Page 60 of Death

Just in case she’s worried, I mention, “Whenever you want something different to eat and drink, just tell Astrid.”

She nods. “Okay.” Her mouth lifts a little higher. “Thank you.”

I gesture at the fruit. “Do you want some?”

She quickly shakes her head. “Not yet. I first want the coffee. It’s been a very long time since I had any.”

I tilt my head. “Were you a coffee drinker before you were taken?”

She nods again. “I love coffee.”

When Astrid comes out and sets the steaming mug of coffee down on the table, I say, “Keep the refills coming.”

Looking very pleased, Astrid leaves us to enjoy our breakfast.

I watch as Ciara takes hold of the mug, and bringing it to her mouth, she inhales deeply before taking a sip. Her eyes drift shut, and the pure look of bliss on her face has me once again hardening at the speed of light.

At this rate, I’m going to have to start jerking off in the shower.

Chapter 18

CIARA

Oh. My. God.

So good.

I keep taking sips of the delicious coffee, and before I know it, it’s finished.

Just as I set the mug down on the table, Astrid comes out with a big carafe. She sets it on the table and grins at me. “This way, you can fill up your mug whenever you want more coffee.”

“Thank you,” I murmur, and not wasting time, I grab my mug and quickly fill it up.”

After Astrid leaves, I glance at Santiago. Noticing he’s watching me closely, his eyes darker than usual, my cheeks begin to warm.

I enjoy a few sips, then look at him again, only to find him still staring at me.

I think I know why he said I’ll be living with him instead of one of the cottages, and it makes my stomach tighten with nerves.

I lower the mug to my lap and clutch it with both hands while I gather the courage to ask, “Am I going to live with you because…” I pause and swallow hard on the ball of nerves that’s growing bigger by the second, “…b-because…”

“It’s okay,” he murmurs as he leans forward, placing his hand on my forearm. “There’s nothing to fear, Ciara. I’ll never hurt you or force myself on you.”

“But…” I can’t bring myself to meet his intense eyes, “you’re going to keep me.”

“Yes, because you’ll be safe with me.”

My thoughts race for a moment before I ask, “But what about Grace?” I finally scrape together enough courage to meet his eyes. “Once I’m better, can’t I go live with her?”

A serious expression tightens his features, and it has my panic increasing drastically. My breaths start to burst over my lips in short puffs.

Santiago pulls the cup from my trembling hands, then wraps his fingers around mine. “Grace lives on an island. Once you’re better, we’ll go visit her. I have a house there as well. It’s actually next to Grace and Dominik’s place. If that’s where you choose to live, then we can stay there so you can be close to her.”

My gaze widens at the news, and my nerves begin to settle, but just to be sure, I ask, “So you won’t keep me captive here?”

He shakes his head, a frown forming on his forehead. “You’re not a prisoner, Ciara.” His expression tightens more. “Do I make you feel like one?”

I lower my head and stare at his hand. There are veins visible beneath his tanned skin, traveling up his tattooed forearms. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up to his elbows, and even though the clothes are casual, they look really good on him. It’s as if the style was made for him.