Page 154 of Destined Lovers

“I’m not saying tell her the nitty-gritty details. Start small, and eliminate information for now, but eventually, she’ll want the whole truth, even if it’s painful for you and Sadie to speak about.”

He bows his head and silently takes in my words.

“I know you’re right.” He blows out a ragged breath. “What a bloody fucking mess.”

It is. Life is a fecking mess sometimes, and they will get through it, big emotions and all.

“Can I ask you something off-topic?” Wills asks.

“Aye, anything.”

“Why didn’t you talk to me about Nora? You’ve had to know that I would have kept your secret.”

A twinge of regret burns my chest. I knew he would ask me this because itshould have beenhim I confided in.

“Years ago, I couldn’t talk to anyone about it because I knew no one would understand. I was hurting badly from her disappearance, and I thought it would make it all too real if I said the words aloud.” I remember that at night, I would pray that my dreams would be void of Nora because I couldn’t take the pain anymore. “Then we met Sadie in France, and I felt an instant bond with her. I knew you guys were the forever type of couple, so I felt comfortable confiding in her. Maybe she reminded me of the friendship I missed with Nora.” I shrug. “I’m not sure.”

He doesn’t say anything, so I continue.

“Don’t take it personally, Wills. You know how much our friendship means to me. You were my mentor when I was a young lad starting my career, and now you’re my brother. If anything, be happy your fiancée means so much to me that I chose her to be my sounding board.”

“I get it. She’s a good person, the best. You’re the person I turn to, trust anything with, besides Sadie, I want you to know I’m that for you too, so don’t hide crap from me anymore.”

“Aye, you have my word.” I reach over and slap his back.

After a bit of silence, he asks one more question. “So she’s it? She’s your person?”

“Without a fecking doubt. Nora is myonlyperson.”

And if anyone could understand, it’s Wills.

Nora

“This place is gorgeous!” I call over the music to Evelyn as we walk into the bathroom, “Did you design this too?”

“Hell yeah, I did. This project was fun, and the guys let me do anything I wanted. I mean, look at this wallpaper!” Evelyn’s drunk squeal is contagious and makes me laugh along with her.

God, I’m sweaty. I haven’t danced like that in years.

I wipe under my hair that’s stuck to me and wait for Evelyn to finish up. It feels good to get dressed up again. Not that I’ve done it often, Bennett would take me out to a nice restaurant once in a while, and Agnes and I would even dress up to go to the pub sometimes. Of course, there was always Christmas, but no one saw us.

I haven’t gotten dressed this nicely since the last time I was with Declan in Galway. It feels good to feel alive again. Italmostfeels like I’m living a normal life.

I smooth down my dress, wipe the old lip gloss off my lips, and reapply before making our way out.

The club is rich in color. Emerald velvet couches are scattered around the room, with a black high gloss bar in the middle. They serve the drinks in crystal, not plastic which is insane.

I can’t believe my Declan owns a place like this. I’m always saying it, but I’m genuinely proud of what he’s accomplished so far in his life, and I can’t wait to show him how much later.

I roll my eyes at myself. I need to tone it the hell down.

He makes me a sex fiend. I don’t know if it’s because I’m making up for lost time or because Declan is the sexiest man alive. Especially tonight, with just the hint of tattoos sticking out of his shirt.

Ugh, I love it.

We make it back to the dance floor, to our respective spots. I’ve been dancing with Sadie, Belle has been gallivanting around the club—It seems like she knows everyone—and Evelyn has been dancing with Marco.

Evelyn is single, young, and beautiful, so it surprises me when she turns away every good-looking guy that asks her to dance. She doesn’t even give them a second glance.

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