Page 90 of Reckless Promises

“Annoying?” He hitches an eyebrow. “You didn’t seem to mind when I used my attention to detail to make your pretty pussy come for me four times last night.”

I bite my lip. “Different circumstances.”

He chuckles, shaking his head and stopping beside me when I once more turn to face the mirror.

“Do you have to work today?” I ask, even if I already know his answer.

It doesn’t matter that it’s Sunday, Cillian doesn’t take days off.

He nods. “Shane will be here in an hour.”

“Why do you say it like that?” He forgets I can read him too, and whatever just made his tone curt has me curious what’s going on. “I thought you and Shane were doing better.”

“Now who’s being observant?” He smirks at me. “And we are, personally. But that doesn’t mean he’s happy with the direction I’m taking the family business.”

“Legit?”

“Yes and no.” He frowns. “It’s less about the legitimacy of it, and more that he thinks I’m tearing down our father’s empire to enact some imaginary vendetta.”

“If your father and brother saw things eye to eye, why didn’t your father just pass everything down to Shane. It’s not like it’s never been done before.” It’s rare, but I’ve seen it happen.

“My father was traditional through and through, and I’m the oldest. Didn’t matter if we got along or not. With men like him, tradition wins every time.”

“Men like him?”

Cillian’s eyebrows pinch as he looks at me. “Yes.”

“So not men like you?” I don’t know what I’m looking for. Confirmation. Comfort. Anything to take the edge off my fears.

“You’ve only ever been surrounded by men like them, so I get it.” Cillian grabs my waist and pulls me to him; his body heat is an instant comfort. “But that’s not me, Odette. And I’ll prove it to you until you believe me.”

“Or until I drive you insane.”

“Not possible.”

“You sure?”

Cillian narrows his gaze. “I’m sure.”

Tipping up on my toes, I can’t help kissing him. Melting myself against him. Moaning for him like his body demands my pleasure on contact. I rake my fingers into the back of his short hair, and he devours my mouth. But there is never getting enough of him.

Breaking apart, he doesn’t let me go as his face hovers over mine.

“I hope you’re right,” I admit, drawing circles on the back of his neck as I do. “I watched my mom survive it so long, it’s hard to believe that people can be any different. My dad had so many mistresses over the years, I don’t know how she survived them. Last July he spent three weeks in Paris with another woman. He would just go off-the-grid, not caring that he left his family behind. And that was one trip of many. I can’t imagine living with a husband like that.”

I’m lucky, so lucky. But I don’t say it, instead I repeat it to myself and feed this dangerous ounce of hope growing inside me.

“I’d bring you to Paris.” Cillian tips his forehead to mine.

And I can’t help but roll my eyes, because part of me believes him, but the other part is waiting for the rug to be pulled out. “I’m sure.”

“I’m serious.” Cillian hugs me tighter. “When all this is over, pick a place, and I’ll take you.”

“Anywhere?”

“Anywhere.” His gaze anchors me.

I believe him. I trust him. My heart is knocking on my ribcage with each beat.

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