Page 35 of Captivating

Women stop liking being referred to as girls by the time they’re twenty, St. James.

Killian

Do you live to drive me insane?

Lilah

Maybe . . .

Killian

You do a really good job of it.

Don’t leave without Xander or one of the guys.

Lilah

I don’t need a babysitter.

Killian

Then why have I been living at your house for two weeks?

Lilah

I thought it was the gym in my basement.

Killian

Well, it’s sure as shit not for your stunning personality.

Stay home, please.

Infuriating. Completely. Totally. Utterly infuriating.

He knows if he asks nicely, it’s harder for me to say no.

He’s also been insanely overprotective the past few days since someone tried to scale the fence and get onto the property in the middle of the night. Xander’s team handled it and told me about it the next day, and Killian basically lost his mind. As if waking us up at two a.m. after it was handled was the better move. What would that have done except scare me to death and make sure I was awake the rest of the night?

I silence my phone and toss it aside, then give my full attention back to my assistant, Tasha.

“Okay, your final fitting for your birthday dress is tomorrow. The party is Saturday, which is your birthday.” Tasha checks off her list, like it’s her favorite thing in the world to do. I’m pretty sure her lists have lists. Wish I was half as organized as she is.

“Really?” I tease. “The party is Saturday?”

“Yes,” she answers in all seriousness, like Saturday isn’t Valentine’s Day. Also known as Noah’s and my birthday. “Oh, right. That one you knew.”

“Yup,” I laugh. “One of the few things I manage to remember.” The teapot whistles, and I move around my kitchen, grabbing my honey and lemon. “Would you like a cup?”

“No. I’m good, thanks.” Her fingers fly across the keyboard of her MacBook before she stops and looks up again. “Did you need me to pick up anything for Noah?”

“Nope. I’ve got him covered.” I squeeze my lemon in my tea and drizzle way too much honey before I stir and sip. Ahh... soup is comfort food for some people. For me, it’s tea with honey and lemon.

“Perfect.” The intercom system in the house beeps, followed by Xander’s voice. “Mr. Beneventi is here to see you, Lilah.”

“Which Mr. Beneventi, Xander? There’s a ton of them.” I swear, he needs to get laid so he’ll lighten up. Hmm... I look over at Tasha... Maybe there is one person who could be allowed to bang my assistant.

“Lilah, let me through the gate. It’s cold out here,” I hear Maverick’s voice carry through the speaker.

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