Page 72 of Captivating

“Are you sure?” I ask him, so scared he’s going to change his mind. “I’ve never done this before, so the paparazzi is going to be rabid.”

“Let them, baby.”

Let them... I guess it’s worth a try.

Killian

The top floor of the Four Seasons hotel has hosted the Kingston Foundation Awards for the past five years. The foundation recognizes achievement in humanitarianism in and around the city of Philadelphia, and this is one of the few events my entire family is expected to attend each year. Lilah’s grandfather, Joe Sinclair, the former head coach of the Philadelphia Kings, is one of the recipients tonight, for years of quiet dedication to this city and the thousands of hours he’s spent giving back. He could donate money—write a check and feel good about himself—but that’snot his way. He knows he’s getting the award tonight, but I don’t think his family does.

And as the questions fly at Lilah and me from every direction when we walk along the gauntlet of press to get to the ballroom, I’m glad it wasn’t announced ahead of time either. Or the whole world would know by now. Questions fly at us, left and right, and my girl smiles and holds my hand like a pro. She rarely answers except when a pushy older guy whistles, and she stops and looks at him. “Hey, Lilah. Any chance this is the guy?”

“What guy?” She smiles coyly, knowing exactly what she’s doing.

“Your muse,” he calls back. “You know... the guy.”

Lilah looks up at me, absolutely fucking beaming, and I slide my hand from hers and wrap my arm around her waist. “His name is Killian St. James, in case you weren’t sure. And he’s not just the guy. He’s always beenthatguy.”

She leans up onto her toes and presses a kiss to my cheek, then keeps moving, and I do my best to just keep up with her.

Once we’re inside the noisy ballroom, she relaxes for a moment. “You did well.”

“You did all the talking, princess.” I hold her closer. “Thanks for that, by the way.”

“Anytime.” She smiles. “Ohh, I see my sister and cousins.”

“Go. I’ll get us drinks.” I watch her walk away, thinking about how badly I want to strip her out of that damn gown as I head for the bar.

“Stop thinking it, son.” Dad comes up beside me and slaps my back. “Weigh-ins are tomorrow. Your fight is two days from now.”

“You warning me about booze or sex?” I joke, knowing the answer is both, especially when the old man glares. I was already only getting a water for myself. But there’s no way I’m notstripping that woman naked and sinking into her all night long later.

“I hear ya. You already know I’m two pounds under, and I’m gonna be fine for weigh-ins.” I try to reassure him, but for as calm as Dad usually is, he’s the opposite on fight weekends.

“I told your mother we should have rescheduled this event for a different date,” he grumbles.

“What do you always say?” I argue, and the look he gives me says he knows exactly where I’m going here and isn’t having it.

“You’re a fucking beast, Killer. You’re the fucking best. But even the best don’t need distractions, and tonight is a distraction. That girl.” He points to where Lilah is standing with her family. “She’s a distraction.”

“I’m going to marry that girl,” I tell him, and fuck, if it doesn’t sound even better out loud.

He claps my shoulder. “Just don’t do it this weekend.”

“Asshole,” I grumble, and the old man laughs.

“One day you’re gonna have your own kid, and they’re going to drive you crazy, and I’m going to laugh my ass off. But right now, you’re still my kid, and it’s my job to make sure you’re ready for this weekend.”

“I’m ready.” I force my eyes off Lilah. I’m ready for everything.

LILAH

Music makes my soul sing and my heart soar. What do you do?

—Lilah’s Secret Thoughts

“Idon’t want you alone for even a minute tonight, Lilah. Promise me you’ll either be with Jamie or Maverick or Maddox or Noah at all times. Keep your panic button on you, and let Xander hang as close as he wants to. The arena is going to be a fucking madhouse.” Killian tucks my hair behind my ears. “And you find my team and stay with them from the minute we get there until you have to take your seat.”

“Killian—I promise you, I’ll do whatever you need me to do, so stop worrying about me and focus on you.” I press up on my toes and kiss his jaw. “I love you. I’ll be safe. Now go before you’re late and your dad gets mad at me.”

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