Page 33 of Savage Promises

Lennox glances at me, her expression unreadable. But the tension is a slow-moving fire between us.

When my mother asks when will she finally meet Neve, knocking me from my thoughts, Lennox’s protective instincts kick in immediately. “Between practices and tournaments, her schedule is really...tight.”

My mother’s lips thin in disapproval. “Does she not understand what’s at stake here?”

I set my spoon down deliberately against the rim of the bowl, the sound echoing in the room. “Enough, Ma,” I say firmly. “Lennox isn’t responsible for Neve’s misplaced priorities. I’ll handle it. I’ll handle Neve.” The words burn my tongue.

I want to handle Lennox.Manhandle her. Throw her on my bed and fuck her until she comes so hard around my cock, she practically passes out. Even if I’m supposed to marry her sister.

“It’s your situation to handle, Shane. But either I stay on top of you or...”

“Or?” I encourage Ma to finish.

“Or your brother will.”

Laughing, I say, “You think I need protection from Griffin?”

Ma smiles warmly, almost sadly. “No. I’ve been blessed with sons who adore each other and their sister. You are all loyal and protective. I’ve seen the opposite in some families.”

Especially other Irish clans. They can be ruthless and backstabbing. With all Ma’s had to deal with emotionally,I’m glad my brothers never gave her a day of worry that we’d turn on each other. But let’s face it, when my da was strong, he’d have strung up any one of us if we dared to betray the family.

Da came up with our family motto. After saying Grace before meals, he would say those words.We’re one.

Pushing all of this away, I change the subject.

“So... Club Echelon. You’ve done something really impressive with it,” I say, unable to hide how proud I am of her. “You’ve turned that place into a success, Lennox.”

She blinks, caught off guard by the compliment. “Thank you. It’s been a lot of work.”

“Understatement of the year.” I put down my wine glass. “Your father didn’t exactly hand it over to you in pristine condition.”

“No, he didn’t. But I enjoyed the process.” A wry smile tugs at her lips. “Unfortunately, the club is still in his name and he won’t sell it to me. I have plans to open a place of my own.”

My heart thumps against my ribs at her ambition. “All yours this time?”

“That’s the goal,” she admits, her voice steady but tinged with a vulnerability I didn’t expect. “Finding adequate funding won’t be easy if it’s to be in my name only.”

I nearly scoff, ready to offer her the cash she needs right now this second. Old man Donnelly’s finances are hanging by a thread. Heck, he’s probably sucking Lennox dry, while she’s doing all the hard work.

Throwing around money doesn’t make me stronger. It makes me look like a condescending prick. If anyone would turn down money from me, even a loan, it’s Lennox.

“You’ll figure something out.” I nudge her foot gently under the table with a smile, hoping to get one back.

“I always do, Shane.” She finishes her stew, staring into the bowl. “I always do.”

After dinner, Ma makes Irish coffees for us and hands Lennox sheets of stapled paper. “Here is what I would like for the wedding, along with a guest list.”

Lennox takes a sip of her coffee, and I stuff down a giggle at the whipped cream mustache on her upper lip. But my reaction turns into a blazing erection because I want to lick it off her. Grab a can of whipped cream and decorate my cock then watch her lick away every inch.

Squeezing my thighs to get under control, I take the sheets and peruse them, looking for anything outrageous. “I don’t see the need for us to pretend that Neve will come around or care enough to object to any of this. And with Lennox working full time at her club...”

“I can make myself available,” she says softly.

So self-sacrificing.

Ma nods and takes the papers back. “I know your ma’s gone, dear. Bless her soul. If it’s acceptable, I’ll proceed with the arrangements.”

“And by handling the arrangements you mean you’re going to hire Shea O’Rourke,” I tease my mother.

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