Semua Bab Bound by Deception : Bab 21 - Bab 24

Home. It was the first time she had called their place home since they got married and the word brought a faint smile to his lips, right before it hit him what she was actually suggesting. Surprised, he looked down at her heart-shaped face and those green eyes brimming with unspoken desire-and something deep within him stirred. It was fierce and almost primal. He took her hands in his and led her back to the dining room where they hurriedly excused themselves and called it a night. “Thank you for dinner, Mrs Persson. It was lovely." Dakota added with a warm smile. He could tell she felt bad for leaving earlier than intended and probably thought they were being rude but he didn't care one bit. He had far more important things in mind tonight. “Call me Allison, dear. We're family now, aren't we?" His mother winked. Dakota's eyes turn bright, clearly touched. "Of course.” She smiled again, and something warm unfolded in the hollow part of him he thought long dead. God, she was

Elias glanced at the time. It wasn’t even noon, and he already felt the edge of fatigue setting in. With a practiced hand, he unfastened a button, pulled off his tie and leaned back with a quiet exhale. The hours had stretched longer than they should have, and his patience was thinning. He’d spent the day trying to keep his mind occupied, but now exhaustion was catching up, dragging at his focus. His mind drifted back to the phone call from a week ago. The private investigator had uncovered the truth about Dakota’s real father—and calling it a shock didn’t begin to cover it. He had hated lying to her, but in that moment, selfishness had won. He’d just wanted a little more time with her, unmarred by the weight of the secrets her family buried.If only he could shield her from the truth. From the pain that was waiting just around the corner. She was already dealing with enough heartbreak and betrayal from the people who were supposed to love and protect her the most. It would shatter