Page 168 of Nanny and the Beast

“Kind of,” I say, nibbling on my bottom lip.

I’m expected at Elysium tomorrow. After we returned from Chicago, things felt different. Even though we haven’t put any labels on our relationship, my heart has pledged its loyalty to Klaus. And working in a place like Elysium, where I’m dressed for the enjoyment of other men, doesn’t feel right anymore.

So I’ve decided to meet with Mrs. Hendricks. I wanted to tell her in person that I’m no longer interested in working at the gentlemen’s club.

“How about Saturday night?” I ask.

“That works too,” he says, searching my eyes. He’s trying to understand the sudden shift in my mood. “Is everything okay, Emma?”

I nod and take a deep breath. My lungs fill with the scent of his musky cologne.

“Yes,” I say. “Thank you for asking.”

I don’t know if he can tell I’m keeping something to myself. I want to tell him about Elysium, but I’m going to be resigning tomorrow anyway.

“The kids are waiting for me,” I say. “I should get back to them.”

“They’ve had you to themselves all day,” he says. “They can handle being away from you for a few minutes.”

“They’re alone in the kitchen,” I say.

“Helena’s watching them,” he says. His eyes study me like a hawk, analyzing every emotion that flits across my face. “What’s on your mind?”

I take a deep breath. I know he will try to get the answers out of me one way or another.

“Everything,” I say. “I have everything on my mind.”

And it’s the truth. There are too many things going on at once, and it feels more overwhelming than I can handle.

“Tell me about it,” he says. “Tell me everything.”

“You never share anything with me,” I say, looking up at him.

“What do you mean?” He blinks.

“You haven’t been the same since we returned from Chicago,” I say. “And every time I bring it up, you kiss me until I forget what I’m even worried about.”

“I didn’t know I was that good of a kisser,” he says, smiling down at me.

“I’m being serious, Klaus,” I say, splaying my fingers over his chin and tugging on his beard.

“What do you want to know?” he says. “Ask me anything.”

“Anything?” I say.

“Anything,” he replies.

He takes my hand and kisses the inside of my wrist.

There’s so much chaos in our world, but I know one thing for certain—as long as we’re together, it will all be okay.

“I noticed that you couldn’t sleep well last night,” I say. “Why?”

“Too many thoughts in my head,” he replies.

I want to ask him to be specific, but I don’t know if I’m ready to hear it.

There’s always something that’s going on in the periphery. There’s never been a time in my life when everything was perfect.

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