Chapter 226

Victor’s POV

I saw Daisy follow William out of the dining room, but I was more curious than jealous. A different vibe came from both of them as we ate breakfast, which assured me the bond was broken.

Plus, my bond with Daisy had strengthened as soon as the priestess cut the ceremonial cord. I was more attuned to her than ever before. I could feel she was nearby with William, and they were talking like good friends.

“I’m glad the others left us alone,” Alex said. “There are things I need to discuss with you.”

Alex had the footmen pour us another cup of coffee before asking for privacy.

“Yes, sir,” they said and left the coffee urn within our reach and left the room.

Taking a sip of the fragrant hot beverage, I waited to hear what Alex had to say.

“I still plan on handing you the association's leadership soon,” Alex began.

I tried to hide my surprise. I wasn’t expecting Alex to give up the leadership position now that he was getting well. Was there something going on with his health that Daisy didn’t know?

Alex poured a dollop of cream into his coffee and stirred it well. “In order to make a smoother transition, I would like you to be my second in command for a few months, and then I will completely hand over the reins to you.”

“I must admit, I’m surprised,” I said. “I thought you were doing much better.”

“I am feeling better than I have in years and a thousand times better than when we last spoke of the leadership position,” Alex assured me.

He sighed. “However, I am not as young as I used to be, and the end of my life could be closer than I think. Always remember that nobody is promised tomorrow.”

This topic began to make me anxious. Alex meant a lot to me, and losing him would crush Daisy.

“Are you sure you are okay?” I asked. “I won’t say anything to Daisy if you don’t want me to.”

Alex chuckled. “I’m fine, but I still want time to do what I want. As a matter of fact, I have a bucket list. While I was ill and didn’t expect to live much longer, I thought of the many things I wished I had experienced. Now that I am well enough, I want to do them.”

I grinned. “I’m happy for you, Alex, and I’m glad to help in any way I can.”

Alex laughed again. “I’m glad to hear that. One of the items on my bucket list is to hold grandchildren in my arms.”

I laughed with him. “I’m willing to give you grandchildren soon, but I don’t know about Daisy,” I said. “She may have goals she wants to achieve before becoming a mother.”

“I’m sure she does,” Alex agreed. “Watching her achieve them will make me proud.”

“When did you want me to begin at the association?” I asked.

“How long will it take for you to clear your schedule?” Alex asked. “We will begin with a few days of us working together in my association office. I will give you a set of keys and access to the computer systems.”

“There is somewhere I want to go with Daisy before I start working with you,” I said. “Daisy needs a break too after everything that’s happened to her.”

Alex looked pleased. “Ah. What romantic spot have you chosen for a getaway with my daughter?”

When I thought I had lost her, I got on the highway and just drove,” I explained. “I stopped for gas in a charming little town on the coast.”

“That sounds lovely,” Alex said.

“It is,” I said. “Daisy will love it. She’s mentioned she wants to see the ocean.”

Alex refilled his coffee cup. “Is there a decent hotel in this little town?”

I placed my hand over my cup and shook my head when Alex tried to refill it. “No, but when I came back to the city the next day, I had Findlay go there and buy a house on the beach.”

“When did you want to leave?” Alex asked.

“I planned on surprising her with the trip after her graduation in two weeks,” I replied. “But after what she went through this morning, I’d like to take her as soon as possible.”

“A trip to the beach would do her good,” Alex agreed. “You have my permission to leave whenever you wish. How long will you be gone?”

“A few days,” I replied. “A week at the most.”

“Have a good time,” Alex said. “I fully approve.”

I went looking for Daisy to ask her to accompany me to the beach house and found her in the living room with William.

When I walked into the room, they both smiled.

“Hey, Victor,” William said. “I’m sorry I pulled Daisy away from breakfast. With graduation almost here, I was panicking, and I needed to talk about my future with someone who knew me well.

“I heard you two talking about colleges when I was coming up the hall,” I said.

It was a relief to hear them talking about colleges and football, even if I was more attuned to Daisy now that her mate bond with William was gone.

I always liked William and had been uneasy feeling jealousy and other negative emotions toward him. Hopefully, we will now return to being friends.

William must have wanted that, too. “Victor, which university do you think is better, Oxton or Lineberg?” he asked.

“They’re both excellent schools,” I replied. “But I’m partial to Oxton since I graduated from there.”

“That’s right. You did,” William said. “If I have any questions about the university, do you mind if I ask you?”

“Not at all,” I told him. “I’d be glad to help in any way I can.”

“Thanks. I’d better get going,” William said. “And thanks for the advice, Daisy. I’ll call you soon, Victor.”

William left the room as Alex came in. “Thank you for everything this morning, Mr. Wilson,” William said.

“You are very welcome, William,” Alex said. “Stop by any time.”

He grinned. “I will.” And he was gone.

“Such calm comradery between the three of you is a wonderful thing. I’m proud of you all for getting past the double-mate bond and being friends again,” Alex said before claiming his recliner to watch the morning news.

“Daisy, walk me to the door,” I requested. “There is something I want to ask you.”

Alex gave me a thumbs up on our way out of the room before returning to the news.

Taking Daisy’s hand, I savored the contact with her soft, firm skin. When we got to the foyer, I pulled her into my arms and kissed her sweet lips.

My body responded more intensely than it ever had with any other woman, and Daisy now returned my passion with an innocent ardor that made me crazy.

Without another mate bond standing between us, we wanted each other more than ever. I sensed she would soon be ready and willing to be mine.

Her desire for me as my own for her grew to the point that I had to pull away or risk going too fast and ruining my plans. Daisy was an innocent, a true virgin, I reminded myself. I wouldn’t tarnish her first time by rushing her.

She deserved to be initiated into lovemaking romantically. And I knew just the place for it to happen.

“Go away with me for a few days?” I asked.

“Where?” she panted as I kissed her throat.

“A place where there is warm sand, sunshine, and a blue ocean,” I said. “I want to be alone with you in our own private paradise.”

“Yes,” she said and pressed her firm, delicious body against mine. “I want to be alone with you too.”

It was torture to keep from picking her up and taking her upstairs to her bedroom. That wouldn’t be romantic, I reminded myself. Daisy deserves romance.

“We can leave in an hour,” I decided. “Pack what you need for several days, and I’ll pick you up in an hour.”

“I’ll be ready,” Daisy promised. She gave me a passionate look that made me want to ravish her before running upstairs to her room.

I desperately wanted to follow her to her bedroom.