Page 167 of A Convenient Secret

Finally, he nods. “You want to stay.” This time it’s not a question; it’s a statement.

I nod regardless, and the last whole piece of my heart cracks.

“Okay,” he says and whips around.

“Where are you going?”

But my question reaches the open door as I watch Declan storming down the hallway. And, just like that, he is gone.

I close the door behind him and slide down, wondering whether I’ll ever stand up again.

Chapter 33

Declan

“Iunderstand she’s not accepting the flowers, but I’m paying you to have them delivered three times a day, so you do that,” I bark into the phone, pacing around my hotel room.

“With the same note, sir?”

“Yes.” The card says “Just because” and has no signature. I hope it’s enough for now. I hope she gets it.

The person on the other side sighs.

Why is she not accepting the flowers?Come on, Lily, hang in there for a moment longer.

I disconnect the call and answer the video on my laptop.

“It’s nice to see you’re still shaved.” Xander snickers.

“It’s not so nice to see you’re still an asshole.” I sit on the sofa, holding the notebook in my hands. It’s notthe most comfortable, but I’m not taking a call in my bed. There is only so much disorder I can handle.

“Oh, you miss me, Dec.”

“Like herpes.”

“Enough.” Corm turns his camera on. “Update quickly. I have things to do.”

“Nice to see you, too,” I say.

“Fuck off,” my brother murmurs.

“Someone is in a mood.” Xander snickers.

“Fucking dog destroyed my new shoes this morning.”

Xander almost falls off his chair laughing.

“Are we waiting for Caleb?” I ask, hoping this meeting will end already.

Roxy’s face appears on the screen. “Caleb won’t make it. He’s on a call with Japan, and it’s running late.”

“At least this time his excuse isn’t his domestic situation.” Xander pops something into his mouth.

“One day you will have a family, and you’ll shut up.” I glare at him. “What’s on the agenda, Roxy?”

“Just the London update.” She shoves a pencil behind her ear. The woman uses writing utensils as her accessory.

“Okay.” I lean back. “The offices look good, fully furnished, and designed with Merged branding. I’m meeting with Vivienne Drake in half an hour.”