Page 50 of Taken By the Fake Fiancé

I can think of a million reasons I shouldn't be developing these feelings for Declan. He's going to be my boss soon, this thing between us is just a facade. What happens when we call it off? What happens if things spiral out of control and we end up hurting ourselves?

I know Declan is nothing like Allard, but I can't help feeling the dread tightening around my guts. People change. Allard did. Declan? I don't know him enough to determine what he's capable of.

I toss him an apologetic smile.

"Is everything okay?"

"No."

He folds his palms over his right knee and leans backward, but there's no missing the sadness in his eyes, that one expression unnerves me. More questions flicker in my mind.

"Does this have anything to do with what happened at your parent’s house?"

He stops short, his brows wrinkling in a thoughtful expression.

"No. It's about Eli. Well, not Eli, but his mom, Amelia. She was here, and she wasn't pleased that I'm seeing someone," he says, his tone tinged with irritation.

"I thought you said you two have an understanding… She's moved on; so why is she sticking her nose in your business?"

"She's afraid I'm unable to juggle work and looking after Eli, so she went further to make unreasonable threats about suing for custody." He utters the words with a hint of venom, then lets out a sigh as if trying to rein in his anger.

Guilt tweaks my conscience. I know Declan and I are not deeply committed, but then, I feel bad that he might lose his son because his ex-wife feels history will probably repeat itself.

I don't fault her-- I mean, here I am, scared of getting into a relationship or being intimate with a man because of what Allard did to me.

"You have that look on your face, you're not saying anything," he drawls; caution edges his tone.

I laugh off the tension, then reach for the crystal glass and take a deliberate sip, taking the time to sift through a plethora of excuses for one that fits this moment. Then, straightening my shoulder, I incline my head toward him.

"She's right to feel that way, Declan."

His frown deepens.

I shrug and continue conversationally.

"Whatever she's feeling stems from what happened while you two were still married. But--," I take another sip and allow the hint of a smile to tug the edge of my lips, a feeble attempt to lighten the mood. Declan's expression doesn't waver. "I think she needs to cut you some slack. You're doing a great job with Eli."

"Amelia can be stubborn sometimes. I doubt she's going to consider anyone but herself." He deadpans.

Declan sounds hurt. I fold my fingers as the need to touch him ratchets up. I can't help but wonder if he'll cut ties with me if it comes to that. I've seen him and Eli, their relationship might not be a hundred percent, but it's apparent they're both trying to meet each other halfway, which will be ruined if his ex-wife tries to get in the way.

There's a quick rap on the door. I turn my head to see Eli bounding in with an enthusiastic demeanor. However, the second he spots me, his expression hardens with disapproval. I flash him a smile and he averts my eyes, glancing at Declan, whose face is all lit up, he's rushing to the ten-year-old with open arms.

"Hey, Buddy!" He bends to hug Eli. "I've been looking forward to seeing you all day. I missed you."

"Angelina told me where to find you. I missed you too, Dad." Eli says, wrapping his arms around Declan's neck.

Grateful for the distraction, even though the boy only manages to toss me a stiff nod, I scroll through my phone, checking Emma's messages about the things they got from the mall.

I’d sent Emma money for everything the three of them had listed, then extra cash for a new coat for Father as winter is in a few months, and Boston is usually unbearably cold. Oh yes, he's still my father, notwithstanding that he's done nothing for me and my siblings.

Count your blessings.

This has always been Mother’s favorite phrase. The words grate on my nerves almost every damn time. From the corners of my eyes, I catch sight of Eli threading his fingers through Declan's hair, eyes glittering with love.

I blink back the tears hanging on my lashes, forcing my eyes to take in the pair of black sandals and the pink messenger bag. My lips crinkle in a smile as I scroll down to the stickers and emojis. There's a voice note too, but I'm going to listen to it when I get home.

Before I tuck the phone back in my purse, I type a reply to Emma and drop a love emoji, then exit the messaging app.

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