Page 107 of Arranged Addiction

“Or they expected us to hit them at some point.”

“Do you think that Maguire kid sold you out?”

His expression darkens. “We’re going to have a very frank conversation about that soon, but not right now. There are bigger issues to solve.”

I push myself to my feet. I don’t have the luxury of collapsing right now. I kiss him and make sure he stays seated as I go into the bathroom and find the fully stocked first aid kit.

I make him take some ibuprofen and wrap him in bandages. I assume he’s not actively bleeding, or else the medication will make that worse. Once that’s done, I help him change into more comfortable clothes and get him to swear he’ll speak with the family doctor soon.

“You’re too important to risk.” I kiss his neck and rub his shoulders. He sighs and leans into me.

“There’s no helping it right now. I have to show strength. I can’t hide behind my men while there’s killing to do. Not right now.”

“But you’re the boss. You delegate.”

“Most of the time you’re right, but I can’t ask these people to risk their lives if I’m not willing to do it too.”

“Declan—”

“I know it’s hard.” He touches my cheek lightly. It’s much gentler than I’m used to from him. “I promise, I’m not doing anything I don’t absolutely have to.”

“You’re going after Senesi next, aren’t you?”

He nods slowly. “I have a good idea where we’ll find him thanks to the treasure trove of documents your mother left.”

“I can’t ask you to do it alone.”

“You’re not, baby. I’m going because I want to.”

I shake my head, trying to find the words, but suddenly everything fails me. Tears fill my eyes, and I fight against them. I know emotion like that only frustrates him. I steady myself and press closer to his warm, powerful body, shaking slightly with frustration.

“If you go, I’m going too.”

“That’s not an option.”

“He’s my curse, Declan. He came after my family. He killed my parents. I have to be there at the end.”

“I can’t risk you.”

“The same way I can’t risk you?” I sit up and stare at him, gathering myself. “I’m not asking. I’m telling. When you go after Senesi, I want to be there.”

He seems sad as he shakes his head. “There’s no way that can happen, Casey.”

“I love you, Declan. I fell, and it’s like I’m still falling. But I swear, I’ll walk away from this if you don’t respect my wishes right now.”

He seems surprised. Maybe it’s because I haven’t actually said those words to him before, even though I thought it was pretty obvious. Or maybe it’s the threat I’m making.

“I love you too. That’s why you can’t come.”

“That’s why I will.” I stand up, hands balled into fists. “We’re going to end this together. No matter what, I have to face him. Otherwise, I’ll never get closure. I’ll never move on.”

He clearly wants to keep arguing, but some of the fight flows out from him. He nods slowly with a low sigh. “We’ll see. I’m not saying yes. But I’m not saying no.”

“Good choice.” I sit back down beside him. “Otherwise, I was going to storm out dramatically.”

“I’m not sure I have the energy to chase you right now.”

“That’s okay. You stay there.” I push him back lightly and straddle his hips, grinding back into his crotch. “I can take care of you for a while.”