I will not let any feelings—reciprocated or not—get in the way of my life.
“Maeve.” Kellin kisses the top of my head and continues to pet my hair. The warm tingle generated by his lips tanks my focus. “Do you want me to help you figure out which steps to take next, after your earlier experience? I’m here for whatever you need.”
Steps? Experience?
I sit up, setting my empty teacup on the nightstand. “I’m not going to the police, if that’s what you mean.”
I sense him weighing his words. I brace for an argument, but relax when he smiles. At his expression, a little ember of joy sparks to life in my traitorous heart.
“I respect that. I just want you to be okay.” He sets down his mug, too, and caresses my arm. “What about telling your father? He should know what kind of men he has in his employment.”
I stifle a snort. “I’m pretty sure my father knows exactly what kind of men he has.” I don’t have it in me to inform Kellin that my father likely wouldn’t care.
He’d probably roll his eyes and ask what I did to lead Shout on.
“One of your brothers, then. I think someone in your family should know.”
“Kellin.” I straighten my shoulders. “Thank you. For wanting to help, for working through this with me. I feel a hundred times better, I promise. And I don’t think we’ll need to worry about him anymore.”
He purses his lips, obviously unhappy with my assessment. “He’s attacked you twice now.”
“He won’t come near me again.” I settle against his side and trace a loose figure eight on his chest. “I saw the way you lookedat him. How you handled that. Only someone with a death wish would try to cross you after that.”
Kellin wraps an arm around my waist, squeezing gently. “Well.” I bite back a smile at the reluctant pleasure in his voice. “I still think you should tell someone. Brody, if he’s the brother you’re closest to. Surely he’d want to know.”
I shrug and offer a noncommittal hum, hoping he accepts my decision.
Kellin shifts beside me and drops the subject.
“Hey.” I scoot beneath the covers, tugging on his arm until he lies down beside me. “Where’d you learn to fight like that?”
I snuggle into him, my head cozy on his warm chest. His muscles tense beneath my cheek.
“My family’s big on us being able to defend ourselves from any threats.” Kellin strokes my spine. “You should try to get some sleep.”
I want to ask him more questions.
But lying in his arms… The intoxicating musk of skin, the excitement of the evening… The fading adrenaline combined with the tea and Kellin’s calming presence swirl together like a sedative in my blood.
My eyelids begin to droop as a comfortable haze cloaks me.
Kellin nestles me closer, his warm body curled around me like a protective cocoon, and my mind drifts away.
Chapter 21
Kellin
I knew she wouldn’t go to the authorities. In that regard, the Port Kings are no different than the Irish Kings. We keep our business in-house.
And even though Maeve wants nothing to do with her father, she still understands how the family works. Still, I’m surprised she refuses to tell Connor or Brody what that fucker did.
She said she and Brody used to be close. If so, I can almost guarantee he’d be interested in knowing. And I hate the idea of Maeve lacking any type of familial support system. I hate that she feels alone and unable to rely on her father or brothers. I don’t want that for her.
And while I appreciate the connection she shares with her assistant, Lenora, that’s not enough.
Maeve deserves more people in her corner. People who would take a bullet for her.
I dig my fingers in my hair. Listen to me. Who am I to judge Maeve’s company?
