Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 23

Daniel was rarely seen in anything but dark colors, but tonight he wore a light suit that matched the shade of Amelia’s dress perfectly. They looked every bit the picture-perfect couple.

"Daniel, you’re making it sound serious," one of the ladies protested, forcing a smile. "We’re just chatting, nothing more."

Daniel smirked. "Funny how ‘just chatting’ turns into interrogating me about carrying on the family name. Anyone overhearing would think you all were my mothers. That’s a lot of moms for one guy—I’m not sure I can handle it."

"Daniel!" Grace scolded, her voice stern but her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Is that any way to speak to your elders? Where are your manners?"

Then she turned to the women, putting on her best apologetic smile. "Honestly, Daniel’s been spoiled rotten since he was a boy. He doesn’t know how to hold his tongue, please don’t take it to heart."

"Of course not," they replied, their laughter a little forced. Internally, they rolled their eyes. Didn’t know how to talk? More like his mouth could take on a whole crowd.

Daniel took Amelia’s hand, pulling her away from the dessert table where she was busy demolishing mini-cakes. "You ladies keep chatting. My wife and I need to go have a very in-depth discussion… about the future of the Campbell family line."

A very… in-depth discussion.

The ladies were speechless.

Grace covered her face.

The lounge was on the second floor, tucked away from the noise of the main hall. As soon as they stepped inside, Daniel snatched the cake from Amelia’s hand, popped it in his mouth, and teased her, "You’re usually so quick with your comebacks when it comes to me. How’d you go mute out there? Couldn’t fire back?"

She shrugged. "I’m not the Campbell heir. I don’t have the privilege of dropping a grenade in a room and walking away unscathed."

Even keeping quiet, Grace was already shooting daggers at her. If she’d talked back, who knew what would have happened.

"You’re not the Campbell heir, but you are the Campbell wife. What are you afraid of?" Daniel’s tone was mischievous. "If talking fails, just fight. Worst case, take off those heels and knock some sense into them—one swing, one down. You’ll be a legend by the end of the night."

Amelia just stared at him. "You’re impossible."

She couldn’t be bothered to argue. "Why are you here, anyway?"

"Checking up on you."

She blinked. "Checking up on what, exactly?"

He caught her by the wrist and, before she could react, she landed right on his lap.

His arm circled her waist, his other hand tracing down the smooth curve of her back. "Who told you to wear this dress?"

Amelia’s gown had a dramatic deep V-back. It wasn’t exactly revealing, but with her figure, it hinted at more than it showed—subtle, but impossibly alluring.

She didn’t notice the effect. Daniel did. He’d seen more than a few men eyeing her in the ballroom.

The calloused pad of his thumb brushed her spine, sending a shiver up her back.

She muttered, "Your mother picked it. Ask her."

Daniel clicked his tongue. "Now who’s being rude?"

She tried to pry his hand away, but he caught her and nipped her fingers. "What’s with the hands?"

She glared, wanting to smack him with her heel. "I said—your mother chose the dress. Go interrogate her!"

"What did you say to my mother this time?"

Amelia slipped out the door, making her escape.

"Get back here!" Daniel called after her.

Grace grabbed his arm, lowering her voice. "Be patient, Daniel. Amelia’s only doing this for your sake. It’s just a little while—grit your teeth and it’ll pass."

Daniel’s face darkened. "You’re the only one who buys her story!"

"Wait… aren’t you taking medication for… that?"

"I am not sick!" Daniel ground out, "And even if I were, if you hadn’t interrupted, I’m sure I’d be cured by now."

Grace blinked. "What?"

By the time Daniel dashed outside, Amelia was already in her car and pulling away.

He reached the gates just in time to see her car slip past security, while he was stopped at the entrance.

Amelia must have spotted him in the rearview. She rolled down her window, stuck out a delicate hand, and slowly raised a single finger.

Her middle finger.

Daniel stared at that pale, insolent finger, so stark against the night, and couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief.