Chapter 0004

•DECLAN•

"So, when were you going to tell me you got engaged to Sloane?" Chris asked as we walked to the edge of the riverbank with our wine glasses in our hands.

I turned around and looked at Nymeria as she spoke with Sloane. "Well, Sloane and I had an understanding. We both lost people we loved, but the love is growing now."

Chris placed his hand on my shoulder. "Sometimes love isn't rosy in the beginning. Sometimes, it starts off messy and misunderstood, but it eventually thrives in the end. Sloane is a good girl and will surely be a good wife."

"You think so?" I looked at him when I saw Nymeria walking away from Sloane.

I couldn’t tell if she was angry with her best friend being engaged to me, but I knew she didn't take the news well.

We were more than what her brother thought we were before Nymeria left. But even after five years, my heart still raced when she was near.

"I know so," he answered, chuckling. "We are grown now and can't be fooling around anymore. And I am happier now than I was when I was busy being a rake. It feels good to have stability. Sloane is like family as well since she's Nymeria's closest friend. Your marriage with her would stabilize your life." He winked.

I swallowed, knowing I would've had what he had if it weren't such a taboo for Nymeria and me to be together.

She was the one I wanted.

But Christopher would burn the world before that could happen. We were both his family, and in a normal sense, it didn't sound ethical to be involved with my cousin's sister.

Whether they were blood or not.

"Your sister has a child now. Do you think she has found her own stability?" I asked, my heart racing.

I didn't even want to think about how she had the baby. But I wanted to know if she was seeing someone else.

"She's been single-handedly raising Millie alone," he answered, his voice lowering. I could sense the frustration in his tone. "The father apparently bailed out on them and disappeared into thin air. The day I cross paths with him, he will wish he were dead."

The stupid fool. He had never deserved her.

"She didn't deserve such cruelty," I answered, frowning. "But Millie is lucky to have us as her uncles because we will protect her no matter what. I hope Nymeria knows that."

"If Nym weren't stubborn, I would've taken care of Millie since her birth," he said as he sipped his wine. "But she pretends as if she has everything figured out. My assistant told me a few days ago that she was fired from her job and lost her apartment when she came here."

"That sucks." I looked at him, wishing there was something I could do without it seeming as if I was too involved. "Does she know you know the truth?"

"She doesn't." He said as he turned and faced me. "And I want it to remain like that. She told me she was on leave for a month and would have to return to Drakenfall in three weeks, so please, don't make her suspect anything. She hates being treated as a charity case, and I know it would be difficult for her to stay longer here."

"Of course." I nodded. "I won't say anything around her that would suggest otherwise."

"Good," he sighed. "Now I have to find the bastard who impregnated her and ran away. She wouldn't have moved away if it weren't for him. As soon as I return from my honeymoon, I will do some proper investigations on the guy."

I nodded. "I will help you find him when you return."

We turned toward the house, but Chris stopped and looked at me.

"So, have you thought about my request?"

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair before I answered. "Yes, I've thought about it, but I will play for one season."

"Excellent!" He patted my back and walked away.

I shook my head and walked toward the refreshment table to refill my glass when I found Nymeria pouring juice into a small pink bottle.

She looked as beautiful as she did five years ago. Her black hair was tied into a neat bun, exposing the lily flower above her left shoulder.

She gasped when she turned around and saw me standing behind her.

My mouth opened to say something, but I couldn't. I didn't know what to say to her after what happened between us.

She deserved so much better, and the way things played out made me feel as if I had used and cast her aside.

I left Hollowshade the morning after we spent the night together, ashamed to face her and Chris. But now, she was standing right in front of me.

I moved closer to finally say something to her, but the sound of a glass breaking inside the house stopped me. Nymeria turned around.

"Millie!" She snapped as she walked toward the house, and I stood there, wishing I had told her I was sorry while she was still standing there.

"Oh, there you are," Sloane’s voice came from behind me. "I've been looking for you. I gave Petra our gift before she got swept into the receiving line, so we're covered on that front." She smoothed her hand along my sleeve. "And the car to the villa just arrived. We should head out before it gets too late."

"Of course." I set my glass down on the refreshment table counter and turned with her.

We moved through the garden toward the front of the estate, Sloane talking about the ceremony, about the dress, about something Petra had said to her that had been unexpectedly kind.

But at the gate, before I ducked into the car, I looked back.

"Let's go, baby!"

I got inside the car and kissed Sloane’s cheek before the car drove away.