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“Nothing yet, except be there. I need to go back to my penthouse.” As I ponder the boring question, I almost don’t ask it, but then it comes out in a rush. “Will you come with me?”
Her hands move to mine, her touch warm and grounding. “Yes,” she says without the slightest hesitation, determination shining in her eyes. “Where you go, I go.”
The thought of dragging her into my world terrifies me, but her unwavering support fills me with a gratitude I can’t put into words, but I have to check.
“Are you sure?
She looks up at me, her blue eyes filled with a strength that only heightens my infatuation with her. “Ciarán, I want to be with you, no matter what that means. If you’re going into the storm, then so am I.”
Admiring her courage, even though it scares me, I return her smile. My life is a whirlwind of violence and danger, and the thought of Summer being hurt again because of my choices makes my heart clench in fear.
“Okay.”
“Can I shower and change first? I’m covered in grime, blood, sweat and...other things.” She averts her gaze, which sets off my sensitive alarm bells.
“What other stuff? Thal, did he do something to you?”
“It’s nothing. He didn’t hurt me; I just feel gross and need to shower.”
Nodding slowly, I accept that for now. However, I will kill him if he even laid a finger on her.
Giving me a small smile before disappearing up the stairs, as soon as she’s out of sight, I pull out my phone, checking the hidden cameras I’ve set up throughout her house. Lingering in the doorway, ironically not wanting to invade her private space again, my fingers tap on the screen, cycling through the different angles and views, ensuring that there are no threats lurking in the shadows. For now, the house is secure, but can I let her stay here without me? Chances are that will land in the over my dead body category. How will she feel when I demand that she move in with me so I can keep an eye on her always? We’re stepping into a maelstrom, and I only hope we can weather the storm that will inevitably come our way.
As I continue to flick through the views on my phone, I come across the one in her bedroom. My pulse pounds as Summer begins to undress for her shower. I’m immediately captivated by the sight of her. The delicate curves of her body leave me breathless. Despite seeing her on the cams and having fucked her twice, I haven’t had the good fortune to explore her body yet, to touch her in places that will make her beg for more. I know I shouldn’t be watching her like this, but I can’t tear my eyes away from the screen.
Trying to force myself to look away, my eyes betray me, drawn back to her beauty. As I watch her, my feelings for her claw at my insides, begging for release. I should walk away now, desperate to ward off the encroaching shadows that threaten to engulf us. But I can’t. I need her like I need air to breathe.
My thoughts drift to Cathal. That fucking wanker. He had to swoop in and be the fucking hero. I should kill him just for that. Summer ismineto save. Not his.
But then I remember the way he looked at her, the way she went to him and held him, and most importantly, the way he held her. It was surprising. Thal is a closed-off son of a bitch. I don’t know if it’s just the way his mind and body works or if he genuinely just doesn’t connect with people or find them of any interest, but since we were about sixteen years old, at the height of the abuse we were inflicted with, he shut down. Not in the same way I did. I fostered the pain and anger and created a monster that lurks under the surface. Thal just went completely dead, devoid of any emotion. I shake my head when I think of Caden, who went the exact opposite way and chose to thrive in the darkness. But then that’s him—the optimist who always makes the best of a bad situation.
Even that.
But Thal saved Summer from Mark. There is no getting away from that. The resentment festers, fueled by my wounded pride. It should’ve been me. It wasmyresponsibility. The thought gnaws at my conscience, feeding my internal turmoil.
“Ready?” Summer’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.
I hastily shove my phone into my pocket, guilt settling heavily in my chest. She stands before me, dressed in a fresh set of clothes, her wet hair clipped on top of her head. An overnight bag dangles from her hand, signaling her intention to spend the night with me.
“Yeah, let’s go.” I force a smile, reaching out to take her bag.
In return, she offers a small, uncertain smile as I lead her out the door.
As we step outside, I try to focus on the task ahead, but my conflicting emotions threaten to overwhelm my resolve. I know I must protect Summer at all costs, even if that means confronting my own demons – and those of my brothers. She won’t accept anything less, and she deserves to know.
Opening the car door for Summer; she slides into the passenger seat. The weight of my conflicting emotions bears down on me as I close the door and circle around to the driver’s side.
Chucking the bag in the back, the silence in the car is thick as I start the engine and pull away from her house. Rain still lashes against the windshield, the rhythm of the wipers slicing through the darkness and reflecting the turmoil inside. Glancing over at Summer, her eyes are fixed on the storm outside, deep in thought. I wonder if she’s thinking about the future and what lies ahead for her at my side. Or is she taking it one minute at a time?
“Are you okay?” I finally ask, unable to bear the quiet any longer.
She turns towards me, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Yeah, just thinking.”
“About what?” I need to understand her perspective.
Looking back out of the window, she sighs. “Everything.”
Reaching over, I place my hand on her thigh, craving the connection between us. The warmth of her skin from the hot shower lingers through her leggings beneath my fingertips and sends a jolt of electricity up my arm, momentarily drowning out the chaos in my mind. She offers me a small, reassuring smile, and I feel the tension in my chest begin to ease. Touching her seems to do that. It calms the beast.
