Page 28 of Stay, Swear.

“No one you know, Dec. Now, Clara.”

Clara’s bright smile finally breaks through, “Britt whoever this guy is, he’s going to forget how to breathe. And if he doesn’t you let me know and I’ll put a hit out on him. I’ve got connections.” She throws her thumb out towards her husband. He gently kisses her thumb that’s now in his face. Smiling at how happy she looks with her husband and new family. She truly deserves everything good in the world, and I’m so glad she has the chance to have it now. Even if he’s an overprotective caveman. At least he isn’t anything like her ex.

A knock on the door startles me, “Oh, that’s him, I’ve got to go.”

“Wait, Britt seriously, who is it? How are we supposed to know you’re safe?” The typically ‘tough as nails’ Rowan looks at me with a little concern flashing in his expression.

“A guy I met at work. I’ve got to go guys. I’ll be fine. I love you Clara, bye.” Rowan and Declan both curse under their breaths.

“I love you too Britt.”

Smiling, I disconnect the call and take one more look at myself before going to open the door for Kieran. My dress hits me mid-calf with a slit running up one side to my mid thigh, it’s tight without being too tight, the halter top has a tasteful amount of cleavage. But the back is completely open, stopping just below my dimples that sit on my lower back.The shoelace thin ribbon runs sparingly in criss crosses down my bare back. My black heels and gold earrings, necklace, and bracelet finish off the look. Smiling, I open the door and take so much satisfaction in the way Kieran’s jaw literally drops open. His eyes heat, and the smile melts off his face. A look between awe and torture taking over his face. His eyes roam over every inch of my body. Standing under his scrutiny has me rubbing my thighs together to ease the pressure growing between them.

He looks so handsome that it takes my breath away for a second. I’ve seen him in slacks and dress shirts for work before, but this is different. His charcoal gray dress pants wrap perfectly around his trim waist, long strong legs, and muscular thighs. His black button down shirt fitting him like a second skin showing off his strong and powerful arms.

Finally, he must remember he hasn’t said a single word when he chokes out a quiet, “Perfection.”

He steps into the apartment and takes my face in his hands. Taking a few seconds he just stares at me. “You are the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.” He presses his lips to mine in a gentle kiss.

Pulling away from him before we have a chance to get too heated I bring my thumb up and wipe the lipstick that’s transferred onto his bottom lip. “So where are we going, Mystery Man?”

His infamous grin overtakes his face. “I can’t wait to show you. Come on.” I grab my coat and purse before letting him drag me out the door, “Lock the door, Mo Stóirín.” Listening to him I make sure the locks are secure. He grabs my hand and pulls me into the empty elevator. Hitting the button for the garage, he doesn’t even wait until the doors completelyshut before he has me against the elevator wall and his tongue is in my mouth.

* * *

Butterflies have been going crazy in my belly, and my heart has been fluttering all evening. Kieran brought us up to the roof of his penthouse where he had an entire romantic dinner set up just for the two of us. Now that we’ve eaten and got through the surface level questions every couple goes through, Kieran leads me to the outdoor couch and we get comfortable. He pulls my legs into his lap and skillfully begins working the straps on my heels before digging his thumbs into the arch of my foot causing me to moan in relief. Desperate to know more about the man I’ve spent multiple nights in bed with, I decide to just ask.

“So, I’ve learned a lot of the basics. But tell me something no one else knows?” His fingers stop and he tilts his head at me thinking.

“Is this the cone of silence? Like are we at that point where what I say stays here or does it go back to Clara still?”

Well, now he has my full attention. Would I tell Clara if he asked me not to? I don’t think so, I tell her everything, but something about Kieran makes me want to keep our conversations and whatever this is we’re doing just to ourselves. “Yeah, I’d say we’re at that point. As long as it goes both ways.”

Kieran takes a second to contemplate that then nods, “I’m an underground fighter. My brothers don’t know, just my best friend Ryan.” Woah, I did not expect that. What do you even say to that?

“Oh, is that why you’re covered in bruises? You lied to me?”

His head drops in what almost looks like shame, “Some of the reason, I don’t know how much you know of my job, but taking hits is a multiple times a day occurrence for me. I did lie to you though. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to tell you yet. I’m sorry.”

Moving over until I’m in his lap, my hands cup his face and move until he’s looking at me, “It’s okay, I get it. I have parts of myself I keep hidden too.”

“I’ll answer any questions you have.” He moves me beside him again and starts rubbing my legs and feet.

“Well, obviously it isn’t safe. How much should I worry? How often do you do it?”

His thumbs dig into my heel massaging absentmindedly, “You shouldn’t worry. I’ve been doing this for years. I’ve never lost. I take hits, but I don’t lose. Usually about once or twice a week.”

I don’t even notice myself biting my bottom lip until he reaches over and gently tugs it from my teeth, “That doesn’t sound like I shouldn’t worry Kie.”

A huge smile takes over his face, “Kie, huh?”

My face heats but before I can answer he continues. “I like the way it sounds coming from you. Use it.”

Giving him a shy nod, I smile at him. “Okay… Can I go to one?”

His brow furrows, “To a fight?”

“No, to a circus. Yes! To a fight.” my laugh rings throughout the open area.

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