The only children I’ve ever interacted with are the very young dancers who would show up for fundraisers put on by the company. I never spent much time talking to them during those events. We just danced and took pictures together. But these kids…I’ve come to like them.
“Sure.”
I take them through some basics, and poor Raff falls over a lot as he tries to mimic my movements. He’s small and chubby, and his coordination isn’t quite there yet.
But he still loves it, and soon they’reall trying hard, giggling, and having fun. What’s more amazing is that I am, too.
A sudden sizzle makes my skin tingle. I turn my head and freeze.
Declan.
“Carry on,” he says, a sexy smirk curling his lips. “I’m entertained.”
Clawzilla saunters up to him and stretches in such an elegant way I’m almost positive he’s showing off.
But I end the lesson, flustered and hating myself for it. Raff rushes up to me and hugs my legs. “Tomozzow?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Tatty will still be here.” He lets me go and takes the taller girl’s hand. “Come on, Tatty.” The smaller girl follows behind them.
Then Raff sees his uncle and runs to hug him. “Dec!”
Declan hugs the little boy back, and the girls hug him next. Then Callahan steps into the room behind him.
“Daddy!”
Cal’s face lights up as he picks up his son and tosses him in the air. “Raff, have you been good?”
The kid looks at me. “Yes?”
With a laugh, Callahan lifts the kid on his shoulders. “Let’s go see your mammy.”
Clawzilla and Bruiser follow, just as a warm little hand slides into mine. I look down at one of the girls smiling up at me.
“This is Tatiana. Ava’s stepsister,” Declan says. “And Natasha, Seamus’s daughter.”
“Pleased to meet you,” I say to them.
Tatiana tips her face up to me. “Will you really teach us more?”
“I’d love to.”
“Thank you.” Arnold barks and Tatiana giggles, running over to the dog. The girls walk out of the gym together with Petal zooming after them. My animals are probably all in hiding now.
And I’m alone. With Declan.
“You didn’t hurt Leon, did you?” I ask, not having seen him since Ava escorted me into the house last night.
The muscle in his jaw tics. “Not yet.”
Anger bubbles up in my chest. I push past him, pure, carnal need spiraling deep inside of me as he takes my arm and backs me against the door so hard, a small hiss of breath escapes my lips.
He’s no longer touching my arm. No longer touching me.
“I’m going to ask you a question, so answer it carefully and honestly, Molly.”
“What?” I glare up at him, wanting to claw at him, drag him to me, devour him.
