Page 42 of A Forbidden Love (Fraser Crime Syndicate 3)

I pull back and pick up the plate just as Ryan comes out of the room. His eyes scan me in a way that makes me feel like he’s checking every inch of me is okay, even though he could watch me on the monitors in that room. I give him a reassuring look and then start towards the lift.

“Thank you, for the cakes.”

“Anytime. I have to fill my time with something while your brother is off doing whatever he does. I’m baking enough to open my own bakery,” she jokes.

We finish our goodbyes and Ryan calls for the lift. As soon as we step inside it and the doors close, I slip my free hand—the one not holding the plate—into his.

“I missed you,” I tell him, keeping my eyes locked on the floor counter.

“I missed you too,” he admits.

It makes my heart swell.

The doors slide open, and we break apart. I have no idea if my brothers have cameras set up outside the apartment, but it’s not a good idea to test it.

Ryan walks us to the front door, his eyes moving around as he makes sure it’s safe. He unlocks it and urges me inside with his hand pressed against the small of my back.

“Wait here,” he says to me as he shuts the door behind us.

I do as he asks as he moves into the apartment, checking for danger. I hate that he is putting himself in the firing line for me, so I’m relieved when he returns and indicates it’s safe.

I walk into the kitchen and place the cakes on the counter.

“Sariah is baking,” he observes.

I don’t care about Sariah. I care about us in this moment. I turn to him. “You wanted me to be sure,” I say. His brows draw together.

“Lia…”

“I’m sure. Really sure. I want you to make love to me, Ryan, and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

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