Page 71 of Unexpected Complication

I stretched my shoulders, my muscles tired. I was exhausted—both mentally and physically.

Leaving Skylar in the early hours of the morning had been one of the hardest things I’d ever had to do. I wanted to stay there—in that warm, comfortable bed with her—forever. Her body wrapped around mine, her breath on my neck when I woke up from the brief respite of sleep I allowed myself, had been both perfect and terrible. Perfect because it was her, terrible because now I knew what it was like to make her mine, to feel her. And once again, I had to leave her.

Pressing a kiss to her pouting lips, I had slipped out and felt around for my clothes, remembering to get a fresh gray shirt and leave her the one she wanted.

Otherwise, I knew I’d be getting called fuckwit again.

As I pulled the shirt over my head, light flooded the room, and I met Skylar’s wide gaze.

“You were going to leave again without saying goodbye? Even after last night?”

The hurt in her voice was obvious, and I approached the bed, kneeling beside her. “I didn’t want to wake you, baby.”

“I would rather you did than just leave me.”

Slipping my hand around her neck, I drew her face to mine. “I’m sorry, Kitten.” I brushed my lips over hers. “I’m new at this. Forgive me?”

“Don’t do it again.”

I smiled at her bossy tone. “I won’t.”

Her fingers danced over my skin, and a frown marred her face as she leaned over and looked at my shoulder in the light. “Cian, your tattoo? Why is it all messed up?”

“It’s just covered up, Kitten. Tony had a huge scar on his shoulder, and it worked to cover up my crest, in case Orson or someone else sees it. I try to wear sleeves, but you never know. It’s fine under the film.”

She grinned. “No wifebeaters for you?”

I laughed and rubbed my nose against her affectionately. “As you like to point out, I’m already pushing the Italian clichés. No wifebeaters.”

“You think of everything.”

My laughter stopped and I became serious. “I have to. My life, Sean’s life, and now yours, is riding on this.” I swallowed the painful dryness that coated my throat. “And I have to go, baby. Sean can only cover for me for so long.”

The light in her eyes dimmed.

I kissed her cheek again. “I’ll make sure to check on you. I’ll send Sean if I can.”

“I would rather it be you.”

I drew in a deep breath. “Only if I can—if it’s safe.”

Her “okay” was so quiet I almost didn’t hear it. I could see the glimmer of tears on the edges of her downcast eyes. I yanked her into my arms, holding her tight, breathing her in.

“Soon, Skylar. It’ll be over soon.”

“Come back to me, Cian.”

“I will.” Pressing a kiss to her head, I murmured, “I love you.”

“I love you.”

Leaning over, I grabbed my shirt. “You asked for this, I think.”

“You saw me?”

“Sean showed me. He checks the feed on occasion.” I wagged my finger at her, wanting to see her smile. “So, no frontal nudity, understand?”

On cue, she blushed. “I-I would never!” she stammered.