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Do I want to move in with the man I love? Of course. Am I a little afraid we’ll be moving too fast? I look at Roisin and Declan and I’m not so sure.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were unhappy at school?” There’s an edge of hurt in Declan’s voice that has my heart clenching.
“I didn’t want you to worry about me. It’s a decision I needed to make for me.” I soften my voice, “You’ve always put me first, Declan, and given me room to grow. I know you’re proud of me and I didn’t want you to be disappointed that I was moving home, especially after I made such a big deal about moving away.”
“I love you, Saoirse, and I could never be disappointed in you for making the right decision for your happiness.”
I arch an eyebrow at my brother, the challenge clear. “Then that means you’ll accept and respect the relationship I have with Conor.”
An even bigger and longer sigh leaves my brother. “It seems I don’t really have much of a choice.” He glances at Roisin and mutters, “Especially since I’m out numbered.”
I look at the woman who has quickly become like a sister to me and she winks at me. “I can be very persuasive, and I have the right weapons at my disposal,” her words are full of amusement.
As much as I don’t want to think about what those weapons are, I’m damn glad she’s on my side.
“Well,” Roisin stands up and offers her hand to Declan, “it seems the family meeting is over, and all parties are walking away happy. I for one am dying to get these shoes off.” Declan takes her hand but stands without her helping him. “Oh, I almost forgot,” she exclaims and looks at Conor, “congratulations on winning your fight.”
Conor gives her a nod of acknowledgement and she tries to pull Declan away. This time he’s not budging, and she lets out a huff of annoyance. My brother points at Conor, “You might be my best friend and a man I rely on, but if you hurt her then your body will never be found.”
“If it comes to that,” Conor’s voice is solemn, “I know the perfect spot.”
With a chin lift, Declan turns and leads Roisin out of the room. I can hear her voice cooing at him as they walk away, and I find myself smiling as my heart tries to beat right out of my chest. That went better than it could have gone, by far.
I turn to look at Conor and he’s already looking down at me. “Come to my place. Let me show it to you before we talk about where you’re going to be living next semester.”
As much as I should fight him on it, I do want to see his place and I do want to live with him.
I give him a cheeky smile as I nod. “So, you love me?”
Conor’s eyes soften as he looks down at me. “You love me?”
“More than I could ever say,” I murmur, his eyes darting between mine and my lips.
He doesn’t answer me in words, he kisses me like I’m the last breath he’s ever going to take. It speaks volumes.
But then he whispers against my lips, “I love you,mo bhanphrionsa. Thank you for giving me a chance.”
CHAPTER 10
CONOR
I should have known Saoirse would be up extra early this morning. It’s Christmas after all and my woman’s favorite time of year. I didn’t think we’d be up just as the sun started to rise, but it’s not like early mornings are foreign to me. In my line of work, late nights and early mornings are the norm.
Can’t say I wasn’t looking forward to a lazy and late morning in my bed with my woman though.
Yes, my bed.
After our talk with Declan, I brought her to my place, and I haven’t let her go back to her brother’s except to grab some of her stuff. This is where she belongs and I’m fairly sure she agrees with me.
Finding out that she’s not going back to California was a huge fucking relief. I was worried about the prospect of her going back and being so far away from me. I know Declan is probably relieved as well, and I bet Jamie will be thrilled to not have to go back and keep an eye on my woman.
I saw her at the party the other night looking at Jamie, but I don’t think she recognized him. I wonder how pissed she’ll be if she ever figures out that he was the one following her the last few months. At least I won’t be the one in the hot seat on that one.
Sure, I might have used his assignment to keep tabs on my woman, and I’m not going to apologize for it, but I’m not the one who gave him the job. That shit storm will come down on Declan and Ronan. Though, she couldn’t have really thought Declan would let her go all the way to the other side of the country without backup. Right?
I wrap my woman up in my arms and pull her into my lap. There’s bits of paper and ribbon on the floor and the couple of gifts we got each other are piled onto the coffee table. It’s perfect.
“Our first Christmas,” she murmurs happily, and I can’t help but smile down at the woman who holds my heart.
