Chapter 116

Natalia goes perfectly still, except for her eyes, which narrow almost to slits.

“Who are you going to see?” she asks, her voice sharp.

“Family business, Natalia,” I murmur, aloof, taking a big sip of my coffee and then placing it on the tab “Family?” she asks, leaning forward. “Which family? This one, or your father’s?”

“Well, they’re one and the same now, aren’t they?” I reply, cryptic. And then I let my lips curl in a secre “Will you do all right without me today, sweetheart?” I ask, my voice soft and intimate. I raise a fond h Daniel turns to look up at me, already onto my game and ready to play along. “No,” he says, wrapping I laugh and pout at him, looping my hands around his neck and leaning back a little so that my hips p “Prove it,” Daniel says, grinning at me wickedly, daring me.

And, laughing a real laugh because I’m so grateful to have him on my side, I let him tug me close and …well, as if he’s his dad.

It’s a long, deep kiss, and when I pull away I’m smiling widely at him, genuinely grateful that he’s so w calculating. But I ignore her, leaning over the table a little to grab a croissant off the plate in the midd “You guys have an amazing day,” I whisper, giving them both a pretty smile. “I’ll miss you!” And then I straighten and head for the door.