“It could. It’s worth a try.” He eyes me. “Where would she go?”
I don’t even have to think about it, the answer’s that obvious. “Italy. We have a lot of family there. Enough that she could blend in and disappear among them all. I’m sure someone would be willing to take her in for a while.”
“If that’s what you think she needs, then I’ll have the jet fueled up and ready to go. Just say the word.”
I smile like a love-sick fool, unable to hold back how happy this man makes me. He always says the right thing. Does the right thing. And it’s all for me and those I care most about.
Am I falling in love with my husband?
“Why are you smiling like that?” he asks, right as my phone chimes with multiple texts.
“You. You make me happy.” I pick up the device, and groan.
“What is it? Someone I need to kill?” He teases.
I roll my eyes at him, but inside, my stomach flutters. “No one to kill—except maybe Sophia’s fiancé. She’s texting me about their date last night. The man either ignores her or criticizes her for what she eats. I want to punch Nikolai Kozlov in the face.”
Cian laughs, a sound I immensely enjoy every time I hear it. “Do you want me to start a war with the Russians for your cousin’s sake?”
“Absolutely not. You’re unhinged,” I mutter with a smile.
He flashes me a wolfish grin, then drags my chair across the floor until I’m as close to him as possible. “I’m unhinged for you,broc meala.”
His seductive kiss causes my mind to blank. Suddenly, nothing else is important, there are no pressing concerns. My entire world begins and ends with his taste, his scent, his warmth.
This man who rescued me from a fate worse than death, who chose me over peace, holds my heart in his hands. I moan into his mouth.
“If you keep making that noise, I won’t make it to my office this morning,” he warns, but I know it’s an invitation, a tempting offer.
Reluctantly, I pull away. “You need to go downstairs. Now. Wolfe accused me of monopolizing your time and attention the other day.”
“Did he? That bastard.” Cian shakes his head, but his tone holds no heat, only amusement.
“But it’s true, isn't it? Are you neglecting your duties because of me, Mr. O’Rourke, leader of the ruthless Gaelic Devils?” I tease.
His grin returns. “Of course I am. You’re my wife. You’re supposed to be my primary focus, steal all my attention, and infiltrate my every thought.”
My heart leaps. “I don’t think your men agree.”
“Fine.” He sighs. “From now on, I’m giving Wolfe additional responsibilities so he spends more time working and less time complaining about you.”
I giggle. “That’syour solution?”
“Damn right it is.” He stands. “I’m going to offload half of my work onto him so I can spend those hours between your legs and in your arms.”
I quietly grin at his back as he leaves our bedroom. Hewantsto spend time with me. That realization makes me giddy, hopeful.
We’ve spoken many deep, meaningful words to each other since he rescued me, but words are words. Actions speak much louder, and are more sincere. His actions give me hope for a happy future together. Maybe even for love someday.
“Elena, please come out of your room. I’m begging you.” I knock again at her door. “It’s just dinner with me and Cian. No one else will be there. I promise.”
“I can’t. Don’t you understand? He’s so big, mean, and scary looking. Heruinedour family. Plus, I don’t like the way these Irishmen look at me. I’m not leaving this room—ever.”
I groan in frustration. Recently, Cian and I have been so wrapped up in each other that I feel guilty about not paying enough attention to my sister. Besides her therapist, who comes to see her twice a week, Elena won’t allow anyone else into her room. Not even me, and that hurts.
Her meals have to be left in the hallway. She manages to slip out and grab the tray when no one’s around.
I understand why she’s holding a grudge toward Cian, she has every right to her feelings, and maybe I’m crazy for not hating him. But if I had to choose between my father and Cian, I’d choose Cian. If the choice was between my brother and my husband, again I’d choose Cian. There’s no world in which I wouldn’t choose to be with the man who makes me happy every single day.
