Page 108 of Demanding Mob Boss

"That only happens when you are triggered. Your life now isn't set up to have a lot of those."

"When the kids are in school, there will be back to school nights. Stuff like that."

"And if you aren't in a good place to go, have their dad take them."

Even though she doesn't like Cian, Ini knows he would do that. Just like I do. He's not emotionally available to most people, but he is to me. He will be to our children.

I only have to look at how he is with his family to know that even if he doesn't feel the same way as he does with me, he'll be a good dad. He's a good son and brother. And cousin.

He may not be a good man, but he is good to the people that matter to him. A lot of so-called good men can't claim that.

Ini is there when my bodyguards and I go to the apartment to pack up my stuff. She helps and even has one of my favorite cupcakes to celebrate me falling in love and moving in with my boyfriend.

It's only when she says that I realize neither I, nor Cian, have used the word love.

Does he mind? Does he expect me to say it first? Because I do love him. So much it hurts. Does he love me? He's never said. I'm not sure he knows how to love. Not like I love him. He said once that he didn't, but he also said that being with me makes him feel.

Wanting to keep me doesn't mean that's changed, but how he treats me? It's all I need.

CIAN

I stop by Mrs. Hart's apartment and then Ini's. I need them to know about their account at the grocers I set up. Mrs. Hart offers me tea and thanks me.

Ini's reaction isn't nearly as positive.

She glares at me and snaps, "You can't buy my approval with groceries."

"I don't need your approval. Anna is moving in with me." There is no question about that. She's already packed up her things and taken them to my place.

I gave her the code to the panic room. She can use it as her safe space, like her lean-to tent.

"Then why?" Ini asks suspiciously.

"I want Anna to be happy. Knowing you have food and a place to live will make her happy. If you want to quit your job and go to school full time. Done. If you want to transfer to a university, done. Just stay the hell away from the frat parties."

Ini looks shaken. "You don't mean that."

"I don't say things I don't mean, Ini. You are important to Anna." She's my girl's sister-by-choice and that makes her family.

I take care of my family.

ANNA

Things around the office remain tense but when we are alone in our apartment together, Cian lets the stress go. Sometimes our lovemaking is volatile, but I like that and I give as good as I get.

We make love every night and most mornings.

Before we go to sleep, he always spends on my breasts and rubs it into my skin. The scent has become so comforting to me that even when I wake from a bad dream, I go right back to sleep because it's there.

~ ~ ~

A few days later, things are even more tense than they have been, with a dozen men coming to talk to Cian throughout the day.

At four o'clock, he has me shift to my old desk in Connor's office area while he meets with Lachlan, Mr. Byrne, and some men I don't know.

I'm finishing up an email when Connor stops by my desk. He asks for my phone and I give it to him.

He taps on the screen for a few minutes and then hands it back. "I put Elliott's contact information in there. If something happens to me, you need to make sure my dad and mom take care of Elliott."

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