Chapter 27

The news that his in-laws were finally departing for their second home in France for three week sojourn should have been welcomed. Yet, despite Nick's initial misgivings about their presence within his home, they had had a positive effect on the children. He hadn't even realised how much he had deprived Delilah and Tommy by locking them within the fortress of his own making. He had wanted to protect them, to keep them safe from harm, but maybe by doing that he had been hurting them in a different way.

Nick ground his teeth together. Admitting his failings, even if it was just to himself, was not easy. His way was the right way. At least that was what he had been telling himself for so long. Maybe in this matter he was wrong.

Drawing in a deep breath, Nick brushed off his shoulders to remove the invisible specs of dirt. Then, with a nod of his head he left his bedroom.

His in-laws voices drifted down the hallway. Carol's voice spoke softly and, dare he think it, with warmth as she read aloud 'The Tales of Peter Rabbit' to the children. Delilah's voice blended with her grandmother's as she perfectly recited the words to the story. She had been obsessed with Peter Rabbit since she was little. Her mother had read them to her when she was a baby, when she was too small to truly register the words but maybe somewhere deep in her mind she remembered.

Drawn by the familiar words, Nick's feet drew him forwards until he stood in the doorway to Delilah's room. His daughter lay in her bed, snuggled under the covers as Carol perched on the edge, book firmly in her hands as she read. Greg sat in the white rocking chair in the corner, Tommy curled up on his chest. Nick's son fought to stay awake. His lashes drifted closed before snapping back open. They remained closed for longer and longer each time but still Tommy refused to give in.

Nick leant against the door frame, arms folded over his chest as he watched his family. His lips curved up into a smile. Never did he think this moment could happen; a slice of happiness which involved his in laws. And he had Betsy to thank for it. There was no denying that.

In the morning his in-laws would be gone. Nick's smile dropped from his lips. Their departure came with a sense of dread. He had barely had a moment alone with Betsy in the week since his office had been ransacked, though he had tried his damnedest to talk to her. He had tried to confess to her his mistake but maybe he hadn't tried hard enough.  But, it would have to wait even though the news hung over their head like a darkened cloud.

"Is everything okay, Nicholas? Are you about to leave?" Carol asked. She placed her hand between the pages of the book to keep her place, a crease forming between her brows

Shaking his head, Nick's lips pulled up into a small smile. "Yes, we're about to leave. I just wanted to say goodnight before I left."

Stepping into the room, Nick walked over to the bed. Leaning over, he pressed a kiss to Delilah's head before wrapping his arms around her small body.

"Night Daddy," Delilah mumbled, burying her head into his waist.

"Goodnight squirt." Nick pressed another kiss to her hair unwinding her hers. "Be good for your grandmother. Okay?"

Delilah nodded her head and settled back against the pillows with little protest. She glanced at the book in her grandmother's hands expectantly earning a laugh from the older woman.

As Carol's voice filled the air once more, Nick went over to Tommy and pressed a kiss to his forehead too. His son didn't even notice. The boy had stopped fighting and had fallen into a deep sleep. Little snores were already escaping his mouth, his hands fisted into his grandfather's expensive shirt. The boy could sleep anywhere.

"Thank you for taking care of them tonight." Nick said quietly, backing towards the door.

"It's our pleasure," Greg murmured, lifting his eyes from the little boy on his chest for just a moment. "Now don't keep the lady waiting."

With one last lingering look into the room, Nick made his retreat. Straightening his bow tie as he went, Nick took the stairs two at a time. Betsy was already by the front door waiting for him. And she was a sight to behold. Her hair had been pinned at the back of her head, a few loose strands framing her face. The dress, made from a pale blue fabric, complimented the curves of her body while remaining demure. The embroidered top hugged her breasts, the V neck hinting at the cleavage beneath while the skirt skimmed over her hips and floated down to the floor.  And there, peeking out from the bottom of her skirts, were a pair of sparkly shoes.

