Page 53 of Tempted

“I wouldn’t anyway, Malcolm. Besides, I believe that the truth will always set you free.”

“Ditto.” He holds me close to him, staring at my lips, swaying slightly in the foyer. “I’ve got a few other double-crossing assholes in the biz if you’re interested in kicking more ass.” He teases.

“Unless they’re trying to get their hands on my man, I’m not interested.” I tell him, matter-of-factly. “I do have a job, you know.”

“I’m your man, am I?” He tests playfully.

“I think you and I both know that you’ve been my man since we set up Declan and Moira.”

“I can agree to that.” He says, voice softer, more honest and less joking. “I think I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you.”

ThatI didn’t expect. I lift my forehead off his, sobering. “You fell in love with me?”

“Damn right I did.” He cups my face in his hands. “Who couldn’t love you, lass.” His voice is soft, sincere, his eyes are round like dinner plates. “I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone before. That’s why I kept trying to tell myself that I hated you, but it was really love.”

The lump in my throat is undeniable. I would never have done the thing with Madame Lacy if I didn’t love Malcolm, too. But I’ve always wanted to hear a man say it to me first, and here it is. “I love you, too, Malcolm.” As I say this, a tear falls down my cheek. He catches it with his thumb and wipes it away. “I never thought that I’d ever love, but I do.”

Before I can say anything else, he plants his lips on mine, kissing me so softly, so tenderly, it brings on more tears. “Shhhh....lass. It’s okay.” He whispers against my lips, kissing me softly. Then he wraps his arms around me, holding me tight. And that’s when my cell phone rings. As Malcolm releases me so that I can answer it, he kisses me again.

My phone is on the kitchen table, so I grab it. “It’s Moira.” I tell him, putting it on speakerphone.

“Moira, how are you.” I state.

“Declan pulled some strings.” She sighs. “You’ll never guess what I’m holding in my hands.”

I look at Malcolm. His face is impassive. “What do you have?”

“A copy of the security footage from the nursing home. Do you want to come over and we’ll look at it together? I’ve got popcorn.”

Malcolm exchanges a look with me, as I take the phone, and we start walking towards the door. “We’re on our way.”

....and in two ways, today, my life will never be the same...

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