Page 180 of Illicit Monster

"Okay," I state.

Before I left, I put dozens of different outfits we picked out into my bag. Yet I have no doubt what Arianna picked will probably be best. She has an amazing sense of fashion. She claims I do too, but hers is on a different level.

She questions, "Is Tynan back?"

I shake my head. My heart pounds harder. "He's been gone a few days. He's supposed to return soon. I just don't know when."

Her face falls. She admits, "I know how that goes. Killian does that to me all the time."

"I can't wait until we're here full-time. It sucks that he's constantly leaving."

She tilts her head. "And you still don't want to return to Ireland when he goes? Just for a quick visit?"

We haven't talked much because it's been over the phone. She only came into town last night. We had dinner, and I did confess a lot about what happened with my da, but I also changed the subject quickly, not wanting it to ruin our night. I still get emotional when I think about him. I suppose I always will.

She assured me what I was feeling was normal. Then she told me how her ex-boyfriend had kidnapped her and about some of the things she still struggles with. I think it helped me to know that I'm not alone.

My phone rings, and I glance at it. Tynan's face lights up the screen. I chirp, "Speaking of the devil."

"Well, go on and answer it," she urges.

I chirp, "Hey, babes."

His deep voice fills the line, and my heart aches. He says, "That's the voice I've missed hearing."

I insist, "No, yours is the one I've missed."

He chuckles. "I'm glad ya miss me as much as I miss you."

"I do," I affirm.

"I'll be home tomorrow but it'll be after midnight."

Excitement fills me. "This upcoming midnight?"

"No. The next one," he answers.

"Well, I'm glad you're coming home. I can't wait to see ya."

"Same, princess. What are ya doing to stay busy today?"

"Arianna just picked me up. We're going shopping," I say, not wanting to tell him our photo shoot plans.

He groans. "Do you two ever not shop?"

"It's our favorite thing to do," I claim.

She smirks at me. "Tell him we're using your credit card today."

"I heard that. Tell her I said no," he states.

But I know it wouldn't be a big deal if I wanted to use it for us. I've learned that there's no amount of money I could spend that he'd get upset about. Yet I don't ever go overboard. I'm still getting used to the fact I now have unlimited resources and don't have to struggle for anything. If it weren't for Arianna, I probably wouldn't ever buy anything.

He asserts, "Okay, sunshine, I've got to go. But I wanted to tell ya I'll be home soon."

I exclaim, "I can't wait to see ya!"

"Me too. Stay safe, okay?" he says, and I hear the slight fear in his voice. As much as he doesn't want to admit it, I know he worries about me, even though they always have multiple guards on Arianna and me. It's cute that he worries, but the other part of me doesn't like it.

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