Page 173 of Destined Lovers

“Sadie,” Declan groans. “I told you no gifts.”

She sheepishly shrugs, “We still donated to bothThe Taylor FoundationandMaeve’s foundationin your honor. This is just from me to you. Happy birthday, Dec.”

He takes a quick peek in the bag, then kisses her cheek. “Thank you, lass.”

The door opens again, and Ethan, Max, Danny, Jameson, and Brody walk in.

I walk over to say hi and stop dead in my tracks, eyeing up Jameson.

“What?” he snaps.

I shamelessly continue my ogling, letting my eyes drag up his body. “You’re hot!”

Declan lets out a low growl behind me, and Jameson completely ignores me, walking right past me without one ounce of emotion.

One day I will break him. I know it.

“What about me?” Max throws out his hands.

“Oh please, your ego doesn’t need to get any bigger. You already know you look good.”

He brushes his fingers off his shoulder. “I know I’m fucking sexy.”

“You’re a fucking loser, is what you are,” Danny says, elbowing him to get out of the way, and as usual, Brody is impassive, shooting me a polite smile.

“Your bodyguards are so fucking good-looking. Why is mine married?” Belle whispers in my ear. “I never knew I had a bodyguard fantasy in me until these men entered my life.”

“Danny is always checking you out, I think he’s your best bet to fulfill your dreams,” I check her with my hip, and she laughs.

* * *

“So, no relationships at all, just sex?” I ask Belle, intrigued. We’re inside having drinks before dinner while the guys hang out outside.

“Mmhmm. It’s not like I don’t do them at all. I was with Trey, that wanker, for over three years. After him, I’m done… or at least for now,” she says and chugs the rest of her champagne.

“So what you’re telling me is you’re sneaky slutty? You’re a badass CEO bitch, taking the PR world by day and taking beds by night?”

Annabelle smirks, pours more champagne, and tips her drink toward me.

“Exactly fucking right, Irish.”

“That sounds like a shite load of fun. If I didn’t wait for Declan—”

“What!” The whole room gasps.

Oh fecking hell, why the hell did I say that aloud? I cover my face with my hands in an attempt to hide, but Sadie pulls them away.

“You waited those ten years to have sex with Declan?” Sadie whispers in shock.

I look at Maeve, and she’s already in motion toward the guys. I’m embarrassed I even said that much about her brother in front of her.

This is what I get for drinking with these girls. I blurt out nonsense. I don’t know how to be all cool and do a fecking girls’ day. I already blew it.

Lola rubs my arms and flashes me a sweet smile. “I think it’s romantic.”

I don’t answer anyone. I want to bury myself six feet under this house and die of embarrassment.

I look over at Annabelle; she has a knowing smirk plastered on her face.

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