Page 49 of Vengeful Vows

“Grab our stuff, meet us at the Seasons.” He hangs up.

Sean is apparently trained not to ask questions.

Declan and I grab his car at the valet, and he takes off when we get inside.

We make it back to the Four Seasons without delay, and I grab his hand while we’re inside, dragging him to the hotel room.

“Text Sean to keep our stuff until tomorrow. Tonight, I want you to myself.”

“Oh?” He raises an eyebrow, but by the time we get into the room, I can tell that he’s exhausted. It's nearing two in the morning, and he’s been working all day.

I don’t believe he simply talked to the Rennos, especially since he seems to be favoring his right shoulder.

“Maybe we should just sleep tonight.” I try to take deep breaths and calm myself down, and Declan groans.

“I’m sorry, princess. It’s just been a long day.”

“I can see that.” I unbutton his shirt and pull it off him.

He winces, and sure enough, there’s a huge bruise on the back of his right shoulder blade.

“Just relaying information, my ass.”

“You know I can’t tell you everything I do.”

“Didn’t say you had to. But you should tell me when you’re hurt,” I insist. “I never would have dragged you out.”

“You had fun, didn’t you?”

I unbutton his slacks, and he steps out of them when they fall on the floor.

I turn and let him unzip my dress. It pools on the floor, and I’m wearing a teddy underneath, a dark green one that I think shows off my eyes.

“This is just mean.” Declan pouts as he looks me up and down, and I laugh.

“You’re too tired for sex. And to tell you the truth, my dogs are barking from all the shopping.”

“It’s like a real honeymoon.” He chuckles. “Everyone always does too much.”

I laugh, pushing him down in the bed and crawling on top of him. It isn’t sexual, though, just wanting to touch him, and he drags his hands along my shoulders and my bare arms.

I kiss him softly, sliding over to the side of him so I don’t put weight on his bad shoulder.

He turns onto his good side, putting his arms around me and pulling me close.

I turn to kiss his cheek, and he’s already nearly dozing.

I have to admit, today has been a dream, and it feels safe in his arms.

I had this plan to save money from gambling to get away from him, but I can’t keep myself from enjoying his company and just being here. I’ve just been acting like this is a real honeymoon.

I’ve been acting like a real wife, and it’s scary.

Do I have feelings for Declan? If I do, is it just some kind of weird reaction to spending so much time together?

I’ve got to get my head together. Why doesn’t he feel like the enemy he is supposed to be? Why do I feel more like I belong with him than I ever felt since my mom left me?

13

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