Page 104 of Fearless Sinner

“I wanted to watch you while you were in your element.” I push away from the wall and make my way over to her.

I slip my arms around her tiny waist and pull her close. She rests her hands on my chest and gives me a little smile. For a moment, we feel the way we did weeks ago, and I enjoy the reprieve the universe is handing me.

“You’re amazing.” My voice is low and reverent, respectful of the magic she left in the air from her dancing.

“Thank you. I feel slightly stronger.”

“You look it.”

“The pain doesn’t get me so quickly now, but it’s there.”

“Don’t hurt yourself.”

She shakes her head. “I won’t. I just want to get myself in shape before my classes begin. Of course I love dancing, too. I wasn’t able to do much of it over the last… two years. It’s good to be able to do it now and here, in my very own studio. Thanks to you.”

I brush my nose against hers. “You deserve it, Chloe. Promise me you’ll always dance, no matter what.”

“I promise.” The softness in her eyes turns to worry, breaking the moment. “Do you have to leave me today?”

“No. Not today. I’m going to stay with you for the rest of the day.”

Hearing that seems to make her feel better. “Thank you, Cillian. After speaking to my mom about Harlan, I feel more nervous than ever.”

I could see that her mood took another nosedive the moment we left the hospital. She became silent, and we barely spoke to each other on the way here.

“Try not to. I’m taking care of everything. I don’t want you to worry.”

“But I do.”

I lift her chin so we’re eye to eye. “You have to try, lass.”

“Okay. I’m going to practice another half an hour, then we can head home.”

“Of course.”

“Will you watch me?”

“I’d love to.”

The smile returns to her eyes and her lips, then she saunters away and starts playing the next piece of music. She steps into a sequence and then molds with the music again.

I feel like I could watch her forever and like she’s the other half of my soul.

My life feels like it was given to me to exist with hers.

It’s a bitter-sweet truth in my heart.

“Don’t you ever try to send me to a safe house ever again.” Seamus’ eyes blaze and his skin flushes with rage as he walks toward me.

I’m standing by the drinks cabinet in my living room smoking a much-needed Cohiba cigar. Because Seamus wanted to speak to me in private, he decided to arrive ahead of the guys.

“I am your advisor,” Seamus continues. “Don’t you dare insult me like that again.”

I frown at him and take a long drag on the cigar. “Seamus, it was no insult. Going to the safe house is for your safety.”

“You heard me. The job of the advisor is to be at your side. You can’t do everything on your own. I know you think you can, but you can’t. These are dangerous times, and you need me.”

“Fine.”

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