Page 53 of Iron Blade

“A girl can’t be too careful,” I said, as I pulled the gauze away, seeing that the bleeding on his cheek had stopped.

Blood, dripping to the carpet off the blade of a gold letter opener. Blink’s voice, as he looked at the carnage.

“Hmm,” Eoghan grunted, low in chest. “One day, you’ll trust me with your secrets, love.”

He took my hand in his and placed a kiss on my palm. His warm breath against my fingers sent a shiver down my spine, as his soft lips seared through my skin. He held my hand to his lips with both hands, as if he was tasting the most delicious morsel of food.

I think it was the most intimate thing he could have ever done.

Chapter eighteen

Twelve-Oh-Six

Eoghan

Something troubled her. I didn’t know what it was, or how to fix it. The woman could keep a secret. She was a vault.

“Eoghan started a brawl,” Dairo sold me out. “Oh, good lord, there are a lot of flowers.”

He spun around, looking at all the white orchids. He lightly sniffed the air, his brows coming together. He must have decided that he liked the smell because he nodded in approval, even though he gave that wretched English smile - the kind that tilted down at the corners, as if a genuine, real grin would be the death of them.

“I didn’t start a brawl,” I grumbled, staring daggers at Dairo. “They did. I simply ended it.”

Kira looked at me, skepticism written all over her face.

“It’s the truth!” I protested. I grabbed her by the waist, pulling her to me. “I’ve only ever told you the truth.”

She simply rolled her eyes, and I knew she didn’t believe a word.

“Tell her Dairo!” I commanded.

“I will do no such thing!” Dairo placed a hand over his heart, as if he was wounded by my words.

“You English bastard,” I grumbled.

“You Irish menace!”

“I’m sorry, how are you two related?” Kira finally asked, looking back and forth between us.

She must see what the rest of the world saw. Dairo and I were mirror images.

“He’s my younger and uglier cousin,” Dairo said, before I could have a word.

“I’m gonna drown you in the Hudson,” I threatened with a sardonic smile.

Dairo smirked, as he looked at Kira with a pointed stare that I did not like.

She was a beautiful woman, and I would murder my best mate if he so much as tried to kiss her hand. She was mine. No one had a right to her beauty except me.

But what if she likes him more than you?

The simple thought made my blood boil.

“Eoghan, we really must get going before your father has a fit.” Dairo leaned against the doorframe, looking at me and her with a critical eye. What the hell could my cousin be thinking?

Did he look at the flowers littering the room and know they were from me?

“In a moment, Dairo,” I said, not taking my eyes off of her.

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