Page 53 of Nathan

“Yeah.” I sigh. “Declan sold it within weeks of their passing and moved us to an apartment building a few blocks away, but I used to come back here regularly. This place grounded me when everything else turned to shit. It was the wrong decision to leave here so quickly. I hated the new place. It was never my home. Declan knows he made a bad decision, but at the time, he thought he was doing the right thing.”

Taking a seat on the stone steps, I tug Dex down beside me. “I was twelve when they died. Can’t remember if I already told you that. It’s so weird how when you’re that age, you go through life not even aware of how fragile it all is. And then bam! Your whole world is turned upside down in an instant.”

She strokes up and down my arm, her soft fingertips soothing the burn inside. “I’m so sorry, Nate. Not that it makes a difference, but I know exactly what it feels like.”

I rest my head against hers. “It does, though. Make a difference.”

We sit in silence for a few minutes, each lost in our own memories. Before my ass has the chance to go numb, I get to my feet and help Dex up. “I don’t know why I brought you here.” I shrug. “I guess I wanted you to see where I came from.”

“I’m honored you brought me.” She presses a kiss to my cheek, her lips so warm, so inviting.

I turn my head, capturing her mouth. With a groan, I bury my hands in her auburn hair, digging my fingers into her scalp as I angle her exactly the way I need. When we break apart, both of us are panting. I glance at my watch.

“Come on, Titch. Dinner isn’t until eight. I reckon that gives me a good ninety minutes to start on those orgasms I promised you.”

Chapter 22

Dex

For the tenth time, I check my appearance in the full-length mirror in Declan’s guest bedroom. I always feel strange wearing a dress, but a shirt, jeans, and sneakers isn’t acceptable attire for a wedding. The cornflower-blue, knee-length fitted dress goes well with my red hair and complexion, so all in all, I haven’t scrubbed up too badly.

I apply a little more lipstick and pat my lips on a folded tissue. After slipping my feet into four-inch stilettos—I need height from somewhere—I pick up the silver clutch bag and take out my cell phone. There’s a text from Elva letting me know that Mom is okay, and Milo is missing me. I smile and tap out a quick reply.

As I drop my cell back into the purse, Nate appears behind me. He slips his arms around my waist and rests his chin on my shoulder. Dear God, the man rocks a tux better than anyone I’ve ever seen, and if we had time, I’d peel it off and help myself to a piece of what I crave.

“Don’t,” he murmurs, nibbling on my earlobe.

“Don’t what?”

“Look at me like that, otherwise we’re not going to make this wedding, and Declan will spend a lifetime making me pay.”

I turn around in his arms and brush imaginary dust from his suit jacket. “You’re damn handsome, Nate O’Reilly.”

“And you’re sexy as fuck.” He bends to kiss me.

I turn my head. “I’ve just put lipstick on.”

“So? You’ve got more, haven’t you?” His mouth takes mine in a kiss that leaves me breathless. When he draws back, he’s wearing more of my lipstick than I am. I giggle and grab a tissue from my purse to wipe it away.

“That’s better.”

I reapply the lipstick, then tuck my hand inside Nate’s elbow.

“Ready?” he asks.

“Are you?”

He shrugs. “You’re making this trip a whole lot more bearable, Titch.”

I twist my lips to one side. “I don’t get it, Nate.”

“Get what?”

“Why you hate coming here so much. Your brothers clearly adore you, and you’re surrounded by so much warmth and love. That shit’s addictive, yet you push it away.”

His jaw tightens, and his eyes darken with a dangerous glint in their depths. He yanks his arm away. “Don’t pull at that thread, Titch. Not if you know what’s good for you.”

Okay, so maybe my timing wasn’t the best but… are you freaking kidding me? I plant my hands on my hips, angling my chin up. “What’s good for me? Is that a threat?”

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