"You look beautiful," Nick greeted. As he reached her, he placed a hand on her waist and tugged her close. With his other hand on her chin, he tilted her head up so she could look nowhere but at him. "So beautiful."

Unable to resist, even though it would mess up her lipstick, he pressed his lips to hers and stole a kiss. Betsy gasped, her hands gripping the tops of his arms. Nick took the opportunity to deepen the kiss. Her breathed in her scent, tasted her on his tongue as she parted her lips, and felt the heat of her body pressed close to his. It was overwhelming how much one taste of her could get his pulse racing. And yet it wasn't enough.

Nick didn't want to pull away. He wanted to forget about the ball and stay home with Betsy, to cling to the moment for a little bit longer, while they still could. He knew that when he finally admitted the truth she would be angry. But duty called.

He pulled back ever so slightly, resting his forehead against hers. "Come on, we're going to be late."

Betsy opened her eyes and took a step away, a grin forming as her eyes roving over his face. "I think pink is your colour."

Nick rolled his eyes before threading his fingers between hers. He stretched his free hand past her shoulder, bringing them closer once more. He gave her a quick peck on the lips before opening the door behind her. "Come on, I don't think the host can be late."

"That's not fair! You're the one who was late, not me." She muttered, allowing him to pull her outside into the cool evening.  "And I better not have lipstick all around my face."

**

By the time their car pulled up outside of the venue, many of the guests has already arrived. Barriers had been set up on either side of a blue carpet to hold back the general public and the paparazzi. Shrill screams called his name and camera were shoved unceremoniously into his face. It took every part of his well power to keep from ripping the device from the weedy little man's hands and smashing it on the floor.

Instead he settled for a look. The look which had been known to make grown men cry. Or in this case, it caused a grown to wet himself. Nick smiled. It was his first real smile in front of the paparazzi but he didn't even care.

Betsy poked him in the ribs with her finger. "That wasn't very nice."

Nick glanced down at her and shook his head. "I never said I was nice. Besides, that man needed to learn boundaries. Trust me on that. He'll think twice about invading personal space in the future."

Betsy pressed her lips together but didn't make any comment. Nick let her mull it over. She could give him the cold shoulder all she liked. He knew this world better than she did. He knew what the worst of paparazzi could be like. She still didn't have a clue. He had sheltered her from the press as much as he could.

They posed together in silence. Nick kept Betsy tucked firmly at his side and once the obligatory photos were taken, they stepped inside.

The room was already full of entitled people whose only concern was appearing to be a good person. Nick had had the misfortune to be seated with many of them at previous charity functions. They hopped from event to event, showing their face and placing an obligatory donation to repair a tarnished reputation or each some good person points with their peers. The sad truth was that most of them probably didn't even know what charity they were supporting. They just turned up with cheque book in tow. Nick was just glad that not everyone fit that mould. 

"Let's get a drink and find a seat. We probably have a few -."

"Nico, come here. We have saved you seats." Markos shouted across the ballroom, effectively earning the attention of most of the guests.

The Greek man made black tie seem like the most laidback attire that a man could wear. Nick was sure it was the man's gift to look completely relaxed no matter the circumstances. Maybe he needed to ask him for tips on how to become Zen.

When they hadn't immediately moved, Markos waved his hands in the air frantically. His eyes twinkled as he did it.

With a sigh, Nick took a step forward. Betsy grinned at his side as she returned the man's wave.

"I'm glad you find this funny. I was hoping for subtler entrance."  Nick muttered in her ear, his eyes examining all of the people around them.

Betsy rested her head on Nick's shoulder and used the proximity to whisper, "You were a fool to think you could have a subtle entrance when Markos is here. I love that man but he doesn't do subtle."

Nick nodded his head in agreement before holding out his hand to greet the older man. It was swiftly knocked to the side and he found himself wrapped in an embrace, the man slapping him on the back affectionately.

"Look at you both. Elizabeth, you look beautiful." He pulled her into a hug and then waved the pair of them to the table. "Come on. Take a seat and I will make some introductions."

