Page 111 of Illicit Temptation

“It’s called a sacrifice,” she breathes in short gasps, looking ready to come. “You of all people should respect that.”

“Shea, you’re a master at what you do, but sassing your way out of Faolan Malone’s bed will get you tied up and throat fucked until you choke.”

She visibly gags. “Good night, Trace.”

“Kiss me.” I tighten my grip on her throat. “I said,kissme.”

“No.I’m filing for a divorce when we get home.” She squirms out of my hold and pushes her dress down. She might as well kick me in the balls. “I’m telling Kieran I’mnot marrying anyone. I’m buying Lagerfeld Events. End of story.”

“You’re upset. Andour marriagewill keep Kieran from marrying you to Nico Scava.” I don’t tell her Lachlan is on my side to kill the deal. “Iam the man who will allow you to have everything you want.I’mthe one who will gladly give up having children if the woman I love can’t bear me one.”

Her eyes go glassy, and she holds her stomach. “Trace... My father is dead. My mother might die tonight, too. I was nearly handed over to a man who makes even your skin crawl. I need some time to process.”

“You can have all the time in the world because I’m not going anywhere. But I’m not agreeing to a divorce.” I pull her in and kiss her with such force and emotion that tears leak from my eyes by the time she breaks away from my vise grip hold.

She turns her back and moves several feet away.

“I have a plan.” I reach for her again. “And it’s better than Lachlan’s.”

“What is that?”

“My immediate plan is to fuck you like my life depends on it, and then you’re going to sleep.” I tug at her dress, but she swats me away.

“Because I’m a woman? Spread my legs and let you, the man, do all the thinking?”

I smile and lean in to her. “Aye. But not because you’re a woman. You’remy wife.And it’s my job tokeep you safe.”

Even if the plan might get me killed.

CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

Shea

Ilay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Alone. After our fight, I sent Trace away. I wish I had my Ambien, but Trace showed me a security video of me sleepwalking and how dangerous that can be, given who I am. I never took another pill. But I need to sleep.

There’s so much I need to block out. Mostly how Lachlan called Kieran and got the immediate order to kill our father.

But why? Because he wanted to give me to someone else? Was that enough reason to kill our father when they too planned to marry me off? I feel like a commodity to be sold and traded, and I don’t know who to trust.

I suspect Lachlan will be up all night, but he’s got too much on his mind. I will myself to sleep so I’m sharp in a few hours. Then I’ll tell Lachlan to drive me to Faolan Malone’s estate. Lachlan has to realize this is the only option, especially if it saves everyone’s life.

Lachlan will relish the chance to threaten a man like Malone and warn him not to touch me until we’re married. I doubt that man wants to pick a fight with the whole of the Irish Mob and their Bratva allies. Not to mention with Balor and his drones that can carry out lethal airstrikes.

If it’s true that there’s no way out unless I go to him, we have to play by his rules. I can do this. I’m strong enough. Plus, Cormac is at the most risk. I can’t sit idly by while my brother suffers.

Once I’m in place, Lachlan can fly home, be with his wife, and mobilize an army to come rescue meandCormac.

Dying of thirst, I grab the carafe and practically downthe whole bottle. I’m sure Trace brought so much because he thought he’d be spending the night and would need it from fucking me.

God, I’m so mad at him. I thought I could trust him, I thought I could...

All thoughts leave my head as I drift off to sleep.

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

Trace

Istare down at Shea, passed out from the drugged water. It was almost too easy. I check her pulse and her breathing. She and I will be getting out of here in a few hours and then home to Astoria where I will resign my position as her bodyguard and fight Kieran for permission to stay married to her.

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