madison doesn’t run her mouth to the press. You will not have to pretend you’re pregnant, Miss Mina. And there will be no pretend marriage.”

    “I understand, Mr. Daniels.” Mina raised her chin at Jaiden, her eyes smirking.

    “Jaiden?” Jameson cleared his throat.

    “Capisce.” Jaiden gave Mina a thanks-a lot-look. “And you don’t have to worry about a real pregnancy either, Father.”

    “Good. Now, as for stalker and the threats-I’ll tell you what we’ll do. I will hire more guards to patrol the manse. Whenever you go out, Driver will be your chauffeur. I will talk to Commissioner Keller about our situation but tell him not to publicize this.” Jameson reached for the phone. “As soon as they’re needed, the police will be on the case as well.”

    Jaiden nodded. “Sounds good to me, Father. Detective Graham should have a full list of suspects for me by the end of the week.”

    “Excellent. So,” Jameson looked at Mina, “I trust you will keep my son safe.”

    Completely serious, Mina saluted Jameson. “I will guard him with my life if need be.”

    Both father and son glanced at each other and chortled.

    Jameson folded his hands. “Alright then, I have more business to attend to. We’ll have dinner tonight.”

    “Yes, Father.”

    “It was nice meeting you,” Jameson said to Mina.

    Mina grinned like a