Page 139 of Eternal

“What did you just say?”

At first, I think I’m the one who asked the question, but when Declan turns to my father, grinning, I realize he did.

“Teal and I are married.”

“No, we’re not.” That statement is not in my head because everyone in the room looks at me.

Except Declan, who turns to Kole. “Water.”

Kole nods and disappears into the house while Declan slowly starts to circle the table, squatting down in front of the chair so he can hold my cheeks in hishands.

“What did you give her?” Declan asks Dr. Parish.

His pupils are wide, the darkness overtaking the cool-gray. Either that, or it’s just his rage spilling out of him as he watches my gaze flicker in and out.

“You’re here.” I smile.

At least, I think I smile because my cheeks ache when they move.

He tucks my hair behind my ear. “I told you I’d be here as soon as I was done.”

“I know.” I just don’t know what promises to believe when so many have been broken over the course of my life.

But Declan kept his.

Kole stops beside Declan with a glass of water, holding it out for him.

“Drink this.” Declan takes it, handing it to me.

The condensation is cool on my fingers. I didn’t realize how hot I was until the cold water chills my throat with every swallow.

“What did you give her?” Declan asks again, looking up to where Dr. Parish is still standing near us.

“A light sedative. That’s it.” Dr. Parish tucks the syringe back into his bag. “She was excited.”

“Excited?” Declan clicks his tongue on the roof of his mouth, and the evil side I’m too familiar with starts to bleed out. “Don’t think that lying to me will save you. You tried to sedate my wife and take her will away.”

“Why do you keep calling me that?” I almost spill the water when I rest it on my knee, so Declan takesit from me.

“We can talk later.” Declan squeezes my hand. “Can you stand?”

He takes my hands and pulls me up, holding me against him to be my strength and my anchor.

“You’re not going anywhere with her.” My father’s voice thunders through the room.

Declan glances over his shoulder, smirking at my father. “Calm down, Paul. It’s about to be a long night for you.”

“What—” My father is cut off when two more men enter the room, and I recognize them as Professor Jacob Gray and Kole’s stepfather, Captain Evans.

“Paul Donovan, you’re under arrest.” Captain Evans grabs my father by the arm and spins him around.

“For what?” He tries to fight it, but Jacob helps steady him.

Captain Evans clasps the cuffs, pulling him back up to standing. “Producing and distributing illegal pornographic films.”

“What are you talking about?” Spit flies from my father’s mouth as he fights and yells.

“You really should have asked your buddy Weston Randolph how he was putting your investments to use.” Declan smirks, and my dad’s eyes widen.

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