Page 127 of Crimson Tears

We know the children have been moved quite a few times now, so our final hope is that we get some sort of notice when they’re traveling with them. Lev set up some security checkpoints to scan the vans in a way that their technology can’t detect, but heis still working on getting his drones fitted with the same tech for large areas. He thinks it will be soon though.

I toss and turn in bed unable to sleep. Usually, I can switch between my guys and I’ll end up finding a comfortable spot that feels soothing, but right now I think I’ve woken them up more than I’ve let them rest.

Instead of trying again, I slip out of bed and head down to the kitchen. Maybe a third cup of herbal tea for the night will finally do the trick. Or I could call Laney and get some of her special pot brownies. Those always seem to help her and Akio when she makes them.

I write a mental note to text her at a decent hour tomorrow because at this point I’m desperate for sleep.

Putting the kettle on, I lean back onto the counter and watch for the steam. Sometimes, the act of making tea is enough to make me sleepy. But right now, all I can picture myself doing is taking the kettle and launching it out the window. I am beyond frustrated.

“Hey, Love.” Cillian walks around the island and leans against my side. His familiar scent surrounds me, bringing me some semblance of comfort.

“Hey there, Killer.”

He reaches my shoulders and pulls me in front of him as he starts massaging them with his strong, tattooed hands.

“Can’t sleep?”

I shake my head but allow him to continue. This man has magic fingers. He’s been nothing but sweet and supportive since I met him, and sometimes, it feels like nothing has changed. When it’s just the two of us, I can pretend we’re eighteen again.

The pot starts to whistle, so I hurry to pull it off, not wanting to wake Boris. However, as soon as I start pouring two cups of hot water, Cillian grabs a third.

“Who's that for?” I ask.

“You’ll see,” he says right before Boris walks into the room.

“It’s so weird how you can do that,” I say, pouring the water into the third cup and beginning to add the tea bags. Usually, I prefer a loose-leaf brew, but the bags are easier at night.

“You’re just jealous I can sense him before you can.”

Boris shakes his head and comes over to me, kissing my temple. “Tea?” I offer, handing it to him.

“Thank you, Little Fox. Care to tell us why we are all awake at four in the morning?”

My cheeks heat as I lift my cup to my lips. I’m well aware it’s too hot, but sometimes the burn helps me think less.

“I tried not to wake you.”

He lifts a brow. “I think you have broken the both of us.” Boris gestures between himself and Cillian. “Neither of us can sleep in that bed without you in it.”

“I think the old man is afraid he might wake up spooning me. It would really put a damper on his reputation.” Cillian winks at Boris while I try not to snort a laugh into my cup.

Smiling, I take another sip. With the two of them here and the warm brew settling in my belly, I start to feel at peace.

“I’m sorry.”

“No you’re not,” Cillian counters, and I stick my tongue out at him.

“Oh, so now you’ve got the sass out? Do you know what happens to those who sass me?”

Oh my gosh, no!

I set down my cup and run to the other side of the island before he can catch me. Biting my lip, I point my finger at him in reprimand.

“Cillian Kelly, you will not start a tickle fight in the middle of this kitchen!”

Boris starts to laugh, backing out of our way as we dance around each other. I keep the island between us until I am panting.

“Next time, you can use that tongue for something less sassy,” Cillian says, just a breath away.

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