Page 212 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

“Hmm, depends,” Bella replied.

“On what?”

She pressed a soft kiss over his lips then leaned away to say, “On whether I decide to murder you for taking my once perfect life and turning it upside down.”

Nathan chuckled deep in his throat. “You love your boys, don’t you?”

Bella squinted at him before laughing herself. “I do. I really do.”

Taking the moment to claim his wife’s lips, Nathan silently vowed to pay more attention to what went on in his family home. “We’ll find a better nanny.” he promised when they broke apart.

“And you’ll try to be home more?” she asked quietly. “Cut back on the hours you work?”

Nathan kissed her again. “I won’t rest until we have thebestnanny for Richard.”

Bella sighed out loud and Nathan pushed his guilt aside. The barrel price of oil was at an all-time low and the state of the economy was fragile. Then there was the ongoing political unrest within certain nations, the increasing threat of further terrorism in Europe, right on the bloody doorstep…and a possible Bank of England interest rate rise, the first since 2007; things were difficult at work to say the least.

“It will get better,” he assured her. “Once he’s sleeping through the nights, you’ll feel much better.” Knowing the almost unnoticeable slump to her shoulders signified her disbelief over his words, Nathan held her tighter in his arms. “Would having your mum around more make it better? You enjoyed her staying with us when Richard was born.”

“You didn’t.” Bella murmured before making a move to stand.

Nathan kept her on his lap and buried his face in her scented hair. “I don’t mind if you want her to stay at ours for a few weeks. Now your dad, he’s a different issue.”

Bella did chuckle over his harassed reference to her father and she slipped her hands over his shoulders and teased, “You adore my father.”

“Yes,” Nathan mocked dryly. “And you adore my mother.”

They both exchanged knowing glances before Bella patted his shoulder and wriggled on his lap. He reluctantly let her go but kept his gaze fixed on her as she returned to her seat.

“Do you want to leave, darling?” he asked, searching her expression for the truth.

She shook her head and picked up the silverware. “It’s our first wedding anniversary, let’s enjoy it.”

Nathan grinned and motioned one of the servers over. They needed this time together,heneeded this time with her and his only goal was to make her laugh.

Almost eight hours later they had returned to London, both in high spirits and not wanting their private time together to end.

“Fancy stopping by the club on our way home?” Nathan drawled, reaching over to grab her hand as they reclined against the car’s upholstery.

Bella squinted at his watch. “It’s four in the morning,”

“And?” Nathan teased. “We’re members and it’s been ages since you’ve joined me there.”

“Which club?” Bella narrowed her eyes.

“Your favourite,” Nathan assured her. They were members of quite a few exclusive clubs. “It will be like the old days.”

“Hmm,” Bella edged closer to rest her head across his shoulder. “We would be leaving at this time, not arriving.”

“Quick drink,” Nathan cajoled. “Maybe catch a high-stakes game in one of the private rooms,”

Bella raised her head at once, eyes gleaming with growing excitement.

“But if you’re too tired,” Nathan murmured, faking a small yawn. “I’ll understand.”

“One drink,” she agreed, nipping the inside of her lower lip. “And one game, depending on the players of course.”

Nathan slung his arm around her, thoroughly excited over the prospect of watching his wife in action. “Of course, my darling.” Then he notified their driver of the change in plans.

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