Page 145 of Forbidden Need

“You’re holding up the McDades, the Dohertys, now I’m asking you to support the McLeods too.”

He slung one arm around her waist, forcing her up and against him. “Maybe we cut out the middleman and give you the McDade name.”

Hope and excitement spurred her to her tiptoes. “Just tell me when.”

“Cushla Machree.” He kissed her slow, ending by smacking her ass and giving it a squeeze. “When we get home.”

They’d kiss some more, or he’d give her his name?

“Should I call Daly?” she asked, fastening his belt.

“Car’s downstairs and we’ve got a squad of six. We need more?”

“You’re what I need.” She coiled her arms around him. “So long as I’ve got you, nothing can hurt me.”

“Then we let the First Team sleep and take this on the road ourselves.”

When he intended to go, she tightened her hold to bring him back.

“Mo Grá…”

“I’ve got you, baby,” he said, kissing her head. “Come on. Let’s get this over with.”

Their bed waited, lonely, as it had been for too long. Her father really picked his moments. Whatever he wanted, he better be quick about it, she’d missed having her guy all to herself.

FORTY-EIGHT

HAD SHE THOUGHT of her grandfather’s as a neutral location?

In the car, they weren’t too far from their destination. She really didn’t want to be dealing with more of her father’s bullshit. He better not embarrass her in front of—who was she kidding? Of course he’d embarrass her.

She sighed. “I wish we were going to the club.”

That none of this was happening and their lives were carefree. So many dreams.

Conn kept texting but threaded his free fingers through hers. “I’m on a promise when we’re through here. Focus on that.”

What did that mean? “You’re getting more sleep when this is through.”

Typical her father should call and inject himself at one of the worst possible times. They didn’t need the extra aggravation right now. No, not them, Conn. Conn didn’t need the extra aggravation.

“You’re laying down and spreading ‘em wide when we’re done here, Macushla.”

Well, that was their agreement, after sleep came sex. She brought their joined hands to her lap, guiding his arm over her. God, it felt good to be with him, sharing air and space with him. Being in proximity balanced her thinking.

“What about tomorrow?”

“What about it?” he muttered.

“Will I see you?”

He stopped texting and a second passed before he put the phone down to slide a hand onto her face.

“You’ve woken up lonely enough.”

“I’ll always be waiting for you, with you,” she said. “Don’t ever worry about my loyalty or our relationship. I’m always with you. Always yours.”

A guarantee she wouldn’t retract. Even with Madison Byrne on her way into town. With him bogged down in work, she wanted to be a source of strength for him, present or not.

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