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Felicity obviously doesn’t want to talk about whatever this is, but I need to know. It’s my responsibility now to ensure her safety, and with this growing need to see her-- touch her, I want to unravel every part of her.
“Please, tell me,” I say, resisting the urge to pull her into my arms. This isn’t the time. Not now.
“Allard. He-- he was in my apartment one evening when I got home from work. Luckily for me, Frank was making his rounds, he heard my scream and the ruckus,” she starts, her voice strangled.
Anger slices through me. I should have broken that scumbag’s limbs when I had the chance.
“I’m sorry.”
She hums under her breath, then picks up the bottle and uncaps it, pouring the pink liquid into the glasses. When she hands it to me, our fingers brush, she pulls away like she's been scorched; her face is red and her lips are slightly parted.
Felicity may try to conceal it as much as she deems fit, but I'd be dumb not to see that she's seriously affected by me.
"So, is this about what your father said, or is there something else?"
I take a sip of the chilled wine, savor the taste, and shove out a deep breath.
"I know it's my father's idea, but then, I haven't stopped thinking about what he said, Felicity. To be frank, I need you to be around the house and I think having you there might have a positive impact on Eli. He’s at that awkward age. Kids his age tend to lean toward people they feel safe with. They love good company and can be charmed into doing just about anything as long as they trust the person."
"So, you think forcing my presence on him will lead to him forming a relationship with me and his eventual acceptance?"
Her gaze doesn't falter. I regard her without a response for many breaths. As if reading the doubts on her face, I sigh and set the wine glass back on the tray, sitting on a stone bench. Then I intertwine my fingers and lean on my side, tilting my head toward her.
"You're not going to have to force it. I've seen you two. I was there while he was showing you how to play his favorite game and cheering you on like you were his biggest idol. The outburst only happened because he was recalling the drivel his mom was feeding him." I breathe and toss her the sincerest smile. "We have a deal and the best we can do is play all the cards well."
She studies me for a long second, then nods reluctantly.
"I still don't think it's a good idea, Declan."
With my heart burning in my chest, I ask, "Why?"
There's a hint of fear in her eyes, then she lowers her lashes, preventing me from gauging the emotions flickering in her eyes.
"Is it because it's overwhelming or there's more?"
"There's more. I'm sure you know that." Her tone is laced with controlled passion.
I feign ignorance, narrowing my eyes thoughtfully.
"Does it have anything to do with the kiss?"
She rolls her eyes, tilts her head back and gulps down the entire glass full. I take the glass from her and refill it.
"Felicity, I don't think I'll be able to live with myself if I have the slightest feeling that you're in any way uncomfortable around me. I don't want to ruin what we have; whatever it is, I don't want to lose this bond that's begun to form."
"So, you're saying you're okay with me moving into your home, invading your privacy? Bonding with your son?"
I lean toward her, brush an imaginary speck of raindrop from her cheek, I let my hand linger. She takes in a sharp breath and then glances up, looking directly into my eyes.
"This is what I'm scared of Declan."
Her voice is a breathy whisper, the impact is a shiver crawling up my spine. Her eyes glimmer with breathtaking desire, matching the arousal testing the confines of my ever tighten black pants.
"I won't hurt you, Felicity. That's the last thing I'll ever do."
She flinches, pulling back slightly like she's been hit. Gently, with my breath ceasing by the second, I tug off the scarf to expose her fascinating neck and brush my lips against her in a slow and provocative nibble. She tilts her head to the side.
"Declan…" her voice is husky. Then tentatively, she wraps her arms around my neck as I bury my face in her chest. "This isn't merely about you hurting me-- I'm scared I'll fall in too deep and end up losing myself again."
