Page 44 of Tomorrow's Never Promised

I look up at him and can’t tell if he is crying or if it’s water droplets. “I’ll come with you. I’ll be by your side.”

He grabs the shampoo and starts massaging it into my scalp. “You can’t baby. It is entirely too dangerous. We are vulnerable right now, more than ever. Until it becomes official that I am the leader of this syndicate, things can become chaotic and risky.”

I shake my head in silent protest, but he hushes me.

“It has to be this way, Madison. I promised you that you would be able to continue your dreams, and I intend to make sure they happen. Liam is going to stay here and protect you.”

“No! I can take a break and take my classes when I return. I am graduating early anyway!” I shout as angry tears pool in my eyes.

He maneuvers us to rinse the shampoo from my hair while caressing my face between his palms. “This is the only way I can keep you safe. I’m sorry, love.”

“Liam is…all caveman-like and irritable.” I lie, knowing being around him without Killian is a dangerous combination.Probably even riskier than going with Killian.

A rumble escapes his lips before he smiles. “He can be. Tonight he was in a funk, but he’s my brother. He’ll do anything for you. He would lay his life down for you if it called for it.”

He is massaging the conditioner into my hair when I break down. I cover my face in my hands, lowering my face to his chest. “I can’t be without you,” I sob into his chest.

“I don’t want to be either, but you aren’t dating a simple man, love. You knew this.”

I nod my head.I did agree to this. It’s my turn to put on my big girl pants and do what I have to for him.For us. This won’t be easy on him, either.

He lifts my face and bends his head to stare into my eyes. “There is one thing I ask of you, and I need you to understand just how important it is…” he trails off.

Fuck, this doesn’t sound good.

“I need you to move here, to my house. This room isourroom now. You’ll be safe here.” His hands land on my shoulders and he starts kneading them.

“Liam and the rest of my men will protect you from any threat. My chefs and housekeepers can assist you with anything you may need.” He’s still talking but I haven’t heard much since he said Liam and I would be shacking up under one roof.

I am in total shock.Move here? With Liam?Holy shit.

“Your classes are online, so all of your work can be done from here.”

“What am I supposed to tell my family?” I counter.

“Whatever you’d like. Tell them you moved in with me for the J-term because your lease was up. Tell them you went abroad. Whatever will make them question less.” He lowers my head back under the spray and massages my silky strands under the water.

“So, I won’t be able to go out?” My voice is now shaking at the severity of the situation. This isrealdanger. He is obviously worried about my safety.

“Not at all. You aren’t a prisoner, baby. I want you to enjoy New York City. Lexi can even come here whenever she wants. Liam just has to tag along with you wherever you go. I promise he’ll behave,” he winks at me.

Behave. Ha. Yeah, okay.

Killian hands me a bottle of my face wash. “Did someone get this from my bag?” I cock my head to the side in curiosity.

He starts washing himself, and I can’t help but stare at his sudsy, gorgeous body.

“I had my housekeepers purchase all your skincare and toiletries for my house.” His eyes are closed while he scrubs his face. “I can feel you staring at me,” he smirks.

“I definitely was, Mr. Kennedy.” This situation may not be so bad. I’ve done long-distance before. I can do it again—except this time, I have abodyguard. A brooding, sexy, arcane bodyguard.

He rinses himself off, and I wash my face. I feel his arms wrap around me and his cock twitch against my ass. “We aren’t going to get much sleep tonight, Ms. Marrone.” His teeth graze my neck as his words ring with an insatiable hunger.

* * *

The funeral was intense.So many men and women from all walks of life showed up to pay their respects. Killian and Liam let me attend but kept me wedged between them the entire time.

There wasn’t a moment other than using the bathroom where they weren’t with me. If Liam had a say, he would have been inside the stall with me.

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