Page 15 of A Convenient Secret

“I’m flattered.” I glower at her, and she shrugs, grinning.

“I get it, Declan,” Xander says, a hint of frustration in his tone. “Family comes first. But this isn’t just about any of us. It’s about the future of Merged. The way I see it, you’re the most qualified to handle this.”

“That’s true,” Corm says.

“You really think I should move?” I look at my brother, a sense of betrayal coiling up my spine.

He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “That’s my opinion as the CEO. As your brother, I understand the twins come first. At the same time, they’re starting a new school in September. Perhaps the best time to relocate.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? You know how much it cost me to ensure stability for them.” Iseriously didn’t think my day could get any worse. “So Caleb’s family takes precedence, but mine is—”

“Yours is equally important,” Corm jumps in.

“It sure feels that way,” I growl, tapping my fingers on the armrest.

“Okay, gentlemen, I don’t want to break up your bonding session, but it would be a big personal decision for any of you.” Roxy sits up straight and stacks her pen into the dreadlock bun on top of her head. “Why don’t we table this conversation for later?”

“What would be our plan B?” Corm looks at Xander, who pouts.

The fucker pouts.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t prepare a plan B?” Caleb gives him a side look.

“We bring in a managing director to oversee the office. Someone vetted, with a strong European network. But let’s be honest—no outsider is going to care about this as much as we do.”

“Okay, Roxy, put out feelers about potential candidates.” Corm stands up. “Discreetly. Let’s continue this riveting discussion in two to three days.”

As everyone files out of the office, Corm stops me. “Think about it, Declan.”

“I have nothing to think about.” I march out of his office and across the floor to mine. “No interruptions,” I bark at my assistant, and slam the door behind me.

Two hours later I’ve done nothing, because my mind is wandering in all directions, usually circling back to my new nanny with determination.

And without scruples, or consideration for the moral implications or the sanity of my actions, I log into my security system.

The living room cam streams into my work computer screen, and it’s like I’m rewarded for my creepiness, and I spot her immediately.

Lily walks alongside the windows in the living room. Back and forth. She’s on her phone. I can’t zoom in closer, but she seems to talk with urgency.

Who is she talking to? I check my watch. She will leave to pick up the kids soon. Even her nervous pacing is elegant. She runs her hand through her messy hair and leans against the window.

I push my chair forward, my heart rate spiking. I know those windows are triple-glassed, reinforced to withstand pressure, but for some reason, anyone leaning against them makes me anxious.

It’s completely irrational. Even if by some strange act the window broke, she would only fall onto the terrace. And yet I want to call to her to step away. To stay safe.

I wouldn’t call her, of course, but the outlandish thought gives me pause. I don’t have her number.

Usually, the agency copies me in on the emailwhen they send the paperwork to my accountant for the payroll. I didn’t receive anything today. Strange.

I was so stressed about the no-show this morning, and then so shocked about Lily’s presence, I didn’t even realize the usual procedures were not followed. I left my kids with a person I have no means to contact. Fuck.

I look back at my screen. Lily shoves her phone into the back pocket of those indecently attractive shorts and covers her face in her palms. What’s wrong?

Why do I need to know?

She drops her arms and looks up. She is not looking at the camera, but her gaze isn’t that far off, angling toward me. One ankle casually crossed over the other, her slender frame calls to me seductively. I almost reach out and trace my finger on the image.

How is it I find a casually leaning woman so attractive that my cock twitches in my pants? That is a reaction I haven’t had in such a long time. I need to get laid.