Page 178 of Love Me

I open my mouth, but she adds, “And there is enough time to talk about all this, but not now. Now, I just want to feel you.”

I take my jacket off and lean in to kiss her.

“You know I am treading a thin line with your father anyway.”

“Imagine sneaking around?”

“Forget that. We’re living together. That ship sailed years ago.”

Her melodic laugh fills my chest with bliss.

“Baby, let the others in as well. You can show me your sneaking skills afterward.”

There’s no need for that. The Family owns the hospital as well.

When I step out of the room, I jerk my chin and our friends all rush inside.

Alone with her parents, my gaze gravitates toward her mother.

“I’m sorry. If I knew…”

She pats the spot next to her, and she turns to her husband. “Give us a moment.”

If looks could hurt, I’d have at least three broken ribs and a bloody nose.

“Sebastian will like me eventually,” I mumble.

“Something tells me nothing would hold you back.”

“Not when it comes to Celine.”

“You’re not Felix. I watched you in your childhood and Blake has kept me up to date. I know my daughter is safe with you. Your father wasn’t always like this.” A shudder goes through her. “Power changes people. And Felix has always been power hungry. He wanted that more than anything.”

“Never was interested in it.”

She eyes her husband, a mix of longing and sadness.

“Only when everything is laid out in the open will there be a chance of healing, of moving on.”

“I should be giving you advice.”

“I’m wise beyond my years.”

“And cocky.”

Cassandra turns serious and I stiffen the moment she adds, “I want time with my daughter, alone, just the three of us.”

I grip the edge of the chair and she continues, “That is not a question.”

“It’s a request.” I swallow and add, “Whatever she wants. But if Celine wants me there, I am coming.”

“Of course she will, but, Kaden, I missed years with her. I won’t get those back.” She pours the guilt on thick, and I agree with a stiff nod. I lost two years with her as well. Damn it.

When Sebastian returns, he offers Cassandra a cup of tea, his eyes pinning on me. “Do you love my daughter?”

“Sir, I have loved her my entire life.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

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