Page 104 of Deceived Wrath

“Sorry, I know it’s a bit plain.”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just…it’s the size of my entire apartment! The bed alone wouldn’t even fit.”

“You can blame Kieran for that. This was his apartment before he got married.”

“So, the monochrome metal decor isn’t your particular aesthetic?” I run my finger over the weird-looking piece of art in the center of the dresser.

“Not really. I just haven’t gotten around to redecorating.”

“Is that code for, ‘Fiona, will you please be my interior designer as well as my nanny and assistant’?” I glance over my shoulder and grin at Cormac.

“If redecorating makes the place feel more comfortable for you, be my guest.”

Once again, Cormac Sullivan has my jaw hitting the floor.

I spin around and gape at him in complete disbelief.

“What?” he asks.

“Why am I here, Cormac?”

“What do you mean? You know why you’re here.”

“But…why me?”

Cormac exhales as he perches on the end of the bed.

I fight the urge to scream at him to stand up. I don’t need any visuals of him anywhere near my bed seared into my memory.

“You’ve proven yourself to be capable, and…you’re the only person I trust,” he admits without looking at me.

I blink.

This is one hell of a compliment coming from Cormac. But it also tells me a lot about his relationships with his brothers.

I could tell things were strained at dinner the other night, but I put it down to nerves regarding Scout. Only, maybe the Sullivan brothers are less united than I initially thought.

I need to lighten the mood. “How’s Riley? Has she had the baby?”

Cormac shakes his head as he rubs his hands up and down his thighs.

Seriously, does he not realize what he’s doing to me?

“Not yet. Apparently, it was false labor, but she’s been admitted, and if she doesn’t go into labor naturally in the next twenty-four hours, they’re going to induce her.”

“That doesn’t sound fun.”

When Cormac doesn’t say anything, I fiddle with the hem of my sweater and add, “Well, I should probably unpack.”

“Right. Well, I’ll let you know when dinner’s ready.” He gets to his feet.

I press myself up against the wall as he passes so I don’t risk any part of me touching him. I don’t need the temptation.

But of course, I catch a waft of his earthy cologne, and I have to swallow a moan.

God, he smells so good.

Cormac freezes, and for a horrible second, I wonder if I’ve actually spoken my thoughts out loud as he stares down at me.