Page 120 of Vengeful Union

“Between Da, Gray, and Declan, I never got out much. Well, I did. But I always got caught.”

“So, you didn’t date much in high school, either?”

“I didn't date at all.” She grins. “Not officially, anyway. Of course, there were always ways to get around it. Making out behind the bleachers at a football game, skipping fifth period to sneak out to some guy’s car...”

I frown. “I don’t know if I want to hear these stories.”

She giggles. “You can’t be jealous of things I did before I met you.”

“Like hell I can’t.” I tug her up and take the towel from the rack to dry her off.

She smiles, letting me dry her skin with the fluffy towel.

“I can’t really judge. I’m glad you were a nerd in high school.”

I chuckle, putting on my robe as she puts on hers.

She pads into the bedroom first and climbs onto the bed, ditching her robe immediately.

I slide mine off, too, letting it fall to the floor before I get in beside her.

“Goodnight, Mrs. Murphy,” I murmur in her ear as she snuggles against me.

“Goodnight, Mr. Murphy.” Her words end in a long yawn, and she’s asleep before I can say anymore.

It’s probably for the best.

Chapter Thirty-Three

33

LARA

Rory’s getting dressedwhen I wake up, and I frown up at him, blinking sleep out of my eyes.

“Where are you going?”

“Just meeting up with Duncan, discussing cancelling the next few shipments. It’s going to take time to turn everything over to Bree, and I’ve got to tie up some loose ends.”

I keep frowning as he leans down to kiss me.

“So, I’ll be here alone all day?”

He chuckles. “Not alone. Raquel will be here, and I’ll be back in a few hours.”

I huff out a breath. “Okay,fine, but hurry back.”

He smiles down at me fondly. “Of course. Who could stay away?”

Rory kisses me again and then leaves the room.

I stretch my arms over my head, wincing when I feel my sore muscles from last night. It doesn’t bother me. I like it when I can still feel him the day after.

My mood has dampened significantly since yesterday, though, and I know why. After Rory ties up these loose ends, there’s no reason for me to be here anymore.

My da and my brothers will come and get me, and Rory will go back to his life as an accountant. I don’t know if I’ll ever see him again.

The thought makes tears burn at the backs of my eyes, but I don’t plan on staying in bed crying all day.

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