Page 143 of Destined Lovers

“I’ll admit I can be a bit over-the-top sometimes, but I am not jealous. People should be jealous of me,” He states proudly.

I almost feel like I’m watching a soap opera. These people are pretty entertaining.

“It’s okay to admit it, baby.” Sadie smiles and kisses Wills. “Anyway, I’m as big as a whale. No eyes will be on me.”

Wills huffs, unimpressed. “You can’t even tie your shoes yourself, and you want to go dancing?”

“Unless I plan to bend over and shake my butt, I think it’s safe to say I can stand straight and move side to side for an hour. I do more movement chasing after our daughter.”

“If you bend over even an inch, you’ll regret it,” he mutters.

“Why don’t we all go, not just the girls? Would that make you feel better, you big baby?” Jackson asks Wills.

“What will make me feel better is Sadie staying home to rest, but if she must go, there is no stopping me.”

“Well, let’s introduce Fiona toCharlotte’sthen,” Jackson announces.

“Charlotte’s?”

“It’s the club I own with the guys,” Declan explains, “Jackson named it after Charlie.”

Oh, swoon.

“Okay, let’s meet at the Taylor residence around nine,” Declan announces, then we say our goodbyes. He bends down to pick up a now-sleeping Charlie from Wills and hands her to Jackson. “Can you take her home? We want to talk to Wills and Sadie for a second.”

He nods and heads out with Charlie.

20

Nora

I feellike I’ve barely said a word tonight… I’m captivated by their friendships. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s more like a big happy family who all care for one another—including kids. I love it.

“Fiona—” Wills starts. I cut him off before he can continue.

“My name is Nora.” I smile, and he looks around the table, stopping at Sadie.

“You knew, I assume? This is what you two have been keeping secret for all these years?”

She rubs Wills’s arm. “Yes, it wasn’t my secret to tell, baby.”

“Why tell me your real name?”

“Sadie already knew, and there is no reason she should have to continue to keep a secret from you. It wasn’t fair that she had to begin with. It’s not that I don’t trust anyone else, more so that the more people who know my real identity, the higher my risk is of getting found.”

He nods, understanding. “Thank you for sharing, and I need to apologize, Nora. I didn’t know what was going on when I walked in. I shouldn’t have acted so rudely. I’m truly sorry.”

“Aye, everything is grand, Wills. I understand your hesitation earlier. You’re fierce, like me.” I smile. He is protective of his family and friends. How could I ever fault someone for that? “I’m glad you have Declan’s back. He’s lucky to have a friend like you.”

He holds my eyes. I can tell he’s impressed.

“Wills,” Declan calls to get his attention.

“When I’m not around, I need you to be my second in command. I know I’ve been absent from work, and I have a few things I can’t miss in Manchester soon. To keep my sanity, I need to know you’ll treat Nora as you would Sadie. That you will protect her with your life because I won’t be able to leave otherwise. Not until that fecker is in prison.”

“Declan, I have four hundred bodyguards. I’m fine.”

“You are not fine,” he snaps.

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