“Understood.”
Declan takes his leave with Erin, and then it's just the two of us. Soft light slants through the windows, peaceful and ordinary, but nothing feels ordinary anymore.
“He's going to come for me, isn't he?” I say quietly.
“Aye.” Ashland doesn't lie. “Eventually, he'll surface. Men like him always do. They can't help themselves. He’s likely plotting it now.”
“Will you be ready?”
“Already ready,” he says, reaching for me and tipping my chin up, forcing my gaze to his. “But until then, we live. We won't let him steal our time together by hiding in fear. Understood?”
“Aye,” I whisper.
“Good lass.” He kisses my forehead, gentle despite the violence I know he's capable of. “Come now, let's go upstairs and get some rest.”
“I don't think I can sleep.”
“I can hold you until you try.” Then his mouth twitches. “Or I can wear you out so thoroughly you face-plant on the mattress. Your choice.”
“Deal.”
He carries me upstairs, and by the time we're in the bedroom, I'm already exhausted. He tucks me into bed, then wraps himself around me, like a shield against the world.
Outside, Marcus is hiding. Plotting. Planning.
But here, with Ashland's arms around me, I'm safe.
For now, it has to be enough.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Ashland
The house settlesinto silence around three in the morning, but I'm still awake, still watching.
Who knew I'd miss her damncat?
I'm stretched out in the chair by the window of our bedroom—ourbedroom.
When did I start thinking like that?
With the clear view of the drive and the front gate, I have to admit… I like that Seamus has put us here.
He knows I like to be vigilant, and I don't think the safety factor is the only reason we're in this room. Declan's got men on rotation, cameras on every approach, and Seamus has the security system locked down tighter than a drum. But I still can't fucking sleep.
Bianca's curled up in the large king bed, one hand tucked under her cheek, her dark hair spilled across the pillow. She looks so small in bed, vulnerable. Every protective instinct I have roars to life just looking at her.
Marcus Crowning is out there. Her mother's probably already gone back to his father, spilling everything she heard while she was here. We've got eyes on the bastard though. Declan's tracking every move.
I know men like him. I know what they're capable of when they feel cornered. Fuck it all, I've done it myself.
My phone buzzes with a text from Declan.
Declan
All clear. North perimeter checked. Go to fucking sleep, cousin.
I don't respond because he knows I won't.
