Page 64 of Finally Forever
Even if we part ways, Ainsley will never be able to travel safely without always looking over her shoulder. Her connection to me will always make her a target for a rival family or anyone looking to wipe out the Gianni line. That’s why I intend to do it first, after exposing myself to my father and the truth about how I’m alive and ready to exact my revenge for everything he’s done to me, my sister, and my mother.
The room grows quiet.
I find three sets of eyes on me, their expressions filled with concern.
“Are you okay?” Ainsley asks in that sweet voice, the sexy scratchiness such a contradiction to her innocent appearance. The urge to claim her as mine hits me in a way I don’t expect, nor can I explain.
“I’m fine.” I paste on an easy grin. “What’d I miss?”
Nathan says, “Kensie just told Ainsley about Harper.”
“I can’t believe you know her.” Ainsley shakes her head. “I mean, I get it, but it’s still surprising.”
“I don’t know Harper,” I say and amend. “I mean, I don’t remember her. I’ve heard about her, though.”
“She’s impressionable in a dramatic way,” Kensie says.
“In a dramatic all-about-herself way,” Ainsley adds, and the two giggle as if they’re old friends. She sighs. “I can’t believe she’s pregnant with twins and made you think you were the father.” She gestures at Nathan.
“It’s hard to keep track when you have multiple partners at once.” Kensie pats Nathan’s knee. “Sorry that happened to you, baby.”
“I’m just thankful they weren’t mine. I couldn’t imagine raising kids with that woman.” He kisses Kensie. “You’re the only one I want to have a family with.”
Ainsley’s face is in awe as she watches the loving interaction between Nathan and his fiancée. I’ve never seen him act like this with any girlfriend. Kensie has changed him in that way.
“Did you say where the wedding will be? I can’t remember,” Ainsley asks.
“I don’t think I did. It’s in Dallas for our families.” She smiles at Nathan. “We would have been fine with a private elopement. The wedding is more for them than us. They love a good party.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Ainsley breathes with a dreamy smile.
I catch the sadness in her tone and the way her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. The desire to comfort her hits me as hard as the urge to claim her as mine did moments ago.
I need distance. I need to stop visiting her bed at night. The odds of that happening are about as likely as my memories returning this instant.
Nathan’s stomach rumbles, sounding like two bears fighting. “I skipped lunch.” He shrugs.
Ainsley jumps to her feet. “We haven’t decided on dinner yet, but I’m sure I can find something to heat up quickly. Unless you’d rather order out?”
Kensie looks at Nathan. “I’m fine with whatever. You two make the call.” She points at him and me.
She’s as easy-going as Nathan. They’re a good fit. “It’s up to you.”
“You two decide,” Nathan says, and Kensie and I laugh.
“Men.” Kensie shakes her head. “Come on, Ainsley. Let’s see what’s in the fridge.”
They leave the room, their voices disappearing as they move farther down the hallway.
“I’m happy you got to meet her,” Nathan beams. “I still can’t believe she’s mine. And I sure as shit can’t believe we’re here with you. When I got the call from Xavier that you were alive and wanted to meet, I thought someone was fucking with me. He expected my reaction and went into detail, but my mind was blown.”
“You know why we had to keep it a secret.”
“I do.” He reclines into the back cushion. “I would have done the same thing.”
I chuckle. “Talk about mind blowing. I can’t believe you’re engaged.”
“Me neither. I’ve never been happier, though.”
