The ones I’d plan to hike in today.
I’d give anything to be out there right now, without a care in the world. But inside, some answers were too important to pass up.
I took my time walking back in, admiring a house that seemed to suit Declan’s character to a tee.
It was mysterious but alluring, all the fine things I’d expect from a billionaire but the comfort as well. The house was a dream—perfect distance to those hiking trails I frequented, amazing views, and enough out of the city to feel like I was on vacation.
If I didn’t have more important things to do, I’d ask for a tour.
I followed the sound of dishes clinking to the kitchen, where Declan moved with an effortless grace as he pulled out mugs for coffee as well as an entire tray for sweetener, sugar, milk, and creamer.
I paused on the threshold, more because I felt out of place than that I was surprised by how domestic he was.
“I didn’t know what you’d like,” he said, gesturing the tray on the counter. “Or I could make tea.”
It was kind of endearing that he was trying to make me comfortable. Especially after, as he’d accurately pointed out, I’d kind of ambushed him. I’d shown up out of nowhere at his home of all places.
But after he’d shown up in the hospital, I supposed I’d figured nothing was off-limits.
I boosted myself onto a stool on the opposite side of the breakfast bar from him and set my chin on my hands.
“So,” I said, releasing a heavy breath.
“So,” he echoed.
Instead of antagonizing him, I decided I was tired of the games and tired of the back and forth. I was ready for simple and easy.
“I can’t do this anymore,” I told him, surprised when raw emotion crept into my throat and made my voice wobble.
His eyes flashed with immediate concern. He walked around the bar and gripped my stool to turn me to face him.
I steadied myself with my hands on his shoulders. “Declan,” I whispered.
“Good. Better than Mr. Dark.” He smirked. “Though that was sexy, too.”
“Seriously?”
“Why does that surprise you?” he asked. “Why do you think I was MIA nearly the entire week?”
I blinked and shook my head, getting whiplash from how quickly he changed subjects. “What are you talking about?”
“I knew what you were doing,” Declan said, setting his hands on my thighs. Heat spread wherever he touched, making me squirm slightly in the seat. “And it was driving me crazy.”
I held up my hands. “You…wait, you knew what I was doing?”
His gaze dropped to my lips. “Yes.”
He didn’t elaborate, only leaned in and slid his tongue across the seam of my lips. When I moaned softly, his fingers tightened on my thighs.
“Royal,” he murmured.
It felt like drowning and flying at the same time. His kiss distracted me so completely, I couldn’t even remember why I was here. I could only react to how soft but persistent his lips were. My thighs parted to give him access, letting him step closer to me.
“You’re beautiful, you know that?” he asked, his breath touching my ear when he kissed my cheek, then my jaw.
“I…” I clawed my way back to the present, trying to focus on why I was here. “Declan.”
“Yes?”
“This isn’t…”
He gripped my hip, squeezing tight enough to make me moan again. “Isn’t what?”
“Isn’t…” I struggled to finish the sentence. “It isn’t why I’m here.”
I straightened and then scrambled off the stool, sliding down the counter to refrain from touching him.
“It’s not why I’m here,” I repeated.
He rubbed a hand over his jaw and then bowed his head. I could see evidence of his arousal tenting his jeans, and it sent a shot of desire straight to my core.
Fuck, that was hot. And if I’d let myself forget my purpose, I probably could have lost myself to him.
“You’re right,” he said gruffly. Then he lifted his head. “But you can’t blame me.”
I frowned. “Can’t blame you? You’re trying to distract me instead of telling me the truth.”
He spun to face me with a harsh laugh. “Distract you? You distract me. That’s why I had to leave the entire week. Because instead of figuring out why you were in my office or why you were sneaking around instead of telling me the truth, I was imagining ripping off your clothes and taking you on my desk. You could have exposed me and everything I’ve been trying to keep a secret, and I was only too happy to let you.”
My body flamed with desire and surprise. “You…you…”
He gave a grim smile. “That’s right. I knew who you were from the start, Royal Patterson. And while you were trying to expose me, I was busy falling in love with you.”
Chapter 17
He couldn’t have shocked me more if he’d hit me. My body froze like a statue against the corner of the breakfast bar.
Declan walked back to his coffee project and pulled spoons out of the drawer, acting casual even though he’d just revealed one of those secrets I didn’t even know he had.
“Coffee?” he asked.
I couldn’t speak, so I nodded. Yes, something to do with my hands. Something else to focus on.
I wasn’t going to lie, I’d halfway fallen for Declan myself, but that was different. I mean, who wouldn’t fall a little in love with him if they had half a brain, a pulse, and a healthy libido?
Gathering myself, I angled back and sat on the stool again, realizing I needed more answers than I expected.
“How did
