The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 29 Tunnel of Love

Jane

Looking down at Paisley’s sweet face, I know I can’t deny her anything. “Of course I’ll come.” I promise, avoiding Ethan’s gaze.

“Yay!” Paisley exclaims happily, looking back and forth between Ethan and I. Something seems to strike her then, and her little nose crinkles in confusion and concern. “Wait, what ’bout your game?”

Ethan’s gaze zeroes in on me. I don’t need to look at him to know, I can feel the weight of his eyes on me like a pair of hundred pound weights. I should have foreseen this, I should have remembered the story I told the little girl about the hide and seek game. Now she’ll think I can’t ever be her mother because Ethan clearly found me. Panic bubbles up inside me, I don’t know how to answer her and keep up my lie for Ethan at the same time.

“We put it on pause.” Ethan supplies, surprising me.

“For you.”ladd gently, “because of your surgery.”

“Oh.” Paisley chirps, accepting our answer without further question. “Good.” She smiles toothily up at me. “I’m glad.”

“Me too.” I admit, unable to stop myself from running my fingers through her dark hair.

I’m painfully aware of Ethan’s warm, hard body beneath me, and still hiding from his penetrating gaze, however, I’m also completely preoccupied by Paisley. Every time I see her it

feels like a dream come true. I’ve waited so long to hold her in my arms and hear her call me Mommy, I’d put up with Ethan for hours on end if it meant I got to spend more time with her like this. I just have to remain conscious of the fine line I’m walking. I can’t reveal too much in front of my ex, and I can’t let him trick me into revealing the truth.

When we depart Paisley’s room a couple of hours later, he keeps his arm locked around my waist, forcing me to physically remove the powerful limb. I’m mildly shocked when he doesn’t stop me, but my victory is very short lived. “Would you care to tell me what that was about?” His deep voice sounds behind me.

Belatedly I realize he allowed me the victory of pushing him away, only so that my guard would be lowered when he made his next move. “Your daughter is very sweet.” I inform him simply, not truly answering his question.

“You’ve visited her before.” Ethan rumbles, stating it as a fact, rather than I question.

“I met her when Riley was here.” I shrug, “the children’s ward isn’t very big.”

“Why didn’t you say?” He questions, pulling me to a stop just inside the building exit.

“Because,” I inform him coldly, “lc would only have encouraged you.”

fight back instead he simply chuckles, “stubborn

shaking off my

never

mother was stubborn too.” He says to my back. “In fact, she never even told me she

woman.’ I reply, trying not

agrees, a sharp edge lining his silky tone. “It’ s only too bad Paisley never got to know her. She’s really needed a mother

my eyes, no matter how I try to fight them. If I stop now or look at him, he’ll see, so I simply continue moving towards the

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Ethan

she betrayed us on her graduation trip. If it weren’t for my mother’s word, l’ d never have

capable of incredible deception. She admitted she only married me for my money, then hid her pregnancy and faked her death. She’s wronged me in more ways than I can possibly count, and one day soon I plan on getting all the answers i possibly can out of her. However until then I have to focus

to Linda’s apartment, the kids are begging to go out on an adventure, with Riley suggesting the nearby amusement park. Jane was only too happy for an excuse to get the kids out of the

can’t!” She yelped far too quickly, flushing and then amending her words. “He’s on

come.” I correct her, making

cheer triumphantly.

to go home.”

for Paisley’s surgery anyway.”

head!” Jane sputters,

My head is still aching enough to make the idea make me feel mildly

replies, “Mommy doesn’t like them either

look, but I can only

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can’ t stop thinking that this is wrong. Poor Paisley

exit of an alarmingly tall roller coaster currently whizzing her pups through the air, and my mate has clearly noticed

I admit. “I feel guilty being here without

“I don’t know any parent who wouldn’t feel that way.” She shares, “But

without a single thought for scheming, “We