Page 131 of A Convenient Secret

The sounds, the people, the surroundings cease to exist as I stare into her eyes, and resist the urge to bend her over backward and kiss her. Soon.

“I better talk to Saar about tonight,” she says hurriedly and starts to leave, but then she stops. “Do you think they will be okay with her?”

Her concern is like an arrow to my heart. I fucking love this woman. “They will be fine, Seagull. We need an uninterrupted talk.”

Suddenly, that conversation seems like a nuisance. I want to claim her, right here, right now. I want to tell her how I feel about her. I want to be with her. I want—I need—everyone to know she’s mine. And I’m hers.

She smiles. “Okay.”

I mingle with my partners before we are all ushered into the dining room.

“Where is Xander?” Cal asks as we get to our table.

“He should be here any moment.” Corm moves the chair for Saar to sit.

We eat appetizers and talk—something I always considered quite tedious, but with Lily by my side, the occasion is pleasant. There are people I respect around this table; I just never had much interest in finding outmore about them.

Well, I know my brother, of course, but I’ve been involved so much in my own personal drama, I’ve never cared to indulge others.

Yet Lily does it so effortlessly, she pulls me into her chatty world.

“Cora,” Lily exclaims as they serve the main dish.

I turn to see the redhead rushing to the table with Xander in tow.

“What are you doing here?” Saar grins. “This is wonderful.”

Cora shrugs. “This guy reimbursed me for keeping my bistro closed, and I came here with him.”

Everyone looks at Xander. “This wasn’t something I expected you to share.”

“I’m excited to be catered to instead of serving others for a day. You did me a favor.” She grins at him and sits down. “Thank you.” She shrugs her shoulders, grinning at the server who put a plate in front of her.

“Never had I thought I’d see a day when Xander pays for his plus one.” Corm smirks.

“Yeah, that used to be yours and Declan’s thing,” Caleb says.

“Fuck off.” I glare at him, and squeeze Lily’s thigh under the table.

“Don’t worry, Lily, ever since you showed up he’s been acting more human.” Corm leans in, his voicehushed with a knowing edge. “It seems you’re good for the twins and for him.”

Motherfucker.

Lily looks from me to him and back. Immediately, she guesses I shared with him. She glares at me for a moment, pursing her lips, but it looks more like she is trying hard not to grin.

“I’m going to the lady’s room.” Celeste stands up.

“I’ll join you.” Lily puts her napkin down.

“Where did the two of you go before this?” Saar asks.

“Jewelry store.” Corm doesn’t miss the opportunity to mess with me.

Saar looks from me to him, puzzled.

“Yeah, just wait for your present.” I smile at Saar, giving Corm the I-can-return-the-favor-brother look.

Saar’s eyes widen. “Oh, you know the way to my heart,” she teases, rubbing Corm’s arm. “What did you get me?”