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“Say it again,” he demands, his hands gripping my waist.“Tell me what you want.”

“I want you to fuck me, Eamon,” I moan, my head falling back as he fills me completely.

He doesn’t hold back, his thrusts are hard and deep.His grip on my hips tightens, his fingers digging into my skin as he drives me higher.

“You’re mine, Aoife,” he growls, his voice low and commanding.“Every inch of you.”

I meet him thrust for thrust, my nails raking down his back as the pleasure builds, spiraling out of control.His mouth finds mine again, his kiss all-consuming, as if he’s trying to claim me in every possible way.

When I shatter, it’s like a dam breaking, the pleasure crashing over me in waves.I cry out his name, my body trembling against his as he continues to drive into me, pushing me through the high.

Moments later, he follows, his rhythm faltering as he groans my name, his release spilling into me as his grip on my hips holds me firmly in place.

We stay like that for a moment, both of us breathing heavily.His forehead rests against mine, his hands softening their grip but still holding me close.

“No one disrespects what’s mine, Aoife.Not ever.”

The raw promise in his tone sends a shiver down my spine, and as his lips brush mine again, I know he means every word.

“I can handle myself,” I whisper, my fingers tracing the tattoos on his chest, trying to hold on to some semblance of control.

“I know,” he murmurs, his hand cupping my jaw, tilting my face up to meet his gaze.“But that doesn’t mean I won’t fight for you.Always.”

There’s no arguing with the certainty in his eyes, so I don’t try.

He presses one last kiss to my lips before easing me down from the counter.“You should get ready.We have reservations for dinner.”

“I think we should stay in,” I murmur, the words soft but suggestive, more invitation than suggestion.

His gaze darkens as his lips curve into a knowing smile.“Tempting, but no.”

“No?”I ask, feigning disappointment.

“We’re meeting someone,” he says firmly.

“Someone more important than me?”

His lips brush against my ear.“Not possible.But it’s important we make a public appearance this evening.”

That gets my attention, though I don’t let it show.Instead, I step back, giving him a mock pout.“Fine,” I say, my tone velvet-soft.“But you owe me for every second I’m not on my knees, showing you exactly how good staying in could’ve been.”

“Whatever you want,” he says, his tone laced with promise before slapping my ass lightly.“Now go.Don’t keep me waiting.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips as I head toward the bedroom.His gaze lingers on me the entire way.

As I close the door behind me, the smile slips from my face, replaced by unease.Eamon doesn’t do anything without a purpose, and whatever tonight is about, it’s clear it’s not just a simple dinner.

Still, I don’t push him.Not yet.He’ll tell me when he’s ready, or he won’t.Either way, the truth will come out soon enough.

Ruairi

The report comesin while I’m finishing up in my office, and it’s worse than I imagined.The shipment meant to solidify my foothold in the Midlands is gone, reduced to nothing but twisted metal and scorched earth.I grip the edge of my desk, my knuckles whitening as the details are relayed.

“They blew the whole damn thing to hell,” Ronan says grimly, standing across from me.

“How?”I demand, my voice tight, though I already know.

“Controlled charges,” he replies.“Set on the containers themselves.Whoever did it wanted to send a message loud and clear.”