Page 81 of Problems

"I'm coming!" I tugged my sweater over my head carefully and folded it up on the couch. "Okay, now I'm ready."

Cian wrapped an arm around my back as he escorted me to the door. When our eyes met, he smiled. That one gesture was enough to make my heart pound in my chest. Even the psycho of the group made me feel like I would melt.

* * *

"We should head back soon,"Cian said as he sat on his swing, a cigarette dangling from his lips. "Seriously, I don't want to hear Finn's mouth today."

"Don't be cranky," I said. "I told you it's okay. Just because Finn and Ronan are softer--."

Cian groaned. "Will you shut up?"

I snickered under my breath. For once I had something to tease him about and I would milk it for all it was worth. Especially when it was the one time I saw his cheeks turn pink. I needed more of that.

"Stop it," he growled.

I laughed. I pushed off the ground and swung back and forth carefully to avoid my feet running into the wood chips so I didn't go flying.

"You really want to run shit back home?" Cian asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, of course. Are you going to help me?"

Cian tilted his head. "Would I have to stop being a reaper?"

I shrugged. "Only when I really needed you. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind if you kept doing your job."

Cian blew out a breath. "Then, of course," he said. "Although I still don't think you're ready. Someone's gonna kick your ass."

"You don't trust your training?"

He shoved a thumb into his chest. "I'm the best trainer there is. You're a delicate little princess though."

"I will throw wood chips in your face."

Cian clicked his tongue. "You do that and I'll fuck you in them."

I winced. "That sounds painful," I muttered.

Cian smirked. "That's the fun part."

I rolled my eyes as he laughed. There was no doubt in my mind he'd think that was hot. All I could picture were splinters in my knees. No thanks.

"We should head back."

I yawned. "Yeah, I guess so." I stood up and stretched. "Do I have to put your hoodie back on?"

"Yes."

I groaned as I tugged the black hoodie over my head. I was going to bake in the sun, but at least we weren't far from home. Already I'd dreamed up visions of ice cream. Cian took my hand. As we walked, he squeezed it. I loved when he held me. It was such a small thing, but I wanted to stay close to him all day just like this.

"Jack."

"Yeah?" I glanced up from our hands to a van as it skidded to a stop.

Four men hopped out. As they ran toward us, I froze. Cian reached for his gun, but before he could even get the safety off I watched them jump him. I stared in shock, the world around me eerily quiet before it came back all at once.

"Get off of him!" I screamed.

I ran toward Cian as arms circled around my waist. My feet lifted off the ground. I kicked and swung my arms, but whoever had grabbed me was strong. He tossed me over his shoulder as he spoke Chinese to his partners.

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