Page 80 of Fated with my Ex's Brother

I see Mrs. Ane and walk up to her since my hands are now free from Nick's -rm grip.

"Xhank you, Mrs. Ane, for taking Octavia as your pupil at the last minute and cooperating with the police. I'm also sorry to bother you with all of this," I say.

"No worries, Isabel, we look out for one another," she winks at me while using her head to point in Nick's direction.

"So, that's Octavia's dad?’ she says, smiling, looking at me curiousL ly.

I shake my head while smiling back at her. I'm not planning to indulge her in the details.

Nick walks towards us, still carrying Octavia in his arms.

"Mrs. Ane," he says, …ashing her a smile. "I was the one who called the studio earlier. Xhank you for your cooperation. Xhe o‘cers will remain close by till the end of the day for the safety of other children and staT. Flease keep today's occurrence within the con-nes of these 69G HEBEN UB1ME

walls, ma'am, so as not to raise panic in the community. Xhank you," he says courteously.

"Sure, o‘cer," she says, putting her hand to her head to mimic an o‘cer's salute, earning a smile from Nick and me.

She is indeed a sweet old lady.

"Mommy!" Octavia -nally acknowledges me as we walk out of the hall.

"Hey, gummy bear, did you enjoy your class?" I ask.

"Yes, Mommy!" she says, yawning.

She must be worn out from class, which is good. She needs a good way to burn up some of her energy.

"Nick says we are going to his place," she exclaims excitedly with her sleepy eyes.

"3e are?" I ask, looking at Nick.

"I know I didn't mention it before, but it just makes sense that you don't go home, at least for tonight," he explains.

"Okay, but we'll need to get some supplies and a change of clothes. At least for Octavia," I state.

"I already picked up something for Octavia from the store before you came," he stares at me with a sly smile. "And, as for you—" he reduces his voice to a whisper. "You don't have to wear anything," he winks. "You know I love you in your natural state," he says, wiggling his brows.

"Nick!" I say, slapping his arm playfully. "qeally, in all of this, youJre thinking of that," I say, shaking my head as if disappointed, although we both know IJm not.

He shoots me one of his heartLstopping smiles back.

3e get to the car, and he tucks Octavia in the backseat, strapping the seatbelt on her. I let myself into the car, and I can't help but fantasiPe about the dirty idea this man has put in my head. WAXER 3IXH MY E;'S UqOXHEq 69”

"3here is your mind at, woman?" Nick asks as he begins to drive.

Ron't tell me you're picturing us naked," he chuckles.

"Nick!" I exclaim, rolling my eyes at him.

I peep to the back of the car to see that Octavia is already asleep. Bike

Nick, she falls asleep zuickly. Once either of them are in a comfortable position, theyJre out. Xhe combination of an hourLlong dance class and NickJs protecting arms have done her in.

"3hat were you fantasiPing about? I want to know," he asks again. "Nothing," I say, trying to clear my throat.

"You were thinking about my oTer, right?" he wiggles his brows

again.

---