Page 63 of The Silencer

He takes a deep breath."I understand.I'm not asking you to make any decisions right now.I just...I needed you to know the truth—that I care about you, deeply.That I want to be part of your life, if you'll let me."

I look into his dark eyes, seeing the sincerity there.Part of me wants to throw caution to the wind and fall into his arms, but another part, the part that's still hurting from his departure, holds back.

"I need time," I say finally."This is...a lot to take in."

Emmanuel nods, a mixture of hope and resignation on his face."Of course.Take all the time you need.I'll be here when you're ready to talk."

He starts to step back, but I reach out and grab his hand."Wait," I say, surprising myself."I...I don't want you to go.Not yet."

A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth."What do you want, Clodagh?"

“You,” I whisper.

His wide smile makes my knees go weak.“Let your friend know that we’re leaving.”

I turn to see Jen watching us, a smirk playing on her lips.I raise my hand and wave to her.

“See you tomorrow, Clo!”she shouts as Emmanuel slides his arm around my waist.

The past eight months have been hard trying to get over him, and now he’s back and I don’t know if I’m making the right decision.But it feels right, and at the moment, that’s all that I have to go on.My gut.

It takes us twenty minutes to get to his apartment, and I’m nosy as hell as I look around it.I know he must have dropped a small fortune on it.Apartments this close to the city center are expensive and Emmanuel doesn’t rent, he buys—his words, not mine.I should be a little freaked out that he purchased a home where I am, but I’m not.I find it sweet.

As I wander through the spacious apartment, taking in the sleek, modern furniture and expansive windows overlooking the city lights, Emmanuel watches me intently.

"Do you like it?"he asks, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

I turn to face him, still processing everything."It's beautiful," I admit."But, Emmanuel, this is...a lot.You bought an entire apartment just to be near me?"

He steps closer, his eyes never leaving mine."I told you, Clodagh.I want to be part of your life.I want to make up for the time we lost."

My heart races as he closes the distance between us.His hand comes up to cup my cheek, his thumb gently stroking my skin."I know this is fast," he murmurs."And I know you need time.But I'm not going anywhere.Not again."

I lean into his touch, closing my eyes.The rational part of my brain is screaming at me to slow down, to think this through.But my heart, my body, they're singing a different tune.

"Kiss me," I whisper, opening my eyes to meet his intense gaze.

Emmanuel doesn't hesitate.His lips capture mine in a searing kiss, full of passion and promise.I melt into him, my arms wrapping around his neck as he pulls me flush against his body.

The kiss deepens, and I feel myself getting lost in the sensation.Emmanuel's hands roam my back, leaving trails of fire in their wake.When we finally break apart, we're both breathing heavily.

"Clodagh," Emmanuel says, his voice rough with desire, "we should slow down.I don't want to rush you into anything."

I shake my head, my fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck."I've waited eight months, Emmanuel.I don't want to wait anymore."

His eyes darken with lust, but he still hesitates."Are you sure?We can take this slow if you need?—"

I cut him off with another kiss, pouring all my longing and desire into it.When I pull back, I look him straight in the eye."I'm sure."

That's all the confirmation Emmanuel needs.In one swift motion, he lifts me up, my legs automatically wrapping around his waist.As he carries me toward the bedroom, I can't help but think that this birthday turned out better than I could have ever imagined.

The second we’re in his bedroom, he’s slowly undressing me, his gaze filled with heat as he takes in my body.I feel a little self-conscious.I’ve never done anything like this before.

“You’re so fucking sexy,” he says thickly.

My breathing deepens as he continues to look at me with hungry eyes.“Emmanuel,” I whimper.

“I’ve got you, baby,” he tells me.“Go lie on the bed,” he instructs, and I swallow hard at his command.I hurry to the bed.The anticipation of what’s to come makes my stomach flip, but there’s also a little fear mixed with it.

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