Page 86 of Dublin Devil

“I’ll be fine. Take your time.”

Piper

Warm water envelops me, soothing some of my aches and washing away the grime of the night’s harrowing events. Sean’s tub is a vast soaker that could fit three people comfortably. It feels like a sanctuary after the chaos of the day.

I close my eyes, letting the heat seep into my bones, losing myself in the tranquility of the moment.

I’m safe.

Sean and his men came to get me.

My father is dead.

My mother has another funeral to plan, but this time, I won’t be attending.

The sound of the door opening and closing softly pulls me back to reality. I open my eyes as Sean enters the bathroom, a tea tray in his hands.

I chuckle. “Don’t let your leather-clad biker gang catch you being a tea granny. It’ll ruin your street cred.”

He sets the tray on the tile shelf behind the tub. “I think my street cred can handle it. How are you feeling?”

“A little numb. The adrenaline has worn off, leaving a hollow emptiness in its wake.”

“I know how that feels.” He tests the water, dragging a finger through the layer of bubbles. “Reality will set back in at its own pace. Don’t rush it.”

Despite the humidity in the room, my skin tingles with goosebumps as his finger brushes over the rounds of my breasts. “And I’m not just a tea granny. I brought some of Cora’s chocolate cake. I know you like it, and the sugar will help with shock and stress.”

“You’re a very thoughtful man.”

“I enjoy making you happy.”

“Do you know what would make me happiest right now?”

“What’s that?”

“For you to get naked and join me in this big, beautiful tub. I might even share my cake with you.”

He arches an ebony brow. “Are you sure? You’ve been through an ordeal. We don’t have to get naked. You’re mine now. We can take things as slowly as you need.”

“What I need is you—all of you—and the cake.”

“Naturally.” He pops the first button of his vest free from its mooring and then the second. At first, I think his unhurried movements are him being seductive, but when he winces, taking off his shirt, I realize it’s more.

“You’re hurting.”

“I’ll be bruised for a few weeks from Gravely’s shots to my back.” He drops his shirt, toes off his boots, then undoes his belt. “Cowardly fucker. There’s no honor in shooting a guy in the back.”

“There’s no honor in Billy Gravely.”

Sean moves slowly, but it’s worth the wait. When his boxers hit the floor, he lifts his leg over the side of the tub and joins me in the water.

The addition of his body sends a rising wave across the tub, the heat of the water climbing up my skin.

“Fuck, this feels amazing.” His eyes roll back in his head and his entire body seems to sag.

“Except you’re too far away.” I shift forward, straddling his muscular thighs, meeting him chest to chest. Oh, and what a chest he has. “That’s better.”

“Aye, much better.” His hands slide up my back as he leans forward to kiss me. He pauses just before our mouths touch and then tilts his head to kiss my split lip. “I saw your father hit you and I lost my mind. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to stop him before he hurt you.”

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