AllFreeNovel
Share Us
On a long sigh, I snuggle back into his embrace, finding comfort in its familiarity as I contemplate whether I can really come clean with Creed, not just about the night of his brother’s death, but also my feelings for him.
“I know you will.”
He presses a kiss to the top of my head as fireworks erupt in the sky, the entire city lighting up.
“Happy New Year, Esme.”
“Happy New Year, Mari.”
ChapterForty-Three
Creed
“I’m notsure this is a good idea,” I mutter when Lieutenant O’Kelly pulls up to Harriet’s row house across from the canals in the downtown area of Montrose.
It took everything I had to get into the SUV with Anderson, and in the back seat. I can’t remember the last time I’ve ridden back here with him. Probably before I was sworn in.
But he went around my back tonight, insisted Kylian be on duty so I could have the night off to celebrate his birthday.
Any other year, I would have refused. After he reminded me of everything he’d been through the past twelve months, I couldn’t deny him, not when he said all he wanted was to celebrate with the people he cares about the most.
“Why the bloody hell not?” Anderson retorts.
What do I tell him? That I’m still in love with his sister, even after I promised him I’d stay away so she could be happy? That I broke that promise and slept with her, which led to the destruction of her relationship with Tristan, the breakup having been headline news for a solid week after it was announced?
That I wish I could be with her, but it’s just not possible?
I’ve successfully avoided Esme since New York. Three months ago.
With Anderson spending more time in the States, it’s been easy to keep my distance, considering there’s often an ocean separating us.
Even when I’m in Belmont, I’ve assigned someone else to Anderson’s protection detail whenever Esme was slated to be at the same event. Not because I didn’t think I could control myself around her. But I didn’t want to make things difficult for her.
I didn’t want to make things difficult for me, either.
Tonight, I have no choice but to see her again. Spend hours with her. Stare at a living reminder of my greatest love… And my biggest regret.
“Things aren’t the same as they were when we were teenagers. I’m your chief protection officer.”
He pats my leg. “Not tonight, you aren’t. Tonight, you’re my friend. Kylian’s in charge of keeping me safe. Isn’t that right, mate?” He looks toward the front of the SUV.
“Sure is,” Kylian replies.
“Good. Now let’s go celebrate my birthday.”
Kylian jumps out of the SUV and runs around to open Anderson’s door. I meet him on the sidewalk, scanning the area out of habit.
“Enjoy your night, Lawson,” Kylian says. “You deserve a night off once in a while.”
“I don’t know what that even feels like anymore.”
“All the more reason to have some fun.” He winks, then addresses Anderson. “I’ll be standing by for when you’re ready to leave.”
“Thanks, Kylian.”
As I follow Anderson up the front steps, I’m about to renew my argument that I shouldn’t be here when the door swings open, Esme standing in the doorway.
I blink, my pulse kicking up of its own accord when I take in her short black dress and those same boots she wore in New York that I’ve fantasized about digging into my back far too many times to be healthy.
