Page 20 of Malicious Wedding

“Stubborn. Mouthy. Selfish.”

“Losing me.”

“Generous and caring. Not many people would’ve taken on Bottle of Smoke the way you did and managed to keep it going.”

I smile to myself. “I had help.”

“That’s another thing. You see good in people. You find diamonds in the rough and draw them to you. That little family you built? It’s impressive. Your very own crew.”

I snort, shaking my head. “Not a crew. Just employees.”

“Same thing. I’ve always been fascinated by you, Ash. All these years.”

“You’re talking like you’ve held a torch for me or something. Are you obsessed, Carson?” I smile to myself. The idea of a Crowley, obsessed withme, is the best joke I’ve heard in forever.

But he doesn’t reply right away. I almost forget about him until his voice yanks me from sleep. “You should get out.”

“You’d like that,” I murmur. “Trying to get me naked, I bet. Are you going to peep?”

“I do want you naked, but I don’t plan on violating your trust.”

“Trust? There’s no trust here.” I sigh and pull the drain plug. “Keep the door shut.”

He grunts his assent. I get out, dripping on the mat, and dry myself roughly. I hesitate but decide to floss and brush now. When I’m done, I wrap the towel around myself tightly, annoyed that I didn’t think to bring a change of clothes, and step into the hall.

Carson’s sitting on the floor. He looks up at me, staring with his mouth open. Burning like a wildfire. “Hello, Ash.”

“Don’t hello me.” I step over him and go into my room. If my vagina could scream, it’d be begging me to invite him in. “You can have the futon. You look exhausted.”

His eyes haunt me as I glance over my shoulder. He’s staring, not moving. A massive man in an expensive suit, slumped down on my floor. “I’d prefer sleeping in that bed with you.”

“And I’d prefer a gun and a guard dog. Instead, I’ve got you. Are you staying over or what?”

“I’m staying. I wouldn’t leave you for anything.”

“That’s an extremely weird thing to say, Carson.”

“Goodnight, Ash. You look beautiful like that.”

“In nothing but a towel? I bet.” I try not to blush, but it’s impossible. Damn Irish pale skin. “Go to sleep.”

“Sweet dreams.”

He doesn’t move as I close my door. I hesitate—then turn the handle’s lock.

I swear he laughs as I quickly pull on sleep clothes and crawl into bed.

Chapter10

Ash

Iwake to the smell of coffee.

It’s actually kind of nice. For a few seconds, I lie there staring at the ceiling. None of my problems have resolved in my brain yet. I smile to myself, shimmying slightly, digging down into the sheets, wondering what special gift I’ve given myself to have freshly brewed coffee ready to go first thing, until I realize who’s out there.

Then I sit bolt upright.

My door’s still closed. Nothing looks disturbed. Carson didn’t break in under the cover of darkness—not that I could tell anyway.

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