Page 52 of Eternally Bound

Chapter Nineteen

Ainslee

Iwatched Daniel’s rigid back as he walked away from me. He was angry, I could see it on his face though he had no reason for it. The tracker threw me off the loop and the fear for my son, my family, crept back into me. The combination of doubt and fear was ruining this day and instantly regret hit me. But my pride kept me glued to my spot. I loved him, wanted to be with him, but in this, I couldn’t be selfish. I had other people to think about too - not just what I wanted.

“I thought I raised you better,” Mum’s voice startled me and my head whipped around to her.

“Mum,” I groaned in protest. “I don’t need righteousness right now.”

As much as I hated it, my mother was always right. And I always heeded her advice, but sometimes my pride got in the way.

“He gave you a beautiful Christmas gift.” Her voice was full of reprimand, and suddenly I felt like a little girl again. “He could have just not mentioned the tracker. Instead, he was being honest and you got mad.” I looked pensive in the direction that Daniel disappeared to. My mother might have a good point here. He was being honest. “He cares about keeping you safe. You can’t hold that against him.”

I exhaled heavily. Yes, my mother was right. She was always right. It wasn’t the revelation of the century but it would be nice for her just once not to be right.

“Ainslee, he is a good man,” she took my hand and patted it gently. “He didn’t have the same upbringing as you - full of family and support. Yet, he turned out to be a good and protective man. He needs your support and your love, just as much as you need his.”

Great, now I just felt like a total jackass. Deservedly. “I’ll go and tell him I was wrong to get upset about the necklace having the tracker.”

“You go do that. And say a lot more.” My mother slowly got up and strode towards the other side of the room where the door led out to the side hallway and the kitchen. “Say the words, Ainslee. There is no time as the present. He needs love just like everyone else.”

I left the room and went to check on Bram first, who still sat by the Christmas tree, playing with all his gifts. He had a big grin on his face, lost in his fantasy world. Just as it should be.

I suspected Daniel would probably be in his office and that’s where I found him. It looked like he was actually working, shuffling through paperwork on his organized desk.

“Hey,” I announced my presence.

He never lifted his head. “I’m not removing the tracker.”

I should apologize for doubting him, listen to my mother’s advice, but his dismissal irked me.

“That’s fine,” I told him. “Thank you for all the gifts.”

He lifted his eyes and our gazes locked. When I didn’t say anything else, he just went back to his work. “You’re welcome. I’m sorry the tracker upset you.”

I took a deep breath in and then exhaled. “And I am sorry for overreacting. Doubting you.”

Taking a few steps towards him, I stopped in front of his desk. “I ruined the day, and I’m sorry. Can we just go back to enjoying today?”

His eyes warmed and relief flooded me instantly. It was almost scary how much I wanted to please this man. One smile from him, and I melted like fresh snow under the hot summer sun.

“I’ll send this email, and we can check how Bram is coming along with his train set.”

I sat on the edge of his desk and smiled, suddenly the heavy weight lifted off my heart. “I’ll wait for you, if that’s ok.”

He leaned over and his hand took the nape of my neck, pulling me closer to him.

“Happy Christmas, Ainslee,” he murmured against my lips then pressed his mouth possessively on mine, melting me into a puddle right on his desk. A single touch by this man, or an innocent kiss, and white-hot pleasure shot through my veins, craving more.

When he stopped, I was a breathless mess, my breathing labored, while he went back to finish his email. I couldn’t understand how he had wits left about him to even type up a sentence, never mind an email.

I watched his graceful, expert fingers fly across the keyboard and even that was sexy when he did it. He was finished within a few minutes then got up and I hopped off his desk.

“I have something to show you tomorrow,” he said as he wrapped his arm around me. “In London.”

“What?” I questioned him, soaking up his heat and leaning against his hard body.

“It’s a surprise.” His teeth nibbled on my earlobe, sending shivers down my spine.

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