The Klaus Brothers Boxed Set

by penny watson

  “Nicholas, I don’t mean to be rude or anything…” Oskar cringed.

  Nick straightened his glasses. “What’s the problem?”

  “Um, you sort of smell like spit-up. You know, like curdled milk. Like…it’s not good, man.” Oskar took a step back.

  Nick shot him an aggravated look. “My apologies. I had a spit-up cloth on earlier, while I was burping Noelle, but I removed it for this event.” He removed his glasses and shined them on his tie. “A bit of puke must have escaped.”

  “Spit-up cloth. That’s something I missed with Gabi and Mr. Frosty.” Oskar whispered Thank God under his breath.

  “Now, Oskar, cut Nicholas some slack. He has a newborn. He’ll probably smell like baby puke for months.” Alena smiled at her oldest son with pride. “You and Lucy are doing a stand-up job, honey. Don’t mind Oskar.”

  “Where is Lucy, anyway? I have some baby booties for Noelle. Our knitting club made a whole collection.” Kiana opened her bag to show Nicholas the gifts. “See? Gabi put Noelle’s initials on this pair.”

  Oskar nuzzled Kiana’s neck. “We have the first ever multi-cultural elfin-human knitting club.” He laughed when Ki punched him on the arm. “Our motto is—We have knitting needles and we’re not afraid to use them.”

  Nicholas rolled his eyes at Oskar’s comment. “Thank you, Kiana. Lucy will love them. She’ll be here in a moment. She and Wolf were chatting with some guests who wanted to meet Noelle.” Nicholas blew out a nervous breath. “Is it hot in here?”

  Sven laughed. “Bro, everything is fine. Your baby is sweet as pie, your wife is beaming with happiness. And other than the pukey-milk problem, you look pretty good. Although I think you have on mismatched socks. But I won’t tell anyone.”

  Nicholas frowned. “Damn it!”

  Gregor took a sip of his scotch as his gaze roamed the room. “Lots of heavy-hitters here tonight. Wolf will be happy. The Literacy Program should get some serious donations after this event.” His eyes narrowed slightly and he stilled. “Does anyone know who the brunette is across the room? Green dress?”

  Oskar glanced in that direction. “Nope. I barely know anyone here. Just Kiana’s friends from the library and Mr. Brockman’s bookstore.”

  “We’re back!” Lucy appeared with a sleepy baby on her shoulder. Noelle was swaddled in a peppermint-colored blanket with a large “K” embroidered in the middle.

  Nicholas ran a finger along his daughter’s rosy cheek. “How is she doing? Okay? Over-tired? Is she fussy?”

  Lucy lightly touched her husband’s arm. “She’s wonderful. Happy, taking in all the sights and sounds. There’s nothing to worry about.”

  Nicholas draped an arm over Lucy’s shoulders, and she snuggled into his embrace.

  “And she’s helping me get some hefty donations. There’s nothing like an adorable baby—and lots of scotch—to get the party-goers feeling generous with their money.” Wolfgang shook Nick’s hand. “How you holding up, Pops?”

  Nicholas Senior took his new granddaughter from Lucy’s shoulder and cuddled her. “Nicholas Junior is a nervous wreck. I, however, am a doting, loving grandfather, ready to show off our newest addition.” He kissed Noelle on the forehead and she blinked at him. “Someone is going to be extremely spoiled Christmas morning.” He glanced at Oskar and Kiana. “Actually, a couple of someones. I can’t wait to see Gabi’s face when she gets her mountain of toys. She is such a sweetheart. In addition to being the very best Magik Bändiger I’ve ever seen.”

  Kiana smiled. “Thank you. She’s busy today with Master Eugen’s apprentice class at Magik School. They have a big exam. She keeps telling everyone she’s going to ace it since she’s Santa’s granddaughter.” She covered her mouth. “Oops. I guess I shouldn’t say that too loudly. I’m not used to being so careful about your identity.”

  Nicholas Senior chuckled. “It’s all right, Ki. You can tell folks it’s my nickname since I look the part. It’s hard keeping secrets in the Sudenwelt, isn’t it?”

  “I’m horrible at keeping secrets. I’ll just stick to chatting about kids and reading.”

  Wolf kissed Kiana on the cheek. “I can’t thank you enough for all of your help with this event. You’ve been an angel.”

  Oskar’s expression turned possessive. “Hey. Lips off my wife, bubs. Get your own chick.”

  “I’m working on it,” Wolf answered.

  The talk about secrets made Sven squirm. He hated keeping things from his family. He had to tell them about his business plans before he got an ulcer.

  “What’s up? You look a little grim.” Wolf patted him on the shoulder. “How about something stronger than champagne? The bar’s right over there.”

  “I could go for a scotch.”

  Wolf turned to Gregor. “Want to join the bachelor crowd for a stronger drink?”

  Gregor finally pulled his gaze from the woman across the room and nodded. “Sure. Sounds good.”

  The three brothers ordered drinks at the bar and meandered back to the party. Wolfgang lifted his glass. “To the Klaus Brother Bachelors. An endangered species.”

  Sven smiled. “The Klaus brothers appear to be dropping like flies. Hard to imagine, but Nicholas and Oskar seem to be adjusting well to family life.”

  Wolf sighed. “If I slow down my work schedule, maybe I’ll find time to date. As it stands now, I’m buried in events and planning.” He took a long swig of his drink. “Speaking of that, I see a big donor at the bar. Let me say hello. I’ll catch you guys in a few.”

  Sven realized Gregor’s attention had returned to the woman across the room. “What’s up?”

  “I want to meet her.”

  Sven lifted a brow at his brother’s single-minded intensity. “She caught your fancy, did she?”

  Gregor didn’t answer. He just nodded his head.

  Sven inspected the guest and thought she looked pretty, but couldn’t figure out Greg’s instant attraction.

  The woman with her, however, was absolutely stunning.

  Tall, slender, and curvy, with silky black hair and a dress that fit her like a second skin. She moved slightly, and Sven saw a long, sleek leg peek out from a thigh-high slit. Her skin looked like honey, and her eyes flashed with fire, even from across the room. She had a sultry, exotic sex appeal that was impossible to resist.

  Who was she?

  He cleared his throat. “Why don’t we go over with some champagne and greet them? They’re all alone.”

  Gregor nodded again. “Excellent plan. Let’s go.”

  “Wow. It looks so beautiful. It’s like magic.”

  Andi watched Hannah gaze around the room, taking in the elegant flowers, the flickering candles, and the rainbow assortment of gowns. She had stars in her eyes and an enchanted smile on her face.

  Hell. Why can’t I be more like that?

  Andi shook her head as she surveyed her surroundings.

  The New York Public Library had been transformed into a gala fit for a king. She knew that Klaus Enterprises had funded this event, and clearly they’d spared no expense. Her sister was dazzled by the show. Touched by the romance of the moment, enveloped by soft music and candlelight.

  As she glanced around the room, Andi saw something else.

  A room full of secrets.

  Men cheating on their wives.

  Wives hiding their addictions.

  Wealthy people drowning in debt.

  Sometimes she wished she could capture the positive outlook her sister always seemed to possess. Despite the tragic loss of her husband, Hannah still had hope. Andi’s cynicism, developed after years working for The Scoop, had hardened like a shell around her heart. She was afraid nothing could ever crack it.

  As Hannah chatted about the décor and dresses, Andi’s eyes darted around the party, searching for her prey. It couldn’t be that difficult to find Sven Klaus. In the photos on his website, he looked like a big, goofy hippie. In faded jeans, Birkenstocks, and a tie dyed T-shirt that had seen better days. H
is long blond hair and beard completed the image.

  All she had to do was drop the tracker in a coat pocket and follow the signal. According to her sources, Sven was heading back to his workshop after the gala.

  And Andi would be following right behind.

  “Oh my goodness. I think that’s Gregor Klaus.” Hannah’s lips parted slightly and she exhaled a slow breath.

  “Seriously? He can’t be that spectacular.” Andi followed her sister’s line-of-vision, hoping that Sven would be nearby. She didn’t see a hippie anywhere. But across the room she did spy Gregor, Director of Finance for Klaus Enterprises. He was huge. As in…giant. A waiter standing next to him looked like an elf. Even from far away, Andi could sense the “don’t-fuck-with-me” power in Gregor’s presence. She shuddered and vowed to keep her distance. The goofball hippie was an easy-in.

  She noticed an older gentleman standing near Gregor. With a white goatee, looking quite fit and trim for his age. And a tiny woman next to him. And more…giants. Were those his brothers? The gang of Klaus brothers—thirty-something years old and too handsome for their own good—had an impressive reputation. For being ultra-talented and dedicated to their family business. Andi had to force herself not to grab the mini-binoculars from her purse. Hannah still thought this was a purely social event.

  She suddenly developed an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of her stomach. Her eyes strayed back to Gregor. He was no longer looking at his companions. His attention was focused across the room. Near her. She inspected her shoes and took a deep breath. There was no way he knew who she was. Her eyes slowly lifted and she peeked at Gregor from below her lashes.

  And had a horrible, sinking realization.

  He was staring at Hannah!

  Not just staring. He was looking at her sister like she was a sweet little lamb and he was the Big Bad Wolf. And when Andi glanced at her sister, who she was sure was oblivious to the treacherous wolf issue, she had another shock.

  Hannah was staring back!

  Everyone, just calm down.

  “Hannah.” She fought to keep her voice calm. “Hannah. HANNAH!”

  “Hmm.” Her sister mumbled something as her cheeks turned pink. She glanced at Andi with an embarrassed smile. “What?”

  “Oh, no. Oh…no. Gregor Klaus? Have you lost your mind? You haven’t left your apartment in months. Why don’t you find a nice nerdy accountant and make a nice safe date. Okay? Do you hear me?”

  “Okay.”

  “You’re not listening, are you?”

  “Champagne?” Without warning, Gregor Klaus was towering over them and offering her sister a glass of sparkling wine. And speaking in a voice that was so low and rough and ridiculously masculine, it had to be an act.

  A pretty convincing act, but an act nonetheless.

  Andi narrowed her eyes. There was no way she was letting Gregor Klaus—who was most likely part of some nefarious business dealings—charm the hell out of her lovely, innocent sister.

  “Thirsty?” Another voice, deep and rich as dark chocolate, had all the hairs on the back of her neck stand straight up. Her gaze settled on the enormous hand holding the glass in front of her, and then followed the bulky arm, past the elbow, to the broad shoulders, up to a face that made her blink.

  And then blink again.

  And then slowly exhale. Exactly the way her sister had just done a moment ago.

  Because standing directly in front of her, offering her a glass of champagne, was Sven Klaus.

  He wasn’t a goofy-looking hippie.

  Not even close.

  Andi tried to hide the tremble in her hand as she accepted the cocktail.

  I might be in trouble here.

  She had never experienced this sort of intense physical reaction to a man in her life. Sven was slighter larger than his brother Gregor, over six-foot-five for sure. His shoulders were broader, his strength readily apparent. He was rugged yet sophisticated, masculine, confident. All of her presumptions about this man had been horribly wrong. He had a square jaw, full beard, and shoulder-length blond hair that suggested he’d just walked out of the forest. With an axe over one shoulder. But the severe tuxedo and intense dark eyes suggested otherwise.

  He was a force to be reckoned with. Andi had clearly miscalculated. She took a deep breath to settle her nerves. Head in the game. Don’t lose focus. Concentrate.

  She suddenly realized her sister was speaking.

  “I’m Hannah,” she said softly, looking at Gregor like he was some sort of god from the heavens above. Shit. “And this is my sister, A—”

  “Andi.” The last thing she needed was Sven figuring out her identity. She’d use her nickname tonight. “Thank you for the champagne.”

  Gregor never took his attention off Hannah. “Nice to meet you. I’m Gregor Klaus. This is my brother Sven.”

  Hannah smiled sweetly.

  Andi needed to get Sven somewhere alone. Before Hannah spilled the beans and blew her cover. And so she could discreetly drop the tracker.

  Gregor saved her the trouble. He took her sister’s hand and whisked Hannah out to the dance floor.

  Andi frowned. “You must be kidding me. He didn’t even ask her if she wanted to dance.” She glared at Sven. “What’s the deal with your brother? Is he some sort of player?”

  Sven chuckled. “Gregor’s not a player. Honestly. He’ll treat your sister like a princess.”

  Andi pursed her lips. “Hannah’s husband died a year ago, and she’s still vulnerable. I don’t want anything bad to happen to her. Or her heart.” She cast a threatening look Sven’s way.

  Sven gently touched her arm. “I understand. And I totally respect protecting your sib. Greg’s a good guy. I promise.”

  Andi froze. That enormous hand, rough with calluses and intensely masculine, was touching her bare skin. She forgot to breathe. She forgot to speak. Shake it off, De Luca!

  She took a jittery breath. “So you’re part of the notorious Klaus Family.”

  “Guilty as charged.”

  “I noticed the band of giants across the room. Your brothers?”

  Sven leaned down to her eye level, and she got a whiff of cologne and…cedar? Was that cedar? He smelled woodsy and sophisticated at the same time. A potent combination. The sophisticated lumberjack. Why was she finding that so attractive?

  “Do we really seem like giants?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

  She answered with a teasing smile. “Like the Paul Bunyan Brigade.”

  He laughed, and she got a warm ping in her chest. Flirting with Sven Klaus wasn’t so bad. She just had to stay focused on her plan. Engage in some light chatter, get him to lower his defenses. Then…bam! Go in for the kill.

  “Yes, the giants are my brothers. My whole family is here to support Wolf. He’s hosting the gala.”

  Andi glanced around the room. “He must be thrilled. It seems like a great success.”

  “He is. The Literacy Program is one of his special causes. It’s really important to him.”

  “My sister and I are big supporters, too. This program has had a huge impact on a lot of communities in New York.”

  “You’re a local gal?”

  “Yep. Born-and-raised New Yorker. Me, Hannah, my parents, and Uncle Dominic.”

  “Did you and Hannah ever attend story hour at the library? My sister-in-law Kiana is a librarian here, and that’s her favorite part of the job.”

  “Yes. We loved it. That’s how I got hooked on Little House on the Prairie.”

  “I’m sure a city girl can learn all sorts of important life lessons from a pioneer book. Right?” Sven quirked a brow.

  “Of course. You never know when you’re gonna be attacked by a swarm of psychotic grasshoppers.”

  He tipped back his head and roared with laughter. She blushed at his response and wanted to kick herself. Think of the poor impoverished children toiling away in a Klaus factory! She cleared her throat. “Did I see a newborn with your family tonight? That takes a
lot of courage—bringing a baby to an event like this.”

  “No kidding. So far my brother hasn’t had a nervous breakdown. Yet.” He grinned. “But the night’s still young.”

  “I remember when my sister’s twins were little. Every outing was an adventure.”

  Sven nodded. “Nicholas is practically foaming at the mouth when they leave the house. He’s loaded down with diapers, bottles, toys. Like a pack mule. It’s hilarious.”

  “Soon his daughter will be running around, and then the fun really begins. That’s when I got Hannah a year’s supply of wine from a California vineyard. She loved that gift.”

  “I have a lot of respect for your sister. Raising twins alone must be tough. She’s lucky to have you looking out for her.”

  Those dark brown eyes were lethal. Filled with kindness and concern. Was it all an act? Or genuine?

  He took a step toward her, and Andi could feel the heat from his body, like a blast of sunshine. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to run away like a frightened bunny, or move closer to the sun. Sven seemed completely unaware of her tumultuous emotions.

  Think of the poor factory children! Crying children! No matter how many thoughtful things Sven Klaus said about family, she would not feel sorry for him. For what she was about to do. Just get it over with. Let’s go!

  “Andi, would you like to dance?”

  And just like that, Sven offered her the perfect opportunity to get her plan rolling.

  “I would love to.” She set her champagne glass down on a table and took his hand.

  She tried to ignore the feel of the rough callused fingers.

  Strong grip.

  Sexy touch.