‘It was lovely to meet you both.’ I lie.
‘You too.’ William’s wandering eye lingers a beat too long again. The man has zero shame and zero integrity. No wonder Cillian can’t stand him.
‘See you shortly.’ Lillian says. I’m pretty sure the jury’s still out on me. And for some reason, that bothers me more than it should, given that the relationship I have with her son isn't even a real one.
We take the cherry wood stairs to the upper floor. With a huge four-poster bed and resplendent red velvet drapes, the suite is every bit as stunning as the rest of the castle. Cillian locks the door behind us and puts his hands on my waist, tugging me towards him. His crisp cologne is my favourite scent. Its musky tones are subtle, deep, and rich, just like the man wearing it.
Deft fingers sweep my hair back from my face, tucking it behind my ear.
For a man who doesn’t believe in love, he’s ridiculously affectionate. ‘I’m sorry my mother was a little off.’
I glance at the floor, but he cups my chin and forces my face up to look at his. Those stunning silver eyes bore into mine, sizzling with heat and promise.
‘Don’t be. I’m just grateful we’re only faking this thing between us. My fairytale ending doesn’t involve a mother-in-law who hates me.’ My jovial tone is fooling neither of us.
‘She doesn’t hate you. Trust me.’ His reassurance is kind, but unnecessary. ‘She’s never seen me with a woman other than Teagan. She was probably just shocked. Dad leering over you wouldn't have helped, but it’s not your fault you’re stunning and he’s a sleaze.’
‘It doesn’t matter either way.’ It shouldn't at least. Though truthfully, her disapproval stung. I wanted Cillian’s parents to welcome me with open arms, the way Frank and Penny Jackson welcomed him. I wanted them to approve of me enough to root for me.
Stupidly, I thought maybe if they did, then Cillian might see we could be a real love match after all.
When will I ever get these stupid romantic notions out of my head? Bonnie was right; turns out I don’t know how to have casual sex.
Cillian’s palladium eyes fixate on mine like he’s trying to physically laser his assurance. ‘My mother’s a big Teagan fan. They both are. Mam, because she believes parents should stay together through the good, the bad, and the ugly. Dad, because Teagan likes to party as much as he does. They also move in the same circles as Teagan’s parents. It’s not personal, I promise.’
It makes sense, I suppose.
‘If my mother was to get past the idea that unhappy couples should stay together because they have children, she’d be much better off. Can you see why I’d love her to kick him out?’
‘Absolutely.’ I arch a single eyebrow. ‘It wouldn't work for Penny Jackson, that’s for sure.’
‘Now, enough about our parents.’ Cillian’s hands glide from my waist over my backside, a rare playful expression lifts his features. ‘Show me what you’ve got under that dress.’
‘Not so fast.’ My fingers trail across his chest. ‘I just need to check something.’
‘What is it?’ He glances towards our luggage which the porter set by our bed.
I motion between us. ‘Is this a date?’
‘Is that a trick question?’ His head inclines to the side.
‘No.’ I bite back my smile.
‘A date. A fake date. Why do we need to label it?’ He rubs a thumb across his smooth-shaven jawline suspiciously. ‘Call it what you like. The end result is the same. I’m going to spread you out across that queen-sized bed, like the queen you are, and worship every inch of your beautiful body.’
Is it any wonder my brain keeps confusing him as my perfect match when he comes out with lines like that?
Energy pulses like a live wire between us.
‘I look forward to it. But first, it’s my turn to take care of you.’ Something I doubt anyone has done for him in a very long time.
ChapterTwenty-Six
CILLIAN
Ava pushes me backwards towards a huge throne like armchair in the corner of the room.
‘Sit.’ She demands, a cat-like smile lifting her luscious lips.
