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34
SUMMER
Waking up in Ciarán’s bedroom, still tangled in the luxurious white sheets of his king-size bed, the soft morning light filters through the vast windows, casting a warm glow on the polished hardwood floors and modern furnishings. It’s a stark contrast to the dangerous world that exists outside these walls.
Laying here, I giggle and think about last night, how Ciarán’s strong arms wrapped around me, his lips pressing against mine with feverish intensity. My heart races as I recall the way he looked at me like he could see straight into my soul. It’s unbelievable, really, how quickly and deeply I’ve fallen for this man – the mafia leader who’s captured my heart.
“Morning, beautiful,” Ciarán says, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. He leans over me and brushes a stray strand of hair away from my eyes. “Sleep well?”
“Very well,” I reply, feeling the corners of my mouth lift into a smile. I trace my fingers gently over the contours of his inked skin, admiring the artwork that adorns his muscular body. There is a sense of possessiveness toward him, an emotion that both excites and scares me when I trace over the carving of my name. “Mine.”
His eyes light up. “Good,” he murmurs, planting a tender kiss on my forehead. His blue eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, the rest of the world fades away. It’s just us, Summer and Ciarán, entwined in this intimate moment.
“Last night was incredible,” I whisper, unable to hide the awe in my voice. And it truly was – an experience unlike any other. But even more than the physical pleasure, the emotional connection has left me breathless.
Ciarán smirks, his confidence evident. “I need to clean the butt prints off the window.”
“What?” Sitting up to glare at the window, I see the smears left over from our passion. “It’s a fucking good thing you live in the sky.”
He chuckles. “Welive in the sky, Tinks, and I promise you, you will be safe in this castle. I have people coming over to install state-of-the-art security systems, the works. If I ever have to leave you, I need to know you will be safe.”
A surge of warmth fills my chest as I hear his words. This man, this powerful and dangerous gang leader, has somehow found a place in his dark heart for me. It’s terrifying but, at the same time, exhilarating.
“Thank you,” I reply softly, kissing him. His lips meet mine with a gentle passion that leaves me aching for more.
As our lips part, I know one thing for certain: I’m irrevocably, undeniably in love with Ciarán Gannon.
“Summer,” Ciarán says, his voice low and urgent, pulling me from my thoughts. “I have to attend to some business today.” His eyes are serious, reflecting the weight of his responsibilities. “I’d like you to come with me.”
The intensity of his gaze sends shivers down my spine, but I don’t hesitate in my response. If being with Ciarán means sharing in his dangerous world, then that’s a risk I’m willing to take. “Of course, I’ll go with you.” My tone is steady, belying the excitement that courses through me at the prospect of spending more time by his side, of everyone seeing us together.
“Good,” he replies, his lips curving into a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. He knows the risks involved, and it’s clear that he’s doing his best to protect me from them. It’s both thrilling and terrifying, knowing I’m willingly stepping into this unknown territory for the man I love. “I need you to see me for who I am.”
“I already do.”
Smiling sadly, he takes my hand and kisses it. “No, you see the man behind the mask. It’s time for the masquerade to start, and I need to kick some fucking heads in. If it gets too much for you, promise me you will leave and come straight home. I won’t be able to bring you. Last night’s clusterfuck is something that absolutely has to be squashed, leaving no fucking doubt who is in charge. If it scares you, ifIscare you, promise me you will remember me as I am with you.”
Cupping his face, I kiss his lips lightly. “I promise.” There is no point burying my head in the sand and attempting to convince him or me that he won’t terrify me, nor do I want to try to talk him out of it and find another way to deal with it. I know who he is. I accept him as he is.
“Good girl. Come with me.” He takes my hand and pulls me from the bed, leading me stark naked through the apartment.
He gestures toward a large bag sitting on a sleek, glass table. “I have a surprise for you,” he says, his voice low and husky.
I approach the table, excitement bubbling up. The first thing I notice is an array of fresh groceries – fruits, vegetables, and various delicacies that make my mouth water.
Peeking in the bag, I find a set of racy underwear that leaves little to the imagination—a black leather bra with nipple holes and crotchless panties. A shiver runs down my spine as I think about wearing them for him later. “You know my sizes,” I murmur, remembering that he has been through my underwear drawer at home.
He snickers, not even denying what he did. “I do.”
There is something else, though. I pull out a stunning backless dress with thin straps. The material is soft and silky, gliding over my fingertips as I hold it up. It’s a deep shade of emerald green that would undoubtedly complement my eyes and make my skin glow. The seductive design will hug my body, leaving my back completely exposed.
As I examine the dress more closely, I realize that when I wear it, Ciarán’s name – etched into my skin down my spine – will be prominently displayed for all to see. It’s a testament to the possessiveness and protectiveness he feels towards me. The thought sends a thrill through me, knowing that I’ll be marked as his wherever we go.
“I see what you’ve done here.”
“When I walk you into my world for the first time, I want everyone to know that you’re mine, that I am yours, and anyone who fucks with you, fucks with me. It will offer you some protection from those in the know.”
His words ignite a fire that burns as bright as the sun.
