When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 129

Amelia

"Are you going to stand there all night, or would you like to come in?" Daniel's voice carried that familiar gentle teasing that had always made me feel safe.

I stepped inside his suite, which was easily three times larger than a standard room. The Black Rose Hotel's best accommodations for the Astor family—Ethan's silent way of taking care of me even when he couldn't be present.

"Sit down, Amelia." Daniel gestured toward the plush sofa by the window. "Whatever has you wringing your hands like that can't be good for your blood pressure."

I sank into the cushions, suddenly feeling like a teenager about to confess to sneaking out after curfew. "I need to talk to you about something... someone, actually."

"Let me guess," Daniel said, sitting across from me. "Lucas's father."

My head snapped up. "How did—"

"It's Ethan Black, isn't it?" His voice was carefully neutral, his expression unreadable.

The shock must have shown on my face because Daniel let out a soft chuckle that held no humor. "Did you think I wouldn't figure it out? I knew within two weeks of you showing up in Boston, pregnant and heartbroken."

"But you never said anything." My voice sounded small even to my own ears.

"What was there to say?" Daniel shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "You clearly didn't want to talk about him, and I respect your privacy. Your emotional life is yours to manage, Amelia. I've always believed that."

I swallowed hard, gathering my courage. "Did you know he came to Boston? To find me?"

Something flickered in Daniel's eyes—a hardness I rarely saw. "Of course."

Daniel's jaw tightened slightly. "Each time, I made sure he didn't get anywhere near you. You came to us broken, Amelia. You were carrying his child, alone and hurting. Whatever he did to put you in that state—" He shook his head. "There was absolutely no way I was going to let him near you."

I stared at my hands, unsure whether to feel betrayed that Daniel had kept this from me or grateful that he'd protected me when I was at my most vulnerable.

"And now?" Daniel's voice cut through my thoughts. "I take it you two have reconciled?"

"Yes," I admitted softly. "We've been... working things out."

"So you want my blessing?" His tone was carefully controlled, but I could hear the tension underneath.

I took his arm, my grip tight with a mix of hope and anxiety. "I know it's not that simple, Daniel. But your opinion... it means everything to me."

His face remained serious, eyes studying mine. "For three years, I've seen your tears, your nightmares. I've helped you raise your kids, and I've grown to love them like my own. I've hated the man who put that pain in your eyes." He covered my hand with his. "And now you expect me to simply forgive and forget?"

"No, I—"

"This isn't something I can just wave away, Amelia." Daniel's voice hardened. "He hurt you deeply."

"Things are different now," I insisted. "We've both changed."

Daniel shook his head slowly. "This isn't about what you say, Amelia. It's about what I need to see for myself."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean," he said, his voice dropping to that dangerous calm that reminded me he was, after all, the heir to the Astor empire, "that I need to see for myself if he's worthy of a second chance. If he deserves you and the children after everything that's happened."

"Daniel, please—"

"This isn't negotiable." His tone softened slightly. "I'm not saying no, Amelia. I'm saying prove it. Let me see that he's changed. That he won't hurt you again."

I wanted to argue, but the determination in his eyes told me it would be useless. Daniel had made up his mind. And deep down, I understood his protective instinct—hadn't I felt the same fierce protection toward my own children?

---

The dinner at the hotel restaurant that evening was a strained affair. Benjamin announced that he and Eleanor would be returning to Boston the following day, much to Sophie's disappointment.

"The medical center can't run without me for too long," Benjamin said, giving me an apologetic look. "But I swear, next time I'll get everything sorted out and stay longer."

I nodded, hiding my disappointment. Even though I understood the demands of running a medical empire, part of me had hoped for more time with them. "It's okay, Uncle Ben. I know how it is."

"You're too understanding," Benjamin sighed. "Always have been."

After dinner, I checked my phone as it buzzed with a text. Ethan's name flashed on the screen: [Meet me in the parking garage. Your car. 10 minutes.]

My pulse quickened. "I need to go check on something," I announced, perhaps too abruptly. "I'll be right back."

Daniel raised an eyebrow but didn't comment as I hurried out.

---

The parking garage was dimly lit and eerily quiet as I made my way to my car. I clicked the unlock button, slid into the driver's seat—and nearly jumped out of my skin.

"Jesus Christ!" I gasped, clutching my chest as Ethan materialized from the shadows of the back seat, moving to the passenger side. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

His lips curved into that devastating smile that still made my stomach flip. "Sorry. Couldn't risk being seen in the lobby."

"So breaking into my car seemed like the logical alternative?" I tried to sound annoyed, but the smile tugging at my lips betrayed me.

Ethan took my hand and softly kissed my fingers. "I missed you," he said quietly. "That business dinner was torture, knowing you were just a few floors above."

The simple gesture sent heat coursing through me. "I told Daniel about us," I said quickly, before I could get too distracted.

Ethan's eyes darkened with interest. "And?"

"He already knew you're my kids' father. Has known since almost the beginning." I watched Ethan's expression carefully. "He also knew about your trips to Boston."

"All of them?" Ethan's jaw tightened.

"He wouldn't have let you near me," I said softly. "He was protecting me."

"And now?" His eyes searched mine.

I hesitated. "He's... cautious. He wants to make sure you're not going to hurt me again."

Ethan's response was to lean across the console and capture my lips in a kiss that stole my breath. His hand slid up my thigh, under the hem of my dress, and I gasped against his mouth.

"Does that answer his question?" Ethan murmured, his fingers tracing patterns on my inner thigh.

My phone rang, shattering the moment. Daniel's name flashed on the screen.

"Fuck," I whispered, fumbling to answer. "Hey, everything okay?"

"Where are you?" Daniel's voice carried a hint of suspicion. "It's been twenty minutes."

"Just checking something in my car," I said, trying to keep my voice steady as Ethan's hand continued its maddening exploration. I swatted at him, but he just grinned. "I'll be right up."

"Do you need help?" Daniel offered. "I can come down."

"No!" I said, too quickly. "No, I'm fine. Be there in five."

I hung up and glared at Ethan, who didn't look remotely apologetic. "You're going to get me in trouble."

"Worth it," he murmured, leaning in for another kiss.

I pulled away reluctantly. "I have to go before Daniel comes looking for me."

Ethan nodded, understanding the precariousness of our situation.

I was halfway to the elevator when I heard footsteps. Daniel emerged from the shadows, his expression unreadable.

"Everything okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning the parking garage—lingering for just a moment on my car.

My heart stuttered. Had he seen Ethan? "Yeah, just... making sure I had everything I needed for tomorrow's rounds," I lied, unable to meet his eyes.

Daniel's gaze swept over me, taking in my flushed cheeks and slightly mussed hair. "You still shouldn't be alone in parking garages at night," he said mildly.

"I know," I agreed, too quickly. "You're right. Let's go back up."

As we stepped into the elevator, I could feel Daniel's eyes on me, assessing, calculating. He knew something—maybe everything—but he wasn't saying a word.

And somehow, that was even more terrifying.