Page 3 of Eternally Bound

I shook my head at her rationalization but couldn’t help but smile.

“If you think The Footman’s compares to Hélène Darroze?” I commented, teasing her.

Her eyes sparkled happily. “I think Footman’s is better.”

Laughing at her rationalization, I caved. “If you say so.”

“C’mon then,” she announced and took my hand in hers, like she had done a million times before. My chest twinged at the thought of this being our last day together, but I kept my expression straight, with a smile firmly plastered on my face. I didn’t want to alarm her or ruin this moment. I wanted to see her happy face for as long as I could and commit it to my memory.

An hour later, she sat cross legged on the floor of her dining room. I sat on the couch. Sitting on the floor in my suit wasn’t that comfortable, and with my big frame, I would have swallowed whatever little floor space there was.

Her face tilted up to me as she threw another chip into her mouth. She chewed it up and grinned.

“Isn’t this much better than sitting in a stuck up restaurant?” she offered, taking a sip of her beer.

“Much better; you were right,” I confirmed, soaking her up. “But then you are always right.”

“No, not always,” she laughed. “Just ask my cousin, Lachlan. He’ll tell you I am never right. And probably add a few other unflattering things.”

Her eyes softened every time she spoke about her family. I loved hearing her talk about them. You could hear the love and affection she had for them, and there was no doubt in my mind they loved her too. I mean, who in their right mind wouldn’t?

You could tell by her warmth, friendliness, and open demeanor she had towards everyone that she grew up in a nurturing, warm home. Unlike mine.

The images of the men burning to death flashed through my mind. Unfortunately, it wasn’t even the worst thing I had witnessed. My mother hasn’t been successful protecting me from the harsh mafia reality since I was six. It was the first time I saw a man shot in cold blood by my family.

“Daniel, are you alright?” Ainslee’s voice pulled me back from my thoughts.

Concern and a glimmer of affection shone in her deep pools. Maybe it was love. I wasn’t sure, but it was killing me to wipe it away. I had to, though. For her sake.

“Yes, I’m fine.” My voice was strangely rough. “I have to tell you something.”

I felt the need to tell her right away, but on the other hand, I dreaded it. The end with her was what I didn’t want. These little moments, as innocent as they were, meant the fucking world to me. It gave me a glimpse of things that could be but wouldn’t be in the world of my uncle’s mafia.

She put her beer down and focused all her attention on me. She sat on her folded knees, her eyes focused and waiting for whatever I had to say.

“I’m leaving.” My declaration wasn’t a good one.

She frowned, her eyes on me. “Now? You barely started your dinner.”

I stared at her, chasing away the stabbing sensation in my heart at the sight of her, knowing I wouldn’t see her again.

“No, tomorrow,” I muttered. “I joined the military. I have to get out of here.”

Ainslee’s big eyes grew huge and her cheeks paled, accenting her freckles.

“Oh.” Her expression crumbled, sadness reflecting in her eyes. “I didn’t realize you were considering the military.”

Her lower lip trembled and my heart squeezed in my chest. Damn it, I hated seeing her upset. I lowered onto the floor next to her and wrapped my big arms around her. She looked too small compared to me.

“I don’t want to leave you,” I murmured into her hair, squeezing her to my chest. “But it is my only way out from under my family.”

She lifted her head, meeting my gaze. We never spoke about my family, but the little things I said here and there were enough for Ainslee to know they were no good.

“Meet my family,” she offered. “Lachlan could help you.”

I shook my head. She thought the world about her cousin and her family. I would never dare to bring the mafia to their doorstep. I would never forgive myself if she or her family got hurt because of those bastards. Because of me.

“That’s not possible.”

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