Page 136 of Beneath the Quiet

“They haven’t found him yet, but I’m sure they will. When they do, he won’t get out of prison for a long time.”

We sit quietly for the longest time, and I process every word she’s said. Rage the likes I haven’t felt since Tierney died threatens to overtake me, but I put a lock on it, saving it for later. It’s not as if there’s anything I can do about the vile piece of shit, but I don’t like feeling powerless.

I also know I have to get a hold of myself for Maeve’s sake.

I pull back and place another gentle kiss on her lips. It’s not meant to ignite the passion between us this time. It’s meant to comfort.

I lift my hands to her face and brush soothing circles on her cheeks before I release her and lie down, keeping her on top of me. The pins and needles in my feet make me tighten my jaw, the discomfort a welcome distraction from her naked body as she snuggles closer.

“Was it so hard to tell me what happened?”

She snorts, the sound so delightfully like her that I forget my aching limbs and pull her down.

“No,” she admits. I wipe her hair away so I can see her properly. Her eyes are the softest I’ve ever seen, her smile shy, and I swear my heart does another loud ka-thunk in my chest.

She’s fucking adorable.

“Good. Now, how about we get dressed, and you come back to the farm to have dinner with me and Katie?”

Her eyes go round as saucers, and her mouth pops open.

“What?” she whispers. “When I look like this?”

I frown.

“Like what?”

“Like I’ve just been thoroughly fucked?” She jabs a finger into my chest. “If you’ve given me another love bite, I swear I’ll spank you.”

I hum.

“Kinky. But relax. You’ve been over for dinner before. Why are you making a fuss?”

She blows out a raspberry.

“It just feels different this time.”

My heart jumps in my chest, and I pull her closer, her naked crotch rubbing on me, making my head swim.

“Maybe it is different, but no need to get so worked up about it.”

She shakes her head and crosses her arms.

“Are you serious?”

“Like a heart attack,” I deadpan.

“Don’t be cute.”

“How am I being cute?”

“Never mind,” she grumbles and makes a feeble attempt at pushing me away, but I only tighten my grip on her hips. “Let me up.”

“Not until you tell me you’ll come home with me.”

“You’re doing it again.”

“Doing what?”