The next hour was filled with a lot of chatter as Markos and his wife dominated conversation at the table. As the entrees were placed down before them, Nick allowed his gaze to roam over the room. His eyes swept over tables without really seeing much, but then his eyes were drawn back to a table.

Nick's hands fisted around the napkin, his face remaining placid even though he felt anything but. It had been years since he had last seen that face but it didn't make its sudden appearance endearing. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Nick had hoped he would never see that face again.

"Is everything okay?" Betsy asked, her lips brushing his ear as her hand curled around his. Her fingers stroked against his skin, encouraging his fingers to unfurl.

To an onlooker it would have appeared they were merely having an intimate moment. In reality, Nick was grateful for the distraction. He pulled his gaze to the woman at his size and nodded his head. "I'm fine. I just got a bit distracted."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," he murmured in response. Then raising his voice so that the rest of the table could hear he said, "Now, once dinner is done, we'll practice your footwork on the dancefloor. I think I promised you a dance."

When Betsy frowned at him, confusion within the depths of her eyes, Nick just focused back on his dinner. Nick could feel her gaze burning into the side of his face.

"Great idea, Nico!" Markos raised his glass in toast, a large grin fixed firmly upon his face, before taking a healthy sip of his red wine. "You must save me a dance Elizabeth."

Betsy, looking a little flustered, nodded her head. "Of course. Though I apologise in advance if I step on any of your toes. My dancing skills leave a lot to be desired."

Nick didn't even glance up from his plate as they chattered around him. He drew in a deep breath to try and dampen the anger which was growing within him. If anyone looked at his face, they would just see bored contemplation, as he stared down at the sautéed Asparagus. He had wanted to enjoy the evening but it felt like fate was conspiring against him.

He ate the rest of his meal on auto pilot. He contributed to conversations when he was addressed directly, and gave his opinion on various business matters, but he wouldn't be able to recall the conversations later. He forgot the words as soon as they escaped his lips.

Finally the band, which had been playing softly during the dining hour, picked up its tempo with a jaunty number. Betsy placed her hand over his, looking staring up into his face with eyes that saw far too much.

"You promised me a dance." She murmured, her lips pursing as she watched his face.

"Of course, how could I forget?" Nick forced a smile as he pushed his chair back from the table. Bowing, he held out his hand towards the blonde by his side. "Milady, would you care for this dance?"

He lifted his head and winked. His pixie shook her head before she delicately placed her hand his.

"I thought you'd never ask."

Curling his fingers around her much smaller hand, Nick drew strength from her touch. If he focused on her, and only her, he knew he could block out the people he would rather not see. He placed Betsy's hand into the crook of his arm and together the two of them walked out onto the dancefloor.

Several couples had already beaten them out onto the floor and were already moving around in the familiar steps of the waltz, the women's skirts ghosting over the floor as their expensive fragrances tickled his nose. Nick did not stop until they had reached the very centre of the dancefloor, determined to put as much distance between himself and that table.

His dance classes from childhood came back with ease, though Betsy looked up at him with wide eyes. Nick brushed his lips against hers, as he removed her arm from the crook of his and instead placed it so that her fingers were delicately gripping his shoulder. Then, placing one hand one her back, he took her other hand in hers.

"Are you ready?" Nick said, his lips brushing her ear as he fought to be heard over the band.

Betsy shook her head. "No." She turned her head and Nick knew that she was looking at the other couples. "Maybe we should just go back to the table. Swaying side to side is one thing but I can't do this kind of dancing."

"Don't worry, I've got you." Nick murmured.

Before she could protest, he wrapped both hands around her waist, lifted her up, and pulled her close.  Betsy yelped in surprise, her fingers tightening around his shoulders as her feet dangled above the floor. And yet her gaze never left his face. He gently lowered her back down, her body sliding down the front of his. "Place your feet on mine," Nick ordered, readjusting his hold once her felt the pinch of her heeled shoes pressing down on his toes. "Now, just hold on tight. I'm going to make us both look good."

