Page 63 of Taken By the Fake Fiancé

It's not on this floor.

I return to the stairs, feeling my hip protest as I slip on the steps. It's been a while since my last workout. My days have been preoccupied with work and the ongoing family crisis that seems to have no end in sight.

I finally found it. There's a bell, but I knock and step back as footsteps echo behind the door. I have nothing planned. I'm just going to string words together and hope they're smooth enough to convince her. If she doesn't want to move in because of Eli, then she can stay in the North wing-- far from Eli's room.

Well, I know I'm being selfish and pushing ahead because I need her more than I'd ever imagined.

The door opens, revealing a smiling Felicity. However, her eyes widen in surprise the instant she realizes it's me.

"I wasn't expecting you, Declan," she says with a short laugh, then she moves aside. "Come on in. I was just about to order pizza."

The sitting area is warm. Its elegant decor holds my attention despite its sparseness.

"I'm sorry to just show up unannounced. I was afraid you'd say no if I dared to ask."

She bites her bottom lip, lowers her gaze, looks as if she wants to say something, but then she smiles and gestures at the kitchen with her thumb over her shoulder.

“It’s okay. I was just trying to figure out what to eat.”

The oversized t-shirt stops mid-thighs, leaving an ample view of her flawless fair skin.

"Do you have a balcony?"

She nods and points at the door.

"I'll be right out, let me grab a bottle of wine," she says.

It's a bit cooler outside, but I love that the night sky is clear, with a few stars dotting the sky. I lean my back on the railing and cross my legs, watching the door like a hawk. I don't know how tonight is going to turn out, but for the life of me, I hope I don't go home more broken than I am.

The door opens, Felicity emerges with a tray in her hand and two bags of chips. She put on a long dressing gown with a large scarf loosely wraps around her shoulders.

"I don't think I need that pizza. So, I'll settle for this and have real food tomorrow. Are you hungry?"

I help her with the tray and tuck the scarf securely around her neck.

"Food is the last thing on my mind, Felicity."

"Are you still thinking about what your dad said?"

"That and another thing that's eating me up."

"Do you want to talk about it, or do you want to go for a drive?"

I chuckle and turn to face her.

"It involves you, so I'd rather talk about it."

I frown as an image of the man I met at the parking lot flashes in my mind.

“So, I met this old man outside; white-blonde hair, uh--”

She chuckles.

“Frank. He owns the building.” Her gaze lowers to her hands, I can perceive she’s holding back.

I stare, unable to let the matter slide.

“He mentioned your ex. Did something happen?”

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