Page 122 of A Convenient Secret

“Some pieces there…” He sighs. “I don’t think something that looks like someone spilled ketchup on it should cost a million dollars.” He shrugs, putting one hand in the pocket of his pants. “And now I have to finish the day here.”

“Zachary,” Dorothy warns.

“You don’t want to see your sister’s recital?” Saar asks.

“I’m not inclined to support her after that disastrous day at the dog run.”

I bite my lip so as not to laugh. “Zach, she’s your sister, and you might have different interests, but as a gentleman and as a good brother…” I squat down in front of him. “I know Zoya would appreciate your support.”

“Please take your seats. We’re about to start,” someone announces.

“Go get us seats; I’ll wait for Declan.” I send the group ahead.

I won’t have time to tell him everything now, but I want to see him at least. It’s like seeing him, even with all the secrets hovering above us, would make everything instantly better.

And it does.

He rushes inside the hall, and it’s like lightning strikes me. My body is buzzing immediately, but it’s my heart that swells. The lump that lodged in my throat when I saw the article loosens just slightly.

Dressed to the nines as always, he looks like a movie star in his gray pin-striped suit. Even hurrying, he immediately commands the room.

The lines on his forehead smooth when he sees me.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” He extends his hand, but stops himself like he just remembered he’s greeting his nanny.

“You’re right on time. Saar, Zach, and your mom are inside already.”

“Thank you for waiting for me.”

We stand there and grin at each other like idiots.Everything will be okay. With his adoring gaze on me, we will face everything.

And perhaps everything is not as bad as I inflated it in my head. People leave their past behind them all the time.

I sneak out to an alcove just off the atrium where all the parents and kids celebrate the recital.

Leaning against the cold, white wall, I let the sun bathe my face through the arched window. Just a short breather to organize my thoughts.

The presumed benefit of running away and assuming a new identity was that I’d never have to think about a scenario when my new life would collide with my past one.

I knew that I would either start anew, or be forced to return to the old. With Declan and the kids in the picture, I need to find a combination.

But how? Declan puts his kids first. As he should. He loves his perfectly organized, planned life.

“Penny for your thoughts.” His voice washes over me, soothing my aching soul.

“How did you find me?” I smile.

He steps closer, the alcove hiding us. “I’m drawn to you like a moth to a flame.” Helowers his lips to my temple. “But we should go back, before I pin you against this window and make sure that you walk around with my cum all over your thighs.”

My knees buckle. How does he do it? “I need to talk to you,” I utter, before I lose the nerves.

“I know we need to talk. I’m sorry I pushed last night. Of course we can do things on your timeline. I’ll wait if you’re not ready.” He strokes my cheek.

Oh fuck, if that was the only cloud above our heads. “Declan, there was an article—”

He puts a finger on my lips. “Don’t worry about that. My lawyer served them a cease-and-desist order already. It will be down by the end of the day.”

Could it be that easy? I may not be discovered after all. That would make things easier, or not. I don’t know anymore. I need to explain the situation to him.