Page 72 of Keep Me

Using my hands and mouth, I draw him closer to his climax again, this time gazing up at him as I do. I feel addicted to his pleasure and the intensity of his gaze, needing it more than my own. I’m moaning wildly around his dick, squeezing tight and sucking hard, knowing full well he’s about to unload in my mouth at any moment.

And I want it.

“I’m almost there, darling. Don’t stop.”

When he finally seizes up in my hand, I wait eagerly for the salty release on my tongue. When I finally get it, I’m not disappointed. I feel it hit the back of my throat, so I quickly swallow before I risk gagging.

Killian lets out a string of curses at the sight. I wait for his climax to end before I pull my mouth away, quickly wiping the mess from my lips. And when I venture to gaze in his direction, I notice he’s staring at me as if he’s seen a ghost.

“What?” I say as I stand up.

He shakes his head. “Nothing.”

But I notice that his hands don’t leave my body for a second. He holds on to my arms, dragging me closer to him. Then, instead of kissing me, he cradles me against his chest. I don’t expect it, but I also don’t push him away.

I let the pounding of his heart echo against my ear, and I try to push away any nagging reminder that this isn’t what people who hate each other do.

Chapter Twenty-Two

When Killian and I make our way back downstairs to the party, I instantly feel the scrutinizing gaze of his aunt, but I do my best to ignore it. Instead, I grab another drink, and we walk hand in hand over to his siblings, who are standing near the large Christmas tree.

I can’t explain the good mood I’m in. I’m not one for holidays. I don’t generally like family gatherings. And I know in nine months, I will be gone from this country forever.

But with the music playing and the scent of something sweet and spicy in the air giving this party a cozy, warm vibe, it’s impossible not to feel good.

“Our brother’s not being too difficult for you, is he?” Declan asks with a stern expression. Judging by his sudden comfort in talking to me and the slight slur in his words, I’d be willing to bet that’s not his first glass of whisky.

I bump Killian with my shoulder and shoot him a smile. “I can handle him.”

When I turn back to the group, I notice the way they’re all looking at us. It’s easy to forget that these three know the truth while no one else at the party does. They wouldn’t actually suspectthat Killian and I are casually hooking up in the privacy of our home.

Why would they?

Well, these three and his vicious Aunt Lorna are the only ones who know.

Feeling her eyes on me again, I look over my shoulder and find her staring menacingly. It’s like those eyes are the cruel reminder of what I’ve agreed to. These people have made me an accomplice in something vindictive and cruel.

Which I totally agreed to and knew the entire time.

When I turn back to the group again, I feel a bit more uneasy.

“Killian never was one for manners,” Lachy jokes, smiling at his brother.

“My manners are just fine, thank you,” Killian replies. “Besides, no one here is nearly as harsh and cutting as this one.”

He looks down at me, and I fake a smile. I’m supposed to joke back, but I’m starting to feel sick.

Lies, lies, lies.

The room starts to grow uncomfortable, and I peel my arm away from Killian’s.

“I have to use the restroom. I’ll be right back,” I mumble softly before squeezing through the party toward the hallway. I reach the bathroom without incident, but as I close myself in and stare at myself in the mirror, I feel the same scratching anxiety crawling up my spine.

Relax, Sylvie. You’re not doing anything wrong.

I take three long, deep breaths and try to remind myself that this is for the best. This isn’t my family. They’re just trying to help him.

Those three things just keep echoing through my head, over and over. For the most part, it works. I manage to talk myself down from the panic attack threatening to set in.

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