Page 49 of The English Billionaire's Obsession

“I still think it’s appropriate to call yousiroccasionally out of respect for my girlfriend’s father. It’s the decent thing, but if it makes you uncomfor—”

“No, that’s not what I meant. I understand. So that’s what she is, your girlfriend?”

“I care deeply about her,” I say to her father, but my gaze locks on Amelia. “Honestly, I’ve never cared this much about any woman. Has she told you about the application video?”

“Yes,” he says tightly.

“I know how that must seem, but I knew I was interested the second I saw it. I knew she was theonewoman who I’d make an effort for after years of looking. I tried to date once, but I stopped. I never felt anything. I do now.”

“And the age gap doesn’t bother you?”

“No,” I tell him. “It’s a good thing.”

Amelia is watching me closely, biting her lip like in the video. It takes me back to the first time I saw her in her interview video. I stopped and stared at this beautiful, nervous, confident angel filling the screen.

“How’s that?” Charley says, almost aggressively, like he’s thinking the worst.

“If we decide to start a family one day, she’s the perfect age for us to have more than one child.”

Amelia blinks, eyes glistening, and I stare at her meaningfully.I mean this, every word. She reaches over the table and takes my hand.

“Oh,” Charley says. “I see, and you think that’s possible, do you?”

“It is. Looking into the future, I can see a family together, a home, stability, support, and love. I can see it all.”

My voice is choking up, Amelia’s hand getting tighter on mine, squeezing like she never wants to let go. I hold her even tighter.

“In fact, sir, there’s something I’d li—”

… like to ask you. I’d like to ask for your blessing to marry your daughter.

Then Steve knocks loudly on the door. “Sir, we’ve found Loki.”

“Where?” I shout, leaping to my feet.

“I’m sorry?” Charley says over the phone.

“Somebody has stolen my dog. They just found him.”

“Oh, that’s terrible. Yes, go, and thank you for this talk. It’s given me a lot to think about.”

Amelia and I share a small look of victory, but we haven’t got time to discuss what I just said and revealed.

“One of Ollie’s associates has seen him in a crack den and heard barking too. It seems he’s got Loki there.”

“In a bloodycrack den?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Where? I’m going there now.”

“You better let us…”

“Loki is terrified. He’ll try to run if anybody else shows up. You can come along for backup, but you don’t make a move until I tell you to. That includes if things get ugly. Am I clear, Steve?”

He looks at me, clearly not happy with the arrangement. It’s his job to keep me safe, but then he nods. “Yes, sir.”

“Then let’s go.”

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