Page 140 of A Convenient Secret

“Maybe we can take the twins to visit London, and you can talk to him in person.”

I wrap my arms around his neck. “Can you be any more perfect?”

“That’s my line, Seagull.”

“It’s a good line.”

We stare at each other, the tension melting slightly, the need for more closeness growing. I know the next few days, perhaps weeks, will bring a lot of pressure, that Declan doesn’t quite understand what it means to step into my world, but for now, I take the closeness.

Because if he stands by my side, we can conquer the world.

I hope.

“I thought I’d be telling the kids about us and announcing our relationship to everyone. Now that option has been taken away from us.”

“I’m sor—” I cover my mouth, remembering his warning. No more apologies.

He takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. “I bought you a ring.”

It’s like we circled back to the conversation from earlier in the car, which feels like a lifetime ago.

“I thought you bought it for Corm,” I tease, still hurt about the way I found out about his plans. Plans that he abandoned too quickly.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the velvet box. “I got it back.” He flicks it open.

A beautiful, gentle solitaire sits on an intricate band. I love it. “It’s beautiful.”

“I know we’ve done things backwards, so before we sort that out, I want to give it to you as a commitment ring.” He takes it out and pauses just before sliding it on. “I hope you’ll accept it.”

I nod, trying to keep the tears at bay.

“I didn’t think I would ever allow anyone close again. Give them the power to break me. But you, my little Seagull… I stood no chance the minute you crashed into my life. I love you, Lily.” He slides the ring on my finger.

I sniffle. “I love you, too.”

He cups my neck and pulls me in for a kiss. This third one is scorching, desperate, all-consuming. It’s like all his kisses, fresh with need, and wild with want.

The frustration of the day takes over, and the kissturns into a frenzy of roaming hands, possessive touches, and a hunger for release.

Bunching the tight skirt up to my hips, I straddle him, his erection pressing between us. I fiddle with his belt while he undoes my zipper and yanks the top of the dress down, attacking my nipples.

I arch my back, moaning, forgetting what I was doing. He groans and pulls my bra cups down, not bothering to unclasp it.

“I need to be inside you,” he murmurs against my skin.

Dazed, I hear his words but don’t quite capture the meaning, my mind and all my senses focused on his tongue on my skin, his warm hands supporting my back, the taste of whiskey and the smell of him. The feel of his hard cock between us.

Oh yes, that. I return to my task and finally free him, wrapping my small hand around him. Declan lets out a savage sound.

“Now, Lily, your pussy around my cock. Now.”

His loss of control is like an aphrodisiac. I don’t even care if I’m ready for him. I’m probably soaking his pants anyway. I lift my hips, and he guides himself to my entrance.

I sink in slowly, languidly, taking every inch of him, relishing the feel of him. “Take me, Declan. I need toscream your name. I need to forget everything. Make me get lost in you.”

He groans, grips my hips, and starts bouncing me up and down. “Your pussy takes me so well, little Seagull.”

“Harder,” I pant. It’s like the deeper he gets, the more of him I need.