Page 102 of Yours

“You’re safe now,” Ronan said firmly, stepping closer. “But it’s time for bed. You need your rest. Why don’t you head to the guest room and get some sleep.”

“I was hoping you’d say that,” Leena quipped. “Thank you, by the way,” she added, her gaze shifting between us. “Both of you.”

Ronan gave her a curt nod, while I wrapped her in a quick hug before she headed off down the hall. Ronan and I headed toward the master bedroom on the opposite side of the penthouse.

I leaned against the edge of the bed, watching as Ronan pulled off his jacket and tossed it onto the armchair by the window.

His shoulders were tense, but when he turned to face me, his gray eyes were softer than I’d expected.

“You did good tonight,” he said quietly, stepping closer.

I blinked, surprised by the praise. “I didn’t really do much?—”

“You did,” he interrupted, his voice firm, but warm. “Your ideas, your help—it made a difference, Kiera. I couldn’t have saved her without you.”

The sincerity in his tone made my chest tighten. “Ronan…”

Before I could finish, he cupped my face in his hands, his thumbs brushing lightly over my cheeks as his gaze held mine.

“Thank you,” he said softly.

My breath hitched as he leaned down, his lips brushing against mine in a kiss that was gentle, but full of quiet intensity. I melted into him, my hands finding their way to his shoulders as I pulled him closer. When we finally broke apart, I rested my forehead against his, my heart racing.

“You don’t have to thank me,” I whispered. “I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

He smiled faintly, his lips brushing my forehead before he stepped back. “You’re incredible, you know that?”

I laughed softly, trying to shake off the emotional weight of the moment. “Careful, O’Malley, or I might start to think you like having me around.”

His smirk returned, that sharp edge of amusement flickering in his eyes. “You’d be right.”

The mood lightened as I sat down on the edge of the bed, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. A mischievous thought flickered through my mind, and before I could second-guess it, the words slipped out.

“So…” I began, glancing up at him with a daring smirk. “Am I still getting the belt?”

Ronan froze for half a beat, his expression shifting as his eyes darkened. “Are you asking me that because you’re worried… or because you want it? Or is it more than that?”

Heat bloomed across my cheeks, but I didn’t look away.

“Maybe both,” I admitted, my voice soft, but tinged with challenge.

His smirk deepened, his presence overwhelming as he stepped closer. “You’re a naughty girl, you know that?”

I swallowed hard, the tension crackling between us like a live wire. “Maybe.”

Ronan leaned down, his lips brushing my ear as his voice dropped to a low, dangerous rumble.

“You’re still getting the belt, Kiera. Not because you were naughty, but because the thought of your bare ass thoroughly marked by my belt makes my cock hard and your needy little pussy soaking wet, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, sir,” I said, the blush deepening.

“But for now, it’s time for bed, love.”

Ronan’s voice was softer now, but it still carried that edge of authority that sent a shiver down my spine.

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my cheek.

“You’ve had a long night,” he said warmly, but firmly. “Sleep first. We’ll deal with the rest later.”

---