Page 67 of The Silencer

"Okay," I say finally."I'll stay here while you're gone.But I have classes and a life.I won’t be stuck inside all day."

Relief washes over Emmanuel's face."Thank you," he says softly, pulling me into his arms."I promise I'll make it up to you when I get back."

As I settle against his chest, I can't help but wonder what I'm getting myself into.This relationship with Emmanuel is new and exciting, but it's also complicated.There's so much pain from our past, not to mention so much we don’t know about one another.

But as I listen to the steady beat of his heart, I realize that I'm willing to face those challenges.Because being with Emmanuel, as scary and uncertain as it might be, feels right.It feels like coming home.

"Just promise me one thing," I murmur against his skin.

"Anything," he replies without hesitation.

"Promise me you'll always be honest with me.Even if you think the truth might scare me or push me away.I need to know I can trust you completely."

Emmanuel tilts my chin up, his eyes meeting mine with unwavering intensity."I promise, Clodagh.No more secrets between us."Emmanuel's voice is solemn, his eyes never leaving mine.

I nod, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension."Okay.Thank you."

He pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to my forehead."Get some sleep, baby.We'll talk more in the morning before I leave."

I fall to sleep tucked safely in his arms.I’m falling so hard for him and I don’t want to stop it.It’s always been Emmanuel for me.

* * *

I hear rustling and I wake to find Emmanuel already dressed, packing a small bag.My heart sinks.Our time together is coming to an end, at least for now.

"Hey," he says softly when he notices I'm awake."I didn't mean to wake you."

I sit up, pulling the sheet around me."It's okay.What time do you have to leave?"

He winces.“Soon.I was going to say goodbye before I left.”

I sigh.“It’s okay.Do you need a hand?”

He gives me a soft smile.“I’m all good, baby.Thanks.”

I quickly move to the bathroom and get ready.When I exit the bedroom, he’s waiting for me by the door, his bag at his feet.Fuck, he’s leaving already.Sadness hits me, but I bury it deep.I always knew it was going to happen; it just came about a lot sooner than I had hoped.But I feel a lot better about us than I thought I would.I feel secure, I trust him, and I believe he wants this, that he wants me.

Emmanuel pulls me into a tight embrace, burying his face in my hair."I'm going to miss you," he murmurs.

I wrap my arms around him, breathing in his scent."I'll miss you too.How long do you think you'll be gone?"

He pulls back slightly, meeting my eyes."A week, maybe two at most.I’ll call you once I’m in Dublin.”

I nod, knowing that it’s around a three-hour drive.I’ll be worried until I get that phone call.“Go,” I tell him.If he doesn’t leave now, I’m going to find it harder to say goodbye.

Emmanuel presses a kiss to my lips, and the moment I sink into his embrace, he sweeps his tongue into my mouth, deepening the kiss.I moan softly, my fingers gripping his shirt as I lose myself in the sensation.

When we finally break apart, we're both breathless.Emmanuel rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed.

"I have to go," he says reluctantly, but makes no move to leave.

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat."I know.Be safe, okay?"

He pulls back, cupping my face in his hands."Always.And you stay safe too.Remember to call me if anything feels off, no matter how small."

"I will," I promise.

Emmanuel kisses me one last time, quick but full of emotion, before grabbing his bag.At the door, he turns back to look at me.

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