Page 152 of Where We Bloom

He nods and leaves my office, and I make a quick call to my angel.

“Hey,” she says as she accepts the video call. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. I see you made it to Dublin.”

“Aye,” I reply, soaking her in. “Angel, I need you to do me a favor.”

“Okay.”

“I need you to stick with Simon. Let him drive you wherever you need to go.”

“It’s so annoying,” she mutters and closes her eyes, and I can see her fatigue. Christ, she’s not sleeping.

Because I’m not there.

The guilt is swift and all-consuming as I lean back in my chair, wishing I could pull her close and hold her in my arms.

“When was the last time you got a good night’s sleep, bumble?”

She shakes her head. “I’m fine.”

“Answer the question.”

She nibbles on her bottom lip. “How long have you been gone?”

“Baby, come to Ireland. I’ll send the jet for you right now, and you can be here by morning. Come to me.”

“I wish I could.” She sounds defeated, and it makes me ache for her. “I can’t leave again so soon. I have too much work to do. But you’ll be home soon, right?”

“I’m doing my best. Trust me, I don’t like being away from you, either. It should hopefully just be a few more days, and then I’ll be home for a while.”

“Good.” She smiles sweetly. “I have Birdie’s dance recital tonight. Skyla’s disappointed that you won’t be here for it.”

It seems I’m just letting all my girls down this week.

“I’m sorry I won’t be there, but I’ll call her after we hang up. Take Simon with you, Billie.”

“Okay, billionaire, I’ll take my babysitter.”

“Not a babysitter. Your detail because I want you safe. I love you.”

“Iamsafe. I’m home. Nothing’s going to happen to me here, baby. There’s always someone around.”

I take a deep breath. “Try to get some sleep tonight.”

“I’ll do my best.” She grins at me. “Don’t worry about me.”

“That’s impossible.”

“Go finish ruling the world so you can come home.”

“Okay. Be good, keep Simon with you, and stay out of trouble.”

“Who, me?” She bats her eyelashes playfully. “I’dneverget into trouble.”

“Right. Tell me you love me.”

“More than all the stars in the sky, billionaire.”

She hangs up, and I close my eyes. Christ, I miss her.

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