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“No, I found a woman I’ve been going to. She’s great. She promised to keep my secret. But I think I just told you. I also was talking about something important…I can’t remember.” He looks up, his eyes cloudy with confusion. “Was I just talking to you?”
I wipe the napkin over my mouth and stand. “Would you like to take a walk in the garden?”
He stands and holds out his arm. “I believe I would.”
He’s smiling wide as we head outside. He knows he’s sick but hasn’t told his son. He must have known this was coming for a while. Cohen steps outside with us. He’s keeping watch, and I feel safe with him here. It’s nice having him around. He’s not like the men my father used to guard me. Of course, this man isn’t steeped in the gossip surrounding my family. He’s never witnessed me losing my shit with Eric or Valery. They drove me crazy with their rules and requirements. I didn’t know if I was coming or going with them.
We’re sitting on a bench in the sun when Niallan joins us. His lips are down in a frown. I don’t want him upsetting his father so I stand and move to him, taking his hand and squeezing, hoping he understands I want him to be quiet. He gives me a look, then a short nod.
“We decided to take a walk after our meal.”
“That’s nice,” Niallan says.
Mr. Foster stands slowly, meets my gaze, and then looks at his son. "I guess I should tell you I have cancer."
Niallan’s eyes narrow just a little. “I know, Dad.”
"I should have told you. I think I've messed a few things up. I didn't know it would move this fast. There are days I know everything, and other days everything is crossed. I don't know how long I'll last."
Niallan’s lips thin then he shakes his head. “Dad, I can sort through everything that was messed up. We’ll be fine. You need to take care of yourself. What can I do?”
Mr. Foster lifts his hand and waves it around. "Eric Gale will crucify us if given a chance." He winces as he glances at me. "Sorry, but he's a bastard."
I shrug. “I know. I’ve lived with him for years.”
“I couldn’t turn down his offer. I know it’s wrong to force you on my son, but I don’t think you’ll get a better offer.”
The air seems too hot and thin to breathe. Niallan is right there, and he says nothing as Mr. Foster turns to head inside. His son doesn't want any help with his relationships, but I'm right here, basically betrothed to him. We might be able to pretend we aren't stuck in a relationship neither of us wants. At least, I don't think he wants to be with me. I'm damaged goods.
After Mr. Foster goes upstairs to his room, the air is thick with awkwardness.
I turn to say something to Niallan right as he turns. His arms come around me to stabilize us. He shuffles a step closer, and I'm pressed between him and the bench. If we wobble just a bit, we'll fall.
He doesn’t back away like I think he should. His eyes go a touch darker as they search mine. Panic sets in.
His phone rings, and I take the opportunity of his distraction and race inside. I need to tell him everything I've found out, but I need a moment to breathe. I'm safe in my room, or I think I am, but the door has no lock. He could come in at any moment. I'm stupid for being here. I should leave, but where would I go? The money in my account isn't really enough. I don't have a trust fund because I'm not really a Gale. If I leave, what would I do, and where would I go?
ChapterEleven
Niallan (Neo)
I hang up, angry that the call wasn't really necessary, just someone from the office checking in on Dad. They know Dad is sick, and I guess they're worried something will change with the company. Nothing can change with their firm, or the Feds might start looking deeper. It's bad enough that I have to incorporate Eric Gale's money into our monthly flow, but now I have to worry about employees panicking.
I need to find out what Adali knows about Dad. He has cancer and knew it. Which means the appointment with Doctor Ashley wasn't necessary. Why couldn't he have just told me about his illness? Anger pulses through me as I head inside. I shouldn't hunt down Adali or Dad, but I need to move us forward. I'm headed to Dad's room, but as I pass by the door to Adali's room, I'm pulled her way.
I push open the door, not even bothering to knock. Adali gasps as she steps out of the bathroom wearing only her bra and panties.
Desire stiffens my cock. I should leave. I should turn around and walk out, but my discipline is low, and I still need to talk to her. I push the door shut as I step into her room, my gaze on her delicious body.
Adali crosses her arms over her chest then lowers one hand, trying to cover herself but failing miserably.
“Get out,” she huffs.
I lift my eyebrows and step closer. "In a few days, you'll be my wife."
Her lips thin and her eyes narrow. The anger is plain to see on her face. I move closer, knowing I should respect her wishes, but I'm intrigued. Her father has sold her to us, and she hasn't taken off, though she could have gone at any time. I've seen the heat in her gaze when she thinks I'm not watching her. She's ogled my backside more than once.
I lift my hand and trail my fingers over her shoulder. "What do you think will happen if your father comes back for you and you aren't my wife? Do you think he'll be kind and find another man for you to marry? Or will he do worse and ship you off somewhere?"
