Chapter 23 #2
Grey looks ashamed. “I’m sorry, I know. It’s… I honestly forgot about it and only remembered when I freaked out, but I shouldn’t have used it. I should have told you about it as soon as I remembered.”
A thought occurs to me. “Grey?”
“Yes?”
“You know I have a phone, right?”
He looks confused. “Yes, what—”
“Call me next time you’re panicking, okay?”
The look of shock on his face is almost comical, as if the idea of calling me and asking where I was hadn’t even crossed his mind.
I chuckle, leaning in to kiss his damp cheek. “It’s going to work out, okay? Just… no more secrets.”
“No more secrets. I promise.”
I’m about to echo his promise when I remember I haven’t told him about the cameras back in London.
“I used the camera feed from my parent’s mansion to keep tabs on you guys,” I rush to say, words tumbling out. “I even went so far as to install sensors in the hallway outside my room to let me know when you’re coming.”
The look of surprise on Grey’s face morphs into admiration as he processes this. “God, that’s so hot,” he says, a mix of amusement and pride in his voice. “And pretty damn impressive.”
“I’m glad you think so,” I say, relieved. “No more secrets.”
As I look at the aquarium, the last lingering secret I’ve kept bubbles up.
Might as well come clean with that one now too.
“Although…” I begin.
“There’s more?” Grey smirks, his piercing eyes focused intently on me.
I swallow hard, trying to muster up the courage. “I’m a criminal.”
He huffs, and relief washes over me as a glimmer of humor returns to his eyes. “You’re not. I checked.”
Right, Grey Donovan and his thorough background checks.
“Well, maybe I’m just so good at it, I haven’t been caught yet.”
“Doubtful,” he replies with a smirk, making me laugh.
“Hey!” I protest, giving him a playful swat on the arm. “I’ll have you know I’m quite capable of nefarious deeds.”
Grey reaches for my hand, his fingers warm and comforting as they stroke mine. “Tell me what you did, and I’ll make sure you never get caught. Which counts for future crimes, too, by the way.”
My partner in crime.
“The fish over there?” I nod toward the aquarium. “They’re—”
“Elysium’s,” Grey finishes for me, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
My jaw drops. “How do you—” I start, utterly shocked.
“How do you think you haven’t been caught yet?” Grey leans in, giving me a soft peck on the lips before whispering against them, “I erased the evidence. You’re welcome.”
I pull back, staring at him in disbelief. All this time, I thought I was being so clever, so sneaky. But Grey knew. He knew, and he protected me. I’m not sure whether to feel relieved or embarrassed.
Grey’s eyebrows raise. “By the way, why? I’ve been thinking about this for weeks now, and I just don’t get it. Why would you steal fish from the company?”
“There are thousands of them. Far too many confined in far too little space.” I look at Grey and see that he’s brightening the more I talk and distract him, so I elaborate more.
“Neon tetras need space, plants, and hiding nooks made from rocks and driftwood. More than just a glass bowl.” I feel my cheeks flush.
“It wasn’t easy, okay? Like, they are fast, and I couldn’t smuggle them out of there in broad daylight and… ”
Grey chuckles softly, the sound vibrating through the quiet room. “So you became a fish thief. And here I thought your coding skills were your only talent.”
I roll my eyes, still feeling the heat in my cheeks. “It’s not like I had a choice. I couldn’t just leave them there to suffer.”
Grey’s expression softens, the amusement giving way to something warmer. “You’ve got a good heart, Amelia. Even if your methods are… unconventional.”
I look down, fiddling with the hem of my sleeve. “I just didn’t want them to be miserable.”
“And that’s why you became a criminal?”
I nod sheepishly. “Yes.”
Grey smirks, leaning in to kiss me more deeply. “What a villain origin story. The love of my life is a fish thief.”
I lean back, my heart skipping a beat at his words. “Love of your life?”
“What do you think?” he murmurs, his eyes searching my face. “I’ve never felt love like I feel for you, and if you don’t kick me to the curb, you’ll never get rid of me. I told you, this is a forever thing.”
My heart swells with emotion.
Forever with Grey Donovan?
I could think of worse fates.
I reach up, touching his cheek lightly. “You really mean that?”
“Every word,” Grey replies, unwavering. “You, me, and the guys against the world. Even if it means harboring a fugitive fish thief or being an accomplice of one.”
“I guess we’ll need a bigger aquarium, then,” I tease.
Grey chuckles, wrapping his arms around me. “We’ll get the best one money can buy.”
“I love you,” I whisper, leaning into him while he kisses my temple. “When do you expect to hear back from the hospital?”
“They said I should call them in a couple of hours when they’ll have the test results.”
“Okay, you rest, and I’ll set an alarm and wake you when it’s time.”
I’m incredibly thankful to have found someone who comprehends and embraces every aspect of me, even the part that involves fish heists.
The least I can do is be there for him now, as much as possible.