Page 106 of Destined Lovers

My head is bouncing all over the place.

“Good thing my assistant already found us temporary living quarters, and Ruby isn’t in school until next year. It’s perfect timing.”

“Are you and Ethan brothers? You said Ruby is your niece.” I ask Max.

He turns to Ethan and punches him in the arm. “He’s my brother-in-law. Even if he’s a pain in my ass.”

Brother-in-law? My face must show what I’m thinking.

“The day my sister walked out on Ruby was the day I disowned her.” He leans back and crosses his arms. “My whole family did.”

“Wait. You didn’t answer how you let yourself into my house.” Declan asks, luckily interrupting that awkward conversation I accidentally started.

Ethan turns back to me. “Is your birthday the twenty-fourth of June, Nora?”

“Aye,” I answer, and in an instant, his cocky grin is plastered on his face again.

“I figured as much. Declan has been using that date for everything and anything for at least as long as I’ve known him, which is a freaking long ass time. So I tried it on the front door, and it worked.” He shrugs, “Voilà.”

“All right, you gobshite, can we finish here. I have other plans today. And don’t forget, her name is Fiona, only Nora in private.”

“Aye, Declan,” Ethan says in a terrible fake Irish accident. You can’t help but laugh. Even Jameson cracked a small smile.

* * *

Today’s been a long day. After we met with the bodyguards, we played with Ruby, Ethan’s daughter, who loves her Uncle Dec to pieces. It was bittersweet seeing them together.

After I left Declan the second time, I secretly hoped I was pregnant, which clearly I wasn’t. The only downfall would have been finding him earlier than planned. Even though now, it wouldn’t have mattered since he found me anyway.

Once Ethan and Ruby left to see their temporary home in Holland Park, Declan showed me around his, or now my new neighborhood in Notting Hill.

It was exactly what I imagined.

Picturesque homes like Declan’s lined the streets, with parks and gardens that I envision will be out of this world once spring comes. We’re within walking distance of Hyde Park and already plan to bring Maeve once the weather warms to paint.

We walked down quaint side streets, passing small boutiques and cute cafés, where we stoppedfor lunch. The conversation was what I could imagine the worst first date in history to be like… awkward as hell.

He tried his hardest to put on a happy face today but failed miserably. I can’t tell if he hates me or loves me so much that he’s trying for the sake of trying.

Whatever it is, it’s terrible.

The only good thing today was that I convinced Agnes to stay with us in London once the doctor gives her the a-okay.

Living here is like living in the most luxurious hotel, from the décor to the towels. It’s all posh and perfect, and I wish I could appreciate it more.

I took the most magical bath of my whole life only to be a massive ball of stress the entire time. Not even the lavender bubble bath could help.

Hopefully, sleep relieves my anxiety, and I can start tomorrow with a brighter outlook. I get to see Maeve and, hopefully, gain her forgiveness. I’m not above bribery and have a whole girls’ night planned to get on her good side.

After I’m done with my night routine, I walk toward the bed, Declan is deep into his book and only looks up quickly to give me a small smile. Not even acknowledging the shirt I’m wearing is his, one I stole from our road trip.

Usually, walking out in a shirt and panties would have more of a response from him.

But, I guess tonight’s not my lucky night.

I get in and cuddle into my pillow. Needing the comfort tonight, and it doesn’t look like Declan’s going to give me any. I’m glad I fell asleep before he came to bed last night because, in all my life, I’ve never felt so uncomfortable.

He leans over, puts his book away, and presses a button for the lights to turn off.

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