Betsy gasped and hugged herself closer to his body as Nick began walking through the steps of the waltz. Betsy's fingers had adapted a claw-like grip on his shoulder. He could swear he could her heart beating. Or maybe it was his?

As they continued to spin and twirl, she relaxed into his hold. She threw back her head and trusted him to keep her upright, her face completely relaxed as she enjoyed the sensation of being guided around the floor. The momentum caused the pins securing her hair to come loose. With just a few twirls, Betsy's curly hair made a bid for freedom.

She looked so carefree in that moment, Nick was entranced at the simple joy on her face. It was a balm that soothed his soul. It was what she did. Already the simmering anger, which had kept him distracted throughout dinner, was seeping away as each second passed.

All too soon, all he could focus on was the woman within his arms. Nick hugged her closer, so close that he could feel the rapid beat of her heart through the layers of material that separated them. Betsy lifted her head and peered up at him through her lashes. Nick slowed to a halt even as people continued to dance around them.

"What is it?" Betsy asked, head tilted to the side. Her fingers absently caressed the back of her neck as she focused wholly on him.

Nick gave up with the proper hold, moving both of his hands to her hips as he kept her close. "Nothing much," he replied, his lips twitching when he noted the expression on her face. "I was just watching you and thinking how lucky I am."

"Is that so?"

Nick leant forwards, pressing his forehead against his. "I thank your sister every day that she brought you into my life. And if we weren't in a room full of people, I would be showing you just how I meant that."

"You're getting soft."

"I am not. And if you start spreading lies like that, you're going to start damaging my reputation."

Betsy laughed before tilted her chin up, her lips brushing against his. Her perfume filled his nose, the drugging scent of her perfume and something that was wholly Betsy wrapped around him.

When she pulled back at him, the teasing sparkle in her eyes disappeared. "Now are you going to tell me what that was about earlier? And don't even think about lying to me."

Grinding his teeth together, Nick attempted to pull away. Her fingers, which had been threaded through his hand, refused his escape. He had no choice to remain close to her, so close that there was no option but to expose himself to the intimacy of her stare.

"I'd rather not talk about it."

Betsy gave him that look. He had seen her give it to Delilah once, when his daughter had been pouting over something ridiculous. He understood why his daughter gave in to Betsy. Being on the receiving end of the look, where she raised her brows and stared into your eyes with reproach, was enough to undo even the strongest of men.

"And I insist that you do."

Nick sighed. "Fine. You want to know what is wrong?"

Nick paused, hoping she would change her mind. With her fingers still stroking through the hair at the nape of his neck, Betsy gave a small nod. "Yes. I want to know."

"My step siblings are here." Nick felt her still within his arms. "It happens from time to time. It's rare. I always make a concentrated effort to put as much distance between us as possible. Tonight is no different."

Betsy's eyes glanced around, her eyes searching the people around them. A second later her attention was back on him. "Did you want to go? Can I do anything to make this better for you?"

Nick squeezed her hips and shook his head. "I can't leave yet. My company sponsored this evening so I have to stay. And I want to stay. This event will raise money for families suffering from bereavement.  No, I can't leave. The only thing you can do to make this bearable is stay by my side. Will you do that?"

Betsy smiled. "Of course."

They danced to several more songs. Markos kept true to his promise and swept Betsy away for two numbers before he returned her to Nick's waiting arms. He felt relief when he got to wrap his arms around her once more. As much as he liked Mrs Giannopoulos, it didn't feel the same to be guiding her around the dancefloor. And that woman was a little bit too friendly. Nick was sure she had pinched his arse twice.

And then, finally it was time to leave. The bow tie was digging into his neck and his new shoes were rubbing his feet but Nick had Betsy within his arms. It pushed all of his discomfort from his mind. They stood outside in the cool night air, his arms around Betsy as the first drops of rain started to fall.

Removing his jacket, Nick hung it over Betsy's shoulders. He rubbed his hands up and down the length of her arms, his body curving around her smaller frame to protect her from the elements.

Turning her head, her curls caught between their bodies, Betsy peered up at him. She didn't say anything; she just stared with an intensity that Nick felt in parts it wasn't polite to discuss or think about in public. He lowered his head, his lips inching closer to hers.

"Nicholas!"

Nick paused and closed his eyes. Maybe if he kept them closed he could pretend they were alone. He could close that remaining distance and kiss Betsy until her lips were swollen and she was breathless.

"Nicholas, I need to talk to you." The voice was closer now, close enough Nick could feel the man's presence at his back.

Sighing, he opened his eyes. The blonde before him looked equally frustrated, the corner of her mouth twitching up into a brief smile before she took as step backwards. Nick's hands automatically stretched out to pull her back. He forced his hands to his sides before turning to face the interloper.

He should have recognised the voice. The man before him was short, slim, and unfortunate enough to have a receding hairline despite being only twenty five. Yet, there was no denying that this man was Nick's step-brother. He would recognise the back stabber anywhere.

"I know you don't want to talk to me."

Nick snorted. "Then why are you here, Terry?"

"I came here to warn you." The smaller man held up his hands in front of him. "You pushed us all away but you will always be my brother. It doesn't matter that we do not share blood, I still care about you."

Rolling his eyes, Nick glared down at his step-sibling. He was impressed that the man held his ground. "You have a strange way of showing it."

"I didn't come here to argue with you, Nicholas." Terry stated calmly, his blue eyes pleading with him to listen. "Someone approached me a few days ago. They were trying to sell me information so that I could cause trouble for you."

"Someone was trying to hurt Nick?" Betsy piped up, wrapping her hand around Nick's as she did so.

Terry offered a smile to the small woman who looked ready to protect and defend at a moment's notice. "In a manner of speaking. The woman was trying to hurt Nick... by hurting you. She said she had some information to sell."

"I think that's enough."

"Nicholas, I am not lying about this. I wouldn't."

Though it pained him to admit it, Nick blew out a breath. "I know." He gave his step brother a stiff nod. "Thank you for the warning. I'll get my team to look into it."

"I had the number traced but it led to a burner phone. All our calls at the office are recorded so I'll get a copy sent to you." Terry stated formally. "Now I really must get back to my wife. It was good to see you again Nick. And it was nice to meet you."

With a stiff nod of his head, the man turned on his heels and disappeared back into the building as quickly as he had arrived.

"Are you okay?" Betsy asked, squeezing Nick's hand.

He did not immediately answer, his gaze focused on the spot his step brother had been standing just moments before.  A weight settled in his stomach. Drawing in a deep breath, he drew his gaze to the woman at his side. She showed only concern for him. She had no concern about herself at all. It was one of the things he loved about her. And he did love her.

But would she still look at him the same way he told her?

"I'm fine." Nick replied softly. "But I think it's time you and I had that talk."

She back up a step and her eyes went wide. She appeared ready to flee. But then she drew in a deep breath and stood up a little straighter. Even though he could see her hands were shaking, Nick loved Betsy a little more when met his gaze and murmured, "Okay."

A/N: In case you missed the news, the #WattpadBlockParty will be returning in August for another month of fantastic posts, giveaways, and your favourite Wattpad authors. I am lucky enough to be featured again so I will be sharing a bonus scene/one shot based off of The Billionaire's Housekeeper. If there is something you wish for me to write, leave a comment with what you would like me to write. Maybe your comment will be chosen.

In the meantime, make sure you add the Wattpad Block Party: Summer Edition III to your reading list so you don't miss out.

Oh, and finally, thank you all for your continued support and patience. I truly couldn't ask for better readers and I really do appreciate everything. I am finally settling into my new flat so I will be going through my emails and responding to any comments I can. Thank again.

- Katherine x