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.”

to fight back

shaking off my reaction as soon

me off guard again. He used to call me that all the time, in precisely the same way – never as a criticism or accusation, always as

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

woman.’ I reply, trying not to

“It’ s only too bad Paisley never got to know her. She’s really needed a mother these past few years, and she’s going to need one

them. If I stop now or look at him, he’ll see,

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Ethan

I’ve only ever had eyes for Jane, which is why it hurt so much when she betrayed us on her graduation trip. If it weren’t for my mother’s word, l’ d never have believed Eve’s version of events, but their stories matched perfectly and even Jane

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 on simply making her admit her

nearby amusement park. Jane was only too happy for an excuse to get the kids out of

She yelped far too quickly, flushing and

I’d love to come.” I correct her,

cheer triumphantly.

to go home.” Jane narrows her eyes.

vacation in years, besides, I’m going to be off for Paisley’s

head!” Jane

coasters,” My head is still

them either so she can keep you company while

exasperated look, but I can only grin at the clever pup. “That’s

—————–

spirits only last a little while. Make no mistake, I’m thrilled to be spending time with Jane and the pups, but I can’ t stop thinking that this is wrong. Poor Paisley is stuck in a

about Paisley?” Jane asks softly. We’re standing at the exit of an alarmingly tall roller coaster currently whizzing her pups through the air, and my mate has clearly

a hand through my hair, I admit. “I feel guilty being

“I don’t know any parent who wouldn’t feel that way.” She shares, “But you can bring her when she’s

completely sincere without a single thought for scheming,