Page 89 of Bound By Darkness

“Can’t say I know the feeling,” he continues, his tone light but deliberate.“When something’s really yours, you don’t have to chase it down.”He smiles, slow and easy, but his eyes stay cold.“It stays exactly where it belongs.”

Cian doesn’t miss a beat.“Evie and I have been close for years.Her father approved the match long ago,” he says, adjusting his cuff like this conversation is nothing more than a formality.“I know she’s up here in Dublin trying to spread her wings, but I want to take her back home.Get married right away.”

Eamon’s gaze slides to me.“That true,Evie?”

I open my mouth to answer, but Cian cuts in smoothly.“She’s shy.Doesn’t like to talk about relationship details in public.I’m sure you understand.”

“Of course.”Eamon nods slowly.“You’re a lucky man, then, to have someone as special as her.”His lips curve into a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.“I wouldn’t want to stand in the way of young love.”

My stomach twists.What the hell is he doing?

“As a matter of fact,” Eamon continues, “why don’t the two of you have dinner in my restaurant?On the house.”

My breath catches.“That’s far too generous, and I?—”

“I insist,” Eamon interrupts.“And don’t worry about your shift.I’ll have someone cover for you.”

Cian grins.“That’s very kind of you.”

Eamon takes out his phone, already typing, his attention seemingly elsewhere.

“I can wait until someone gets here,” I offer.

“No need,” Eamon replies, not bothering to look up.“I wouldn’t dare keep your betrothed from whatever grand plans he has for tonight.”

Speechless, I force a tight smile.“Cian, do you mind if I change out of my uniform first?”

“Of course,” he says.

As I gather my things, Eamon stays making small talk with Cian.His questions are casual and polite.Just a man making conversation.But I know better.He’s asking all the right things, pulling at the threads of whatever story Cian’s spinning.

And Cian?He doesn’t hesitate.Lie after lie rolls off his tongue with practiced ease.

“I’ll meet you in the restaurant,” Cian says as I walk toward the elevator.

I nod but say nothing, keeping my expression carefully neutral until the door shuts behind me in the penthouse.

My phone buzzes.

Ruairi:Bridget told me she invited you home to see Saoirse, but you declined.

Aoife:After your last message, of course I said no.

A few seconds later, his response comes.

Ruairi:I was out of line.

Aoife:You think?

Ruairi:We miss you.We want to see you.

My fingers hover over the screen.For a moment, I consider giving in but decide on a different approach.

Aoife:I’ll come if Eamon can accompany me.

Ruairi:I will not have that bastard in my home.

Aoife:Then I’m not coming.

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