Page 121 of Destined Lovers

Bennett is Irish and grew up in Ireland his whole life, but his mam is from Sweden, so he has a mix of Irish and Nordic features giving him quite an exotic look.

“Are you happy?” he finally whispers back.

“Deliriously.”

“Then that’s all I can ask for, Nora.” I freeze. He never calls me Nora.

Someone clears their throat, and my eyes snap to a Declan standing there with his arms crossed, annoyed that I’m hugging Bennett.

Well, too bad.

Bennett leans back, breaking our hold.Baby.

“I’m actually heading out to meet Killian for a pint. He’s in London for a few days.”

“Oh,” I deflate on the spot. How come they didn’t invite me? I swallow down my jealousy and hurt and remember I left them first.

Declan, sensing something is wrong, comes to my side instantly and asks if I want to go with Bennett. He always knows how I’m feeling almost before I know. I shake my head. If they wanted me to go, they would have invited me.

I lean up on my tippy-toes and kiss Declan’s neck in a silent thank you. I know he isn’t comfortable with me going out anywhere yet, especially with Bennett, but he knew I wanted that and would have put his feelings aside to make me happy.

Declan is the one to outstretch his hand this time. “I didn’t say it before but thank you for protecting—” He pauses, “Nora,” he whispers. He can’t stand saying, Fiona. “For that, I’m thankful.”

Bennett nods and shakes Declan’s hand. “It was my pleasure,” he pauses, “Most of the time.”

The bodyguards let out a light chuckle. What the hell? Now they’re best friends on my behalf.

I don’t get to say anything because Bennett kisses me goodbye and is out the door within seconds.

Declan reaches over and intertwines our fingers, bringing up my hand to kiss the back of it.

“Let’s order dessert before we go home. It will make you feel better.”

I swallow down my hurt of not being invited and decide to be in the now, be happy I’m with Declan.

“Something sweet?” I smile.

“Of course. Come on,” he pulls me back down to our seat, and it’s then I notice the restaurant is starting to clean up. Switching from lunch to dinner.

“I think we need to skip dessert. The kitchen is probably closing.”

His eyes shine with amusement. “It just so happens to be that I know the owner. They won’t be kicking us out.”

“You own this?” I squeak.

“No, Wills owns it, and I’m his investor. He bought this after he and Sadie separated but made it all about her. Maybe she’ll tell you about it sometime. It’s one of the top-rated restaurants in London now.”

“That’s amazing. You mentioned next weekend I will get to meet your friends?”

“Aye,” He grumbles.

“You don’t seem happy about it. I thought you were dying for me to meet them.”

“I am. I wish everything was over, and we didn’t have to include them in this, though.”

“I’ve been hiding my whole adult life, Declan. It’s okay if you live your life and I stay back at home. They don’t need to know anything until it’s over.” I assure him. I don’t want him to stress about it.

He shakes his head. “No more hiding, Pip. I’m tired of it for you. Everyone knows something is going on, they just don’t know any details. I can’t ask Sadie to lie to Wills anymore.”

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