Page 57 of My Irish Mafia King

“You know I have…”

She giggles, nudging me. “Ew,” she says. “You know what I mean.”

“Why don’t I order us some pizza?” I say. “Don’t worry. They’ll deliver it to security. They’ll bring it up. We can veg out in bed, and then I’ll hold you until we fall asleep.”

She lays her cheek against my chest. “That sounds just about perfect.”

Twenty-Three

LUCY

It’s the best sleep of my life, wrapping my arms around Killian’s solid body and pressing myself against him, his muscles, his bulk, his presence making me feel more protected than I ever have. I half wake a couple times just to sink my fingers deeper into his solid frame and reassure myself he’s still here.

In the morning, though, he’s gone. I smooth my hand over his side of the bed, hoping to find it warm, hoping he’s just gone to the en-suite for a shower. But it’s cool… and I don’t hear anybody in the bathroom.

I sit up, spotting a note on my bedside table.

Lucy, my perfect lucky charm, I’m sorry you’ve woken without me at your side. You looked so beautiful this morning when you were sleeping, so peaceful. I just watched you for a few minutes, finding it difficult to believe or accept how lucky I am. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. Every day for the rest of our lives, I’m going to be the best thing that ever happened to you, too.

But that has to begin after I’ve handled Frank and Owen. I got a call early this morning, a tip about where they might be. It could be dangerous. I know I’m going to have to be hard and focused. That’s why I didn’t wake you. You bring out a side to me I never knew existed before we fell in…

I bite down when I see the word love crossed through.

I haven’t crossed that out because it’s not true, his letter goes on. But because I know I can’t declare that essential truth until I know we have a future together. There’s still too much risk, too much up in the air, for me to make this declaration. But you can read me better than anyone. You know how I feel about you.

“I love you too, you silly man,” I whisper, tears welling in my eyes.

I hope that we’ll be together soon, my angel, my treasure. Until then, stay safe for me.

I fold the letter up and then clasp it to my chest, knowing I’m going to treasure it forever.

Just after midday, I’m busying myself in the kitchen, making Irish scones like I was going to with Killian before the attack interrupted us. When my phone buzzes, I grab it quickly, then roll my eyes when I realize it’s just my timer.

“No news?” Anna says across the island.

“No,” I reply. “Except me being incredibly thankful that you’re doing this…”

She smiles, cradling Clover to her chest. “Do you seriously think I need an excuse to spend time with this munchkin? Try not to worry, Lucy. Soon, he’ll come back. You’ll be able to start your life together. I’m so happy for you.”

I want to agree, want to be happy, but I don’t want to tempt fate.

Once I’ve put the scones in the oven, the landline rings. Anna laughs when I turn to her. “Don’t look at me. If anyone’s answering that thing, it’s you. You’re his girlfriend… and I’ve got a feeling, pretty soon, you’re going to be a lot more than that.”

I roll my eyes, trying to act like her words are no big deal, but I can’t fake it. They mean a lot. Hope aches in me as I walk across the apartment and take the landline from the wall.

A lot more…

Fate will complete its circle. The storm will finally stop—the storm of the mob war, the fire, the threats, the danger—and we’ll be able to be together, properly and fully.

“Hello… Callahan residence,” I say, feeling silly.

“Hello, who is this?” a woman asks.

“Uh, Lucy,” I murmur. “I’m sorry, but Killian is out right now.”

“Wait,theLucy?” the woman says, her tone growing immediately bubbly and happy. A smile spreads across my face.

“Um, yes?”

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