Page 119 of Destined Lovers

“All right, spit it out!” I can’t take it any longer.

“There’s nothing to spit out, Pip,” he tries to play it off with a grin, failing miserably.

Oh God, does he still not want me to see Maeve? I thought we were moving forward. I mean, we’re moving forward. That’s clear from this afternoon. So what’s the issue?

“It’s Maeve, isn’t it? You don’t want me to see her. She’s still mad at me?”

His forehead wrinkles in confusion. “What are you going on about, Nora? Where would you even get an idea like that?”

“Why did you flinch then? It has to be something.”

He pauses, contemplating if he should tell me… he’s killing me. “Well, first off, I am starving. So I would like to eat now.” He turns toward me again, his face laced with anguish.

“Declan Patrick Buckley, so help me, God.”

“I don’t want you to go out at night yet.” He quickly spits the words out.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“While it’s light out, I think you’re safest. I want to give it at least a week with the bodyguards to get acclimated to the new situation.” He bites his lip, similar to the way I do.

He’s nervous.

Because he knows my instinct is to kick up a fight and tell him to shove it where the sun doesn’t shine. I take a few deep breaths so I don’t lash out. I know Declan is only being protective of me and has my best interest at heart. I have to remember that it’s only been three days since he learned about my past. I need to give him a break.

He pulls over to park and rounds the car to help me out. I take his hand in mine, and he squeezes it in a silent thank you. I chose not to reply, and he knows that’s my way of telling me I understand.

“There is also another reason we couldn’t cancel lunch,” he murmurs, sounding less than happy as he points toward the restaurant.

“Ben!” I cry. I didn’t realize how much I missed him after only being apart for three days. While living in Ballyclare, we didn’t see each other every day, but in Birmingham, not a day went by that we didn’t see each other. He was always by my side.

I hug him tight, and he returns it easily. Before he can yell at me for not calling him, immediately, I apologize. “I’m sorry for not returning the messages. You can only imagine how hectic everything has been.” I’ve also been scared that his feelings might be hurt since he is no longer my guard.

Declan marched in and trampled right over him. And because I was desperate for Declan to give me his forgiveness, I let him. But that wasn’t fair to Bennett.

He doesn’t answer, but he gives me a quick squeeze before pulling back. Bennett is one of the most secretive people I know. He would never show any type of emotion in front of Declan.

I step back and turn toward Declan to see his face filled with a murderous stare aimed at Bennett.

This is not good.

He stands with his back rod straight and his arms crossed across his muscular chest. Bennett sticks out his hand, “Bennett Monroe,” Declan doesn’t move, doesn’t flinch, doesn’t blink. Oh, for feck’s sake, what is this? The battle of the alphas?

Declan has never been like this. He turned into a possessive crazy man when he learned about my parents. Not that I’m entirely complaining. It’s kind of sexy seeing him all broody and dominant.

“Declan,” I grit through my bared teeth, pushing or attempting to push his massive body forward with a forceful nudge.

He huffs and puts out his hand “Declan.”No surname.

I look around at the guys to see if they see how crazy Declan is being. Max rolls his eyes, but Danny gives Declan a thumbs-up behind Bennett’s back.

Eejits.

“Okay!” I chirp, trying to lighten the mood. “Let’s sit.”

* * *

We made it through the first hour of lunch unscathed.

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