Page 141 of A Convenient Secret

Declan flips us around. “Hands on the backrest.”

I grip the sofa as he lifts my hips and enters me from behind, and I almost fly over the backrest.

“I said hold on.” He thrusts. “I’m going to punish you for not telling me sooner. For not trusting me.”

I’m so close, I can barely hear him.

He grabs my hair, pulling me closer. “Why, Lily, why couldn’t you explain sooner?”

As if we didn’t just talk about it, his need to gain control over the situation, which is already out of our hands, feeds all his insecurities.

“I didn’t need a savior,” I yell out in frustration.

“You’re mine, Lily, mine.” His delicious assault picks up, his grip on my hair almost painful, making the entire experience deeper. “Do you understand?” he roars.

“Yes, yes, I’m yours.”

We chase our release, unaware of the heartbreak to come.

Chapter 28

Declan

“Ineed them out of my fucking street,” I yell at my lawyer. “I can’t get out of my own building without being harassed.”

Lily comes into the kitchen and scowls at me. Fuck, the kids may come down any minute, and I’m out of control.

“Okay.” I nod, listening to the same lame bullshit the lawyer has been spinning since this shit started.

Out of control.

That’s what the past week has been like. It doesn’t matter what we do or where we go, the news about the lost heiress follows us relentlessly.

The speculations about our marriage have topped all the other gossip. To make matters worse, Lily’s father is refusing to take her call.

I wish I could whisk her to London and help herdeal with all that shit. I hate the man for failing to protect her, but she still seems to feel some sort of allegiance to him. As a father, I can only wish Zoya and Zach would give me such grace when I fuck up.

We should have left for London already, but Lily didn’t want to interrupt the twins’ camp. I don’t understand how she manages to continue as if our lives are normal. At least we’re leaving tomorrow. Finally, away from this madness.

If no reporter finds out we are in London.

Hopefully, by the time we’re back, the interest here will have died down.

I hang up and reach for Lily, kissing her crown and holding her, not only for her comfort but for mine. “I don’t know what to do.”

The admission makes me feel even weaker, but sharing my weakness with Lily doesn’t seem like the end of the world. It brings a sense of ease.

“I grew up being chased by paps every time something happened with our business or with my family, and believe me, my family loves scandals. It doesn’t get better, but it’s easier to deal with once you accept it as a part of your life.”

“That’s not the life I want for my children,” I scoff.

“Of course not.” She looks away, nodding,her hand on my heart.

Fuck. This is exactly the life we will have now, isn’t it? I don’t have a choice in the matter.

“They will move to a new story soon, and we will be fine.” I say the words like she’s the one who needs reassurance. Fuck, the last time I felt this helpless was when Kendra left.

Only this time, I stand to lose way more if I don’t get a grip.