Page 106 of Where We Bloom

“Why?” she whispers against my lips.

Because I love you, and you’ve become my world, mo rúnsearc.

But given she’s overwhelmed by the largesse of my life, I’m waiting to tell her that.

“Because I need you with me.” After one more kiss, I back away. “Have your shower. Fresh towels are over there on the warming rack. I’ll set some clothes on the bed for you.”

“Thank you.”

Before I can leave the room, she hops down and rushes over to wrap her arms around me.

“Thank you,” she says again, and I plant my lips on her head.

“You’re more than welcome. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to tell me.”

“I think you already thought of everything.”

“That was the goal. Get cozy, and I’ll order some food.”

I set out an old T-shirt for my girl, and when I get downstairs, Miller and Simon have delivered the bags. I find Miller in the kitchen, drinking a bottleof water.

“Do you want pizza?” I ask him as I pull my phone out to order. “We’re hungry.”

“I won’t turn it down,” he replies. “Simon’s settled in downstairs. He’ll be Billie’s detail while we’re in New York. Do you want him in Ireland?”

“No, she’ll be with us most of the time in Ireland. I knew she’d be on her own a lot here, and I want someone with her.” I finish ordering online and pocket my phone. “Why do you look more uptight than normal?”

“Someone’s not happy about the new build in Sweden.”

“Lots of people aren’t happy about that build.” I rake my hand through my hair. “We should have pulled out of that project. It’s done nothing but piss me the fuck off.”

“They’re pissed enough that they decided to send you a threat.”

I narrow my eyes on him. “What kind of threat?”

“Stop the build immediately, or they’ll kill you.”

I shake my head. Death threats happen frequently, but this time, Miller’s face doesn’t change.

“This isn’t an idle threat,” he says. “It came from an extremist group that’s been on the watch list for a decade. They mean what they say.”

“I want Simon in Ireland,” I decide, changing my mind.Nothing is ever going to touch my girl.“And back in Montana. If he’s willing to relocate, he can be a permanent part of the detail.”

“He’s willing,” Miller replies. “I think it’s smart.”

We talk for another thirty minutes. The pizza arrives just as Billie’s coming down the stairs.

“Pizza’s in the lobby,” I say to Miller.

“I’ll get it,” he replies and crosses to the elevator.

“Does Miller ever sleep?” Billie asks when she reaches me. She wraps her arms around me for a hug, the way she always does when she greets me.

“I assume so.” I kiss her lips and skim my fingers over her neck. “How was your shower?”

“Heavenly. I think that whole bathroom is a religious experience. I might just live in there for the rest of my life. Toss food at me and I’ll be fine.”

I chuckle and brush my nose over hers. “You’re funny, bumble.”

---