Crashing back onto the bed, I remain silent. I couldn’t understand it. This entire time he knew who I was, and he never said anything, but why? “Explain yourself,” I say. Ethan nods. “I wasn’t lying when I said that my parents weren’t the cuddly or affectionate type or that I grew up with nannies most of my life. There was one particular one who was my favorite. Greta. She was the mother I never had, but always wanted. Even though my family had money, it didn’t stop her from bringing me trinkets and things that she said were important because they came from her heart, and not just her wallet.” “She sounds wonderful.” He smiled warmly. “She was. I think that’s why my mother eventually grew jealous of our relationship. My mother may not have wanted to do all the things that mothers do, but that didn’t mean that anyone else was going to come along and outshine her. Anyway, one day my parents received some tickets for a dance performance from a client. They knew not a

The Next Day-Evening “He has my size down to a science,” I say to myself as I strap on the new pointers Ethan purchased for me. Adjusting my tutu, I prepared myself for what I hoped would prove to be a great experience. It was weird being in the manor after all this time, and without Ansel it somehow felt cold. But here I was, and I had to say that Maggie and Joy were right. This was the perfect place to hopefully get my confidence back. I glance over at the piano and then shake my head. “Don’t think about that today, Karin,” I will myself. “You need to focus.” It was easier said than done with that piano reminding me of the time that Ansel and I rehashed old memories. Flexing my feet, I’m relieved that there is no pain, especially since the shoes are brand new. “Karin, are you in here?” Ethan says in the doorway. “Yes. Come on in.” He enters and his mouth immediately drops to the floor. “I take it this wasn’t what you were expecting.” “Not at all, b

ANSEL POV “I think I should get going,” Maggie said from behind Karin, but Ansel hardly heard her. He continued to look from the ring to Karin. Quickly moving past them, Maggie all but sprinted to get out of the line of fire. Karin backed into the villa and Ansel followed her, shutting the door behind him. “I see the good doctor has proposed,” he said.The unhinged look on his face had returned. “Yes, he did,” she said cautiously.“So he proposed knowing that you’re my surrogate?”“Yes.”“Just making sure that I have the story correct before I kill him.”“Ansel, you can’t kill him.”“Yes I can,” he said lethally. “I suggest you learn that rather quickly. I may have remained calm earlier today, but make no mistake, I will slaughter anyone who touches you.”Karin’s bottom lip quivered. “Please, I’m begging you not to kill him. If you just let me fin—”Ansel grabbed her in his arms. “Stop talking,” he demanded. Wrapping his hands in her hair, he craned her head back, making her l

Ansel remained silent, and Aron sighed. “Ansel, again, we jest a lot, but these are the things that are important factors in your sessions. I can only help if I know even the things that make you uncomfortable. I’ve seen you grow so much over the years, and I hope to see that continue.” “You’re right,” he said, sighing. “Yes, to your question. I’m still working through that part at the moment, that’s all.” “Why?” “Because it was unexpected. Honestly, the entire thing was. We got into a bit of an argument and next thing you know we were in bed. I only planned to tease her, but there was something about the way she looked at me that made it impossible to pull away.” “How did she look at you?” “With love,” he replied. “I could see it in her eyes. At first I thought I was imagining it, but the longer she looked at me, the more it seemed to grow. Next thing you know, one incident turned into the entire night.” “…Ansel

ANSEL POV“Nice of you and your men to join us, Ansel,” King David said with a huff. “At your convenience, nonetheless.”“Apologies, father, there was a pressing issue that I needed to handle.”King David rolled his eyes. “Let me guess. This pressing issue had something to do with Karin.”“Yes, but she remedied it as well, so all is forgiven.” Ansel heard muffled laughter from his men, and he covered his mouth to hide his own.“I would have never guessed you would become one of those men who lets a woman impede him conducting business,” Edwin said. “Perhaps you should rethink accepting the role of Alpha if you’re so distracted.”“You somehow always find yourself in affairs that don’t belong to you, don’t you Edwin?” Ansel replied. Edwin raised his hands. “No need to get defensive. I’m only pointing out the difference between you and I. Anyone who has met me knows that when something comes up, I handle it with speed and ensure things are done to my satisfaction.” “So I’v