Page 78 of If Tomorrow Never Comes

With her training now, she could certainly take down a man and slit histhroat. She is wiser, more mature, and doesn’t take shit from anyone. I admire that about her. I’m also incredibly thankful to Diego for that. He played a huge role in bringing out what was just waiting to be unleashed on the world.

And not one of us was ready for it.

Conor places a brief kiss to Lexi’s lips before heading off to do a patrol. Wishing I could do the same, and saying ‘fuck it’, I pull Madison into me. My eyes devour her from head to toe, no longer hiding my intentions.

She’s wearing the sexiest blue velvet dress. It has a deep V in the cleavage and a large slit running up to her hip. The way the fabric bunches—what’s the word Madison called it? Oh, yeah, ruched.The way the fabric ruches around her arse makes it look ten times more delectable. These last few months, Madison has toned her body, really focusing on her workouts and training. Her squat game is on point. The things I would do to see her arse again in that bathing suit she wore on Valentine’s Day.Mmm.

Keeping my hands to myself tonight is already going to be incredibly challenging. Keeping my fists from knocking out every fucker who looks at her like she’s their next meal will be absolutely excruciating.

This woman was and always will bemine.

“Like something you see, Mr. Kennedy?” Her fingers slide up my chest and she pops the top few buttons open, revealing my raven tattoo. It’s then I notice she isn’t wearing her wedding rings tonight.Hard to miss. I know. Bastard had to go all out on the damn things.Her eyes reach mine before my gaze dips back down to her chest. And there, perched between her collarbones is the raven necklace I gave her. My heart throbs at what this could mean.

Is she ready? Did she ditch her rings and leave on my necklace to subtly tell me I can try and win back her love?

A small smile creeps on to her face as mine must look completely confused and pleased all at the same time.

I lift my mask so it sits on top of my head and lower my forehead to hers. “Madison. Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” I whisper, lust making my voice sound raspy.

“Hmm. You may have. I didn’t appreciate it earlier. I should have. Hearing it again, hearing it right now, it’s doing something to me, Liam. I’m breaking. I miss you.” Her voice waivers and cracks as she speaks.

“I’m right here, baby.” My right hand grips her hips a little tighter, pulling her in so there is not a sliver of space between us. My other comes up to cup her face, my fingers tracing the edges of her blue butterfly mask.

Sparkling, enchanting willow trees hang and wrap around us in the foyer. Faux moss, mushrooms and flowers cover the floor. There’s even a fucking mini waterfall and pond to the right of us. Smoke fills the room, followed by some magical, sweet scent. Someone is playing the harp in a whimsical melody.

The moment is perfect.Enchantingis the right word. My woman has enchanted me. It feels like we are the only two in the room right now. Madison brings her hand up to the back of my neck, her fingers grazing my hair line. I tilt my head and our lips touch like a whisper. I need her to make that final move. She has to be the one to do it. Her breasts rise and fall against my chest.Come on, baby.I love you. I’m right here. Close the distance.

Cold air swirls between us as Lexi pulls Madison back, dragging her off in the direction of the outdoor bar and dancefloor. On a sigh, I lower my mask and watch them head out the back sliding doors off the kitchen to the heated tent.

Guess I’ll just grab a smoke on the upstairs balcony and give those two a moment to catch up. I can be a very patient man. I’ll catch Madison again—at midnight.

Now that’s fucking enchanting.

I let outa frustrated sigh and drain the rest of my drink, leaving the empty glass on the kitchen island. Lexi looks sternly at me as she drags me out the back door towards the heated tent. You can’t even tell it’s a tent. The amazing designer recreated the patio space to look like a cottage with ivy and twinkle lights, faux stone and a petrified tree stump bar. There are even some cute garden gnomes and LED lights within the ivy.It’s incredible.This place is literally glowing, and soo freakin magical.

The energy feels magical tonight too—I can’t quite place it.

Maybe it’s this gorgeous dress I’m wearing. Or the Blue Monarch mask I picked up today at a costume store near Broadway. Ormaybe, it’s this renewed vibe going on between Liam and I. Where I once felt guilt for feeling something towards him again—I no longer do.

It’s been replaced with feelings of peace and acceptance surrounding Diego’s death.

The man the underworld spoke in whispers about was at one point in time, mine. There was some sort of energy exchange between us. Which is why I feel we bonded so well. It was more than just the situation we were in, it was a connection that went deeper than circumstance. Diego gave me some of his hardness and strength, and I in return, showed him how to be vulnerable and soft. Although, I’m not so sure who handed over their control more. That was always a struggle with us.

My mind switches back to Liam and my cheeks heat, thinking about our almost kiss in the foyer. I onced shared something incredible with Liam. It was years in the making. He wasn’t always perfect—no relationship ever is. He can still be a hot head, and act on impulse at times, but it was always out of the love he had for me. To keep me safe. Liam was made to protect, I mean his damn name means protector. It’s as if he was destined to take on that role since birth.

After months of mostly sitting alone with my thoughts, I realize, now, I am still very much in love with him. Diego not being here and everyone going back to a sense of “normalcy” has cleared my head a bit.

I hurt Liam.

Deeply.

The look on his face when he leftPontus,after recognizing the extent of my feelings for Diego, will always haunt me. I see now that him ending our relationship the way he did was to protect me from this life. From the bloodshed, the torture, the corruption and lies, the constant danger. Since day one of knowing him, he hasn’t wavered from that role.

Consistency is key, right?I would have done the same if roles were reversed. Because loving someone means putting them first. As far as I’m concerned, Liam always,alwaysput me first. I was just too wrapped up to see it.

The only thing preventing me from trying things again with Liam, is Diego’s words in the back of my mind. He told me to fly away from all of this, just like Liam said…and I wonder if they were right. Maybe I got myself in too deep. I’m not cut out for the lies and the violence. The problem is, I can’t let go.

Of Diego or Liam.

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