Page 118 of Destined Lovers

“Tell me what else I should do? He’s safe, he’s fed, and clothed. He’s not abused, and he goes to school. Living in a shite neighborhood and hanging out with street kids is not a crime. It might not look like it because she has issues herself, but his nan does care for him. So I can’t try to pull him out of his home. And even if I could, where does he go? Does he live with me? I work all the time and know next to nothing about raising a teenager. Or the other option, he becomes a foster kid since he has no other living family. Then, who knows where he’s placed? It could be a much worse situation than where he’s living now.”

I drop my head in sorrow for this poor kid—Declan’s right. There’s not much more you can do other than support and teach him.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I should’ve known better. It killed me to leave him there, especially with those kids lurking around.” I sigh and lean back until I hit the headrest.

“For now, the only thing we can do is guide him. Try and give him alternatives other than hanging with these kids. It’s hard when they go to school together, and he’s around them day in and day out.”

My phone vibrates in my pocket; I already know it’s Bennett. I left him a voice mail earlier, but I’m too concerned about Archie now to worry about Bennett. I press ignore and continue our discussion.

“What else do you two do together?”

“He attends the after-school programThe Taylor Foundationhas in his neighborhood. I try to attend as often as I can in between work. I think spending quality time together is important. I take him to get his haircuts, we go to the movies, and I even sometimes bring him along with the lads and me to watch rugby or football. He wants to start working out, so I’ll have him join Wills and me in the coming weeks. It’s been harder with Maeve living with me, but I’m trying my best, and now that you’re here, it will be a little easier.”

“I can help. I truly enjoyed his company. He’s a good kid.” I shrug.

“How?” he asks, intrigued but hesitant.

“Bring me around more, so I can get to know him. Then when you’re at work, I can take him for food dates after school. Or we can send a car for him to come over, and he can use the house gym. I can see if he has any interest in painting.” I shrug again, unsure what else I could do with a teenage boy I don’t know.

Declan’s pensive, going over what I’ve said.

“Aye, this week he’s off from school. Since I’m working from home, we can make plans a few times throughout the week.”

“Okay.” I smile and bounce in my seat, instantly holding myself still, cringing at the pain. Shite, my arse is going to be sore tomorrow.

Who the hell knew I would get so turned on by spanking? I probably would have turned around and clocked him in the face if it were anyone else.

With Declan, everything he does turns me on, and since I trust him completely, it elevates it to the next level.

Then add in his low gravelly voice and sexy chocolate eyes, which I love so much. His strong desire to pleasure me even through pain and his tanned, muscular, tattooed arms.

Don’t get me started on those.

I’ve read about forearm porn in one of Agnes’s steamy romance books and didn’t know what the hell they were talking about until Declan. The first day he ever rolled up his sleeves was the first of my undoing. It was slow-motion porn.

I think what tipped me right over the edge was when I bit down on his arm to keep in my screams and felt his cock react to the pain.

That was it. I couldn’t hold it any longer and had one of the most intense orgasms I’ve ever experienced. Nothing will ever turn me on more.

I’m almost sure of it.

God, do I need to get a grip. Otherwise, I’ll be dragging him for round two. I have years to make up for, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Yes, this is the best idea, “Do you want to go for dinner instead of lunch?” I bit my lips and pray he says yes.

He squints in confusion. “What? Why?”

“It’s already so late. We can have a snack, then Maeve will be able to join us.”

When he doesn’t answer at first, I look in Declan’s direction, and I don’t miss the flinch. “Let’s just do lunch since we’re already there.” He mutters.

And boom, my good mood is gone in a flash.

I tilt my head to the side and purse my lips with annoyance. What’s his deal? I know he’s lying about something, I can see it. I stare at the side of his head as we buzz through the city traffic on the way to Chelsea, where the restaurant is.

He’s gripping the wheel tight, avoiding looking in my direction at all costs.

He’s going to get us killed. We just had to go left, and he barely looked before turning, all just to avoid looking at me.

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