Page 40 of Desired

She ignores my statement. “Somewhere out there, Steph is fist pumping me.”

“Aye, she’ll be proud. That’s for sure.” I kiss the top of her head. “Do you think he tried this same trick on your brothers?”

“If I know da well enough, he tried them first, failed, and started in on me. That’s probably why it took him so long to try and pull it off.”

“It’s a shame, really. That he’d put his family through that. I couldn’t imagine. I mean, my da is no saint himself, but family always comes first, even before money.” I lift a hand. “Now, granted, it hasn’t always appeared to be that way, but since Caleb and Laney got together, da has softened some. Now I think he’s a changed man. This experience has taught me that I don’t give my da nearly enough credit. Some parents....suck.”

“I agree entirely, Declan. My granny is the only decent parent to me. My granddad was, too. I think it was granddad’s wisdom, above all else, that I'm truly grateful to have inherited.”

“It sounds like he was a wise man, for sure, lass.” We get closer to the estate where I lived mostly, just before buying my place in the states. It’s not far from the place where I grew up, but it’s far away enough that there is some separation. We pull up and Moira lifts her head off my shoulder.

“My...God, Declan.” She says, in awe. “This is beautiful.”

“Thank you, lass.” I say, not knowing what else to say. Truthfully, I was afraid of her reaction, since the house is a little imposing. And on another note, I’ve been thinking about selling it, but I just haven’t gotten around to it. “I’m not sure how long I’m going to have it for.”

“Really? How come? It’s beautiful.”

“Well, there are just too many, err, memories here.” I say under my breath, just loud enough for her to hear.

“Aye.” She nods. “And not good ones from the tone of your voice.”

“No. Definitely not good ones.”

“An ex lover?” She guesses.

“Aye.” I confess.

She takes my hand in hers and looks at me earnestly. “What about if you were to make better ones?”

I look at her lips and lean in. “With you, lass, I’d love to. But the woman I met before you was very unkind. I tried to erase the memories by remodeling a few things, but that was just a band aid. It didn’t help. That’s part of the reason why I don’t stay here often, Moira.”

“My house is a shack, Declan. This is a palace. But I understand why you would feel that way. It’s a shame, really. I mean, sometimes you just have to let go, Declan. I’m learning that a lot more recently.”

“Aye.” I nod, grinning at her. “I suppose if you can do that with your da, then I can do that with my demons, too.”

“I know it’s difficult, Declan. But it’s for the best.” She says, leaning in to kiss me. “And I know a great way to get over your demons, too.” Her voice changes to sultry, as she dips her tongue into my mouth slightly, just enough to make my cock twitch, and enough to get my attention.

“That sounds very convincing, lass.” I murmur against her lips. “Just wait until you see the inside. Pick any surface you want and I’ll be sure to fuck you hard against it.”

She chuckles against my skin and sucks in air. “Okay. Let’s go inside before we end up fucking in here.”

“If you wanted to we could.” I offer. Then we both scrunch our noses and shake our heads. “I’d much rather fuck you in the house.”

“Same.”

And this time, we actually make it inside the house.

...but not that far...

Chapter 14

Moira

Justlikehishousein the states, Declan’s home here in Scotland is very memorable. To be fair, I’ve only ever been inside the guest house, but what I’ve seen so far is pretty impressive. Declan’s estate is high on a hill, with lush greenery surrounding it, and an iron gate at the perimeter. He flashes his phone over the security panel, and then plants his thumb on the screen, which then allows him entry. The driver, to my knowledge, doubles as a bodyguard, remaining outside in the car as we enter the house, through the double front doors. “It seems almost unrealistic to have such a large house just for me, but da always insists that we have real estate investments. The first home I purchased was when I was eighteen.”

“Oh, no, I get it.” I say with a raised hand. “Someday, I’ll buy something bigger, too. I just...with my practice, a bigger home would be too much for me right now. I like that my place is so small and cozy. I can clean it in an hour from top to bottom.”

“Aye. I have someone come in and do all that, plus a landscaper, and sometimes we have functions here, too. We sort of rotate throughout the family for both business and personal gatherings.”

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