That makes me pause. Marlin is Lucas’ and my mentor, and he is extremely protective of his niece. Childless himself, he treats her as though she’s his own daughter.
“Did you tell your father about me?” she says, her voice accusing.
“Of course not.”
“Then how did he know?”
“I have no clue, but he’s always been a nosy bastard.” The asshole probably hired a PI to spy on me and Lucas. He knows we’re up to something, but he doesn’t know exactly what. And he won’t find out until we’re ready to tell him. Not even Annabelle knows, even though she’s practically my fiancée. Well… We’ll be engaged as soon as the company sells and I have the money in my bank account. I want to make sure I can provide for her before I make my move. I know she values financial security.
She sighs, her shoulders drooping. “Why are we fighting?” She comes closer and presses her body against mine.
My arms wrap around her. When I hold her like this, it’s hard to stay angry. I still don’t like it that she met with Han or that she tries to deflect and accuse me every time I question her, but I push those feelings away. I’m probably being over-sensitive, what with so many things going on at the company. There’s the matter of organizing the sale and dealing with Keith the embezzling asshole. I shouldn’t let the stress and pressure spill into what I have with Annabelle. She is one person who will never lie to me.
“I’m sorry,” I say.
“Me, too. I should’ve been more careful so I don’t do anything to arouse your suspicions. I know you don’t react well when it comes to your father.”
“And I should trust you.”
“You should,” she says, smiling now. “You know I’d never betray you.”
Within a month she announced her engagement to my dad. It still turns my stomach that she was spreading her legs for both of us. It infuriates me that I let her blindside me, that I ignored all the warning signs.
I look at my wife over the rim of my glass. Dad won’t try to marry Belle. At this point, that would be…unoriginal.
She finishes her fish and sighs, the curve of her lips soft with pleasure. Her gaze drops to my plate, where my meal sits half-eaten. “You don’t like it?”
“It’s fine.” It tastes like sawdust. “I’m just not that hungry.”
Her cheeks turn pink. “Are you hungry for something else?”
“Something like that.” I place my glass on the table. “Belle.”
“Yes?” She lifts her guileless eyes to meet mine.
“You would tell me if there’s anything important, wouldn’t you?”
“Important? Like what?”
If you’re thinking about betraying me. “Secrets that can impact both of us.”
Licking her lips, she reaches for her water. “Of course, but what is this about? Did something happen?”
“No, nothing. Just wanted to make sure we’re on the same page with regards to our marriage. This is a new beginning. I don’t want to treat you callously the way I did before. But that also means we have to have an open and trusting relationship.” I put a subtle emphasis on trust.
Maybe it’s my imagination, but did her knuckles whiten briefly? I wish we were someplace with better lighting.
She leaves her seat and sits on my lap. “Elliot, I appreciate everything you’ve done.” She takes my big, callused hand in her smaller and more delicate ones. She brings it to her lips and kisses each knuckle. “And I trust you.”
It’s such a simple and innocent gesture. There’s no accusation, no trying to put me on the defensive. Maybe Paddington meant figuring out what happened when she was fifteen is harder than expected.
I told her it was a new beginning, but I’m letting my own past get in the way. What did Elizabeth say about me being a hypocrite?
No jumping to conclusions until I know more.
I wrap my fist in Belle’s hair and pull her down for a kiss.
* * *