Page 100 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

“Nope, he’s my...” I frowned, unsure what to call him.

“Boyfriend.” Declan crossed his arms and leaned against the doorway.

“Oh. Whoa. All this time?”

“No,” I said.

“Yes,” Declan answered at the same time.

I laughed. “We were sleeping together, but now it's official.”

I made us all lunch, and we updated her on the entire situation. Charlotte said she wasn’t moving in with David and asked Declan lots of questions about his life in the Navy and where he grew up.

It was nice to see them interacting.

My world feels like it's evolving into something new and wonderful. We are creating it day by day, as opposed to being dictated to. I’m hopeful and excited.

“Did Josh call?” I ask as we wander over one of the pretty bridges in Central Park.

“Not yet,” Declan releases my hand and places it on my back as we stop and look out over the lake.

It’s cold. The foliage is golden, and leaves have fallen, covering the ground everywhere. Everyone is dressed up in coats, hats, and gloves, including us.

Declan wraps his large body around me and kisses my forehead.

I let out a sigh. “Do you think they will arrest him?”

My father is still walking free.

“I don’t know, sweetheart. These things are very complicated. We will keep advocating for it; I promise.”

Mom tried to ring me dozens of times after the abduction. I refused to take her calls. Every time the phone would ring, I’d end up bawling my eyes out.

It’s one thing hating your parents, but love is far more powerful. Despite the facts.

Still, I will never forgive them.

One day during lunch the phone rang, Mom’s name appearing on screen.

“Give me the word, and I’ll deal with this,” Declan growled.

I nodded.

I wasn’t strong enough yet.

He picked up the phone and took a few steps away. “Mrs. Voss. This is Declan Sloan, Stella’s partner. She does not want to speak to you. Please stop calling.”

As he pulled the phone from his ear, I heard her screeching.

I dropped my face into my hands.

“Give her time. What you both did is despicable,” he said. “Do not call again.”

She did.

I had to block the number.

My lawyer has moved my trust fund into a new account so there can be no manipulation of money, and the penthouse is in my name. I could walk away from it all, but they owe me.