Page 24 of Beautiful Trauma (The Irish Rogues #5)

T he shrill beeping of an alarm cut through my cozy subconscious. As I came awake, I realized something hard was rubbing against my ass while a huge hand caressed my breast. The sensation caused me to buck my hips and moan with pleasure.

“Oh fuck,” an impossibly deep male voice barked, and the rubbing and caressing abruptly ceased.

Turning my head, I watched as Kellan flailed through the sheets to snatch his phone off the nightstand. After killing the alarm, he threw a cautious glance at me. When he met my gaze, his face, even more handsome all tousled from sleep, turned blood red.

“Fuck, Mila. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

He shook his head. “No, it’s not. I was fucking molesting you in my sleep…in your sleep.”

I laughed as I rolled over to face him. “Easy, Big Guy. Don’t beat yourself up for your body subconsciously reacting to waking up with a warm body beside you. I know that’s why mine did.”

At his groan, I placed my fingers over his lips. “It’s fine, Kellan. Considering I’m wet, I’m pretty sure I enjoyed it.”

My statement caused him to drop his head in his hands. “I didn't have your consent, and after what happened yesterday….”

“You had my consent last night, remember?”

He shook his head forlornly. “I’m a dirty bastard.”

I couldn’t help laughing. “To me, that’s one of your best qualities.”

“Mila,” he growled.

“I’m serious.” When his expression remained self-loathing, I took his face in my hands. “If I had to wager, I’d bet it’s been a long time since you woke up next to a woman, hasn’t it?” When Kellan merely grunted, I said, “It’s been a long time since I woke up next to a man.”

“You haven’t?”

I shook my head. “Before you can admire my celibacy, it’s more that I get in and get out.”

“Like you did with me,” Kellan teased.

“Ass,” I replied before smacking his chest playfully.

He grinned. “If this really goes somewhere, we’re going to have to come up with a different story on how we met.”

I laughed. “You don't think seduction and subterfuge make a romantic story?”

“While those in our world might understand it, I have a feeling we would shock the hell out of normal people.”

“True.”

Kellan’s phone rang then. It was once again Callum. At his words, Kellan grimaced. “Already?”

At my questioning look, he mouthed, “Jet’s here.” He then nodded at something Callum had said. “Yeah, yeah. We’re as ready as we’ll ever be, so send the car.”

After he hung up, he turned to me. “Since we have to go now, you can shower on the jet.”

Glancing down at myself, I replied, “Do I smell or look that bad?”

Kellan laughed. “No. I just wanted you to know you had the option. I also had Callum send some nicer clothes on the jet.” With a wink, he said, “I don’t want your family thinking we didn’t take care of you.”

At the thought of seeing my family, my stomach churned slightly. The minute they realized my feelings for Kellan I would be tainted. No amount of water and soap could wash away my betrayal.

The Uber ride to the airport was tense. Although Callum had arranged the ride, Kellan kept his hand on the gun in his pocket while constantly eying the cars behind us. At any moment, I expected shots to ring out from the Byrnes and a car chase to ensue.

When we pulled up at the airport, fear sent bile lurching into my throat. We had no idea what awaited us there. Callum had people doing sweeps for Brian and his men, but I feared what might happen if they got word that Kellan’s jet was in Dublin.

After exiting the car, Kellan and I rushed forward to the stairs. My legs trembled with each step, and I feared they would give out before I reached the top. Somehow we made it inside the jet.

A middle-aged bodyguard met us at the door. Kellan smiled at the sight of him. “It’s so fucking good to see you, Andrew.”

Andrew gave a slight nod. “It’s good seeing you as well. I wish I could’ve been with you yesterday.”

“I know. I’ll never go without you again.”

Andrew’s gaze then flickered over to mine. “Ms. Korolova, you have my assurances of your safety for the duration of the flight.”

“Thank you.”

“Is there anything I can get you to make you comfortable?”

“I think a shower is my first order of business.”

“Very good. You’ll find several changes of clothes on the bed for you to choose from.”

Tilting my head at him, I couldn’t help teasing the somewhat stuffed-shirt bodyguard. “Did you pick them out?”

His eyes bulged in horror. “No ma’am. The stylist for the Kavanaugh wives did.”

“You guys have a stylist?” I asked Kellan.

He snorted. “My sisters-in-law do.”

With a wink, I replied, “I could get used to that.”

He smiled. “You should.”

Kellan’s words and expression sent my heart once again flip-flopping. Ducking my head, I hurried into the bedroom to put some much needed distance between me and my feelings for him.

After showering and changing into a bougie black pantsuit with an even more bougie price tag, I went out into the main cabin. A huge spread of eggs, bacon, bread, and fruit was set up for us. I ended up stuffing myself to the point I wanted to unbutton my designer pants.

Being full meant I immediately became