Page 34 of Protected By the Elf Prince

Monkey started laughing so hard, he nearly folded in half. “Holy shit,” he wheezed. “Pops, he’s obsessed with you.”

Landon pointed another warning finger at him. “Do not start.”

“I’m just sayin’—”

“Not one word,” Landon warned.

Monkey grinned shamelessly before moving fully into the kitchen. Meanwhile, I remained painfully aware that Landon was now blushing, but I did not believe it was anger; otherwise, he would not have sent me a small smile that quickened my pulse.

Landon cleared his throat abruptly before turning toward the refrigerator. “Right. Dinner.”

Monkey hopped onto one of the stools at the counter while watching us both with the focused attention of someone witnessing live entertainment.

I disliked it immediately. “You are observing us,” I noted.

“Yep.”

“Why?” I pressed.

Monkey looked delighted by the question. “Because watchin’ you two dance around each other is the best thing that’s happened all week.”

Landon groaned softly. “I knew there was a reason I almost let Dashiel set you on fire.”

Monkey snorted. “You would’ve cried if he did.”

“Nope.”

Monkey’s brows rose. “You cried durin’ that dog movie.”

“That dog died!” Landon yelled.

Monkey grinned triumphantly before turning toward me. “See what I deal with?”

I smiled slightly despite everything. “You appear to be very fond of each other.”

Monkey’s expression softened immediately. “Well, yeah, he’s my dad.”

It was simple and certain. The same certainty I felt regarding my own father.

Landon busied himself, pulling ingredients from cupboards while muttering under his breath about nosy children.

I moved instinctively and stepped up beside him. “May I assist you?”

Landon lifted his gaze to mine. “You cook?”

“Yes.”

Monkey snorted loudly. “Riker told me he’s old, Pops. Like, ancient. So, I’d hope he’s learned how to boil water for pasta at some point.”

I tipped my chin up. “I know how to prepare significantly more than pasta.”

Monkey looked delighted. “Hot damn, he got offended.”

With a huff, I told him, “I did not.”

“You absolutely did.”

Landon laughed softly under his breath while handing me vegetables and a knife. “Here,” he said. “You can chop these.”