Page 90 of Vengeful Union

“How do we get more?” I clutch onto his shirt.

I can’t do this forever. It’s easy to forget, in the bubble I’ve been with Rory, falling in love with him, that I’m a prisoner. But tonight reminded me of that.

“I don’t know.” He peers back into the main room of the gala. “I need to talk to the O’Reillys, at least make an appearance, and then we can go.”

I nod, taking his arm when he offers it to me and following him toward the group of people. I barely listen as he makes pleasantries with them. I nod and smile, speak when I’m spoken to, but that’s it. I’m like a ragdoll, clinging onto Rory, waiting patiently for the moment that we can leave.

I want to feel free again, and when we finally get into Rory’s car, I let the window down, sticking my head out and breathing in the fresh, cool air.

Rory’s quiet for a moment, but when I pull my head back in, he glances over at me and then back at the road.

“Nothing is going to happen to you. I’ll protect you.” There’s a fierce quality to his voice that makes me blink.

I just nod, but in the back of my head, I’m thinking that if Niall Murphy wants to hurt me, Rory alone won’t be able to stop it.

Chapter Twenty-Six

26

RORY

I knowthat something happened with Lara and my father; I just don’t know what. Every time I think about what might have happened, rage boils hot in the back of my head.

But Lara isn’t talking, and I don’t want to push her. She’s been shaken all night, trembling in my arms, and I don’t even think she realizes it.

When we arrive at the mansion, I lead Lara inside with my hand at the small of her back, following her up the stairs. She goes straight into the bedroom, unzipping Bree’s dress and letting it fall to the floor.

Despite the situation, I can’t help but admire her slim frame, the dip of her hips, the lacy matching bra and panties set she’s wearing.

She slides under the covers, looking at me expectantly.

“You’re not going to bed. It’s barely ten o’clock.”

“I’m tired,” she whines, her full mouth pouting, and I can’t resist, chuckling.

I know I only have a short time with her. I know that when she goes, it’s going to hurt. But I can’t stop wanting to be with her while I have her, make whatever memories I can.

I undress quickly and get into bed with her in my boxer briefs, pulling the covers over our heads.

“Should we just hide here?”

“Forever.” She gives me a small smile, and I place a hand on her bare hip hesitantly.

I don’t want to pressure her after the rough night she’s had.

But Lara leans into me, putting her hands on my chest. It’s dim under the comforter, but her eyes are bright nonetheless.

So green a guy could get lost in them. Could lose himself.

Is that what I’m doing?

What am I going to do when this is all over? Just move back to my apartment like none of this ever happened? Like I never fell in love?

I hitch in a breath and pull her on top of me, and she straddles my hips, fitting into me like a puzzle piece.

I reach up to unlatch her bra, and she giggles when I struggle, doing it herself.

Her small breasts bounce free, and I cup them in my hands, rolling my thumb over her peaked nipples.

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