Page 48 of Eternally Bound

Daniel’s hands wrapped around my waist. “Liberty runs Caldwell’s publishing business now.”

And Callen’s publishing business, but I kept those words to myself. Did they know Callen was dead? Murdered brutally? That was hardly a topic to bring up. Sadness lurked inside me with the realization he wouldn’t have another Christmas. I would have to find a way to explain to Bram why he wouldn’t see his father anymore. I tried to recall how my mother handled that topic with me but for the life of me, I couldn’t recall.

“I hope we get to see you a lot more, Ainslee,” Liberty’s voice pulled me back and my head swished her way. It had me wondering whether she knew who I was, or whether she knew Callen was dead. “I love the holidays and especially New Year. It feels like a new beginning every time. You know?” I nodded although I wasn’t quite sure if she was speaking about herself or what. “We leave the past in the old year and go into the New Year with a clean slate.” I stiffened, realizing she was offering me closure and forgiveness. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, even with all the troubles still lingering around.

“I am so sorry,” I whispered. I was sorry about so much too - breaking her heart all those years ago, about misleading Callen, being weak. So many damn things.

“Everything has its own way of working out,” Liberty smiled, rubbing her belly. “For bigger and better things. My sister Lena used to say that all the time.”

“Thanks,” I croaked. “She sounds like an amazing sister.”

She nodded, taking my hand into hers. “She was. And everything will be okay,” she murmured, leaning over and pressing a kiss on my cheek. “If you need anything, just let Layla or me know. Though I have a feeling Daniel will take care of it all before you even realize what you need. He’s very much like Alexander and Maxim in that way.”

I chuckled. “My cousin Lachlan is not far off either.”

Daniel’s hand squeezed around me, and I knew she was right. Everything would be alright. I didn’t realize there was a heavy weight on my heart till this moment when Liberty spoke those words.

The waiter came at that moment and offered me a drink, then took a round of orders for our appetizer. I liked that we remained standing. It allowed me to remain closer to Daniel and made the entire evening seem more casual.

“Yeah, Daniel is a bit of a make it happen kind of guy,” Layla added when the waiter left. “Maxim and Alexander are right there alongside him. They are a bit overwhelming and control freaks, but don’t let that bother you.”

She grinned mischievously at Maxim and I shook my head. Maybe she didn’t change that drastically.

“Someone’s aiming for some punishment,” Maxim teased.

“Don’t threaten me with a good time.” Layla shoved her shoulder gently against him.

“Okay, you two,” Alexander cut them off. “We have unborn children in this room, and we won’t be spoiling their ears with your dirty talk.”

Layla scoffed. “Right. I don’t even want to know what they witness in the womb.” I choked on my drink and Daniel chuckled behind me. “Did Daniel tell you he owns the club Revelation?”

My eyes widened and snapped to him, standing behind me. “TheRevelation?”

“Layla, I’m going to fire you if you don’t learn to keep some things to yourself,” Daniel groaned at her.

Maxim chuckled. “Don’t worry, love. I’ll hire you back.”

The rumors about Revelation reached far and wide. It was very exclusive and by invitation only. I couldn’t help my curiosity.

“Can I see it?” I asked Daniel under my breath. “One day.”

His eyes heated and instantly my body responded. The look in his gaze was feral and possessive, making my insides melt with need for his touch. Everything about Daniel screamed sex, lust, and love. More than anything, I loved him. He would always be the boy I loved and that my body belonged to.

“Yes, one day,” he growled low in my ear. “I cannot wait.”

Neither could I.

The rest of the night was pleasant. The atmosphere was relaxed and everyone got along wonderfully. I really liked Liberty, and it felt good to see her so happy. Layla and Maxim, as odd as it seemed, fit well together, and I was happy for her as well. Every so often I’d sneak a glance at Daniel who was deep in conversation with Alexander and his brother. I felt like I kept going back and forth on the right thing to do - I wanted my forever with him, but then I’d tell myself it wasn’t fair. His world was vastly different from mine; I had my family to think about too. As if he sensed my gaze, he’d turn his head and our eyes would meet. His eyes were soft when our gazes met, soft, dark, and full of promises.

Promises I knew he intended to keep.

* * *

When we got back home.Daniel got stopped by Arthur, so I just continued on. Instead of going to my bedroom, I went to his. Up until now, he has been coming to me. It was my turn to go to him. The truth was I had always wanted to go to him.

My eyes darted around the Victorian style bedroom. It was lit by the fireplace, the room large and masculine. It was all back and gold.

It suited him though. I stared at the fire, somewhere in the distance a grandfather clock chimed. It was midnight. I sensed Daniel the moment he entered the room. I turned around and met his gaze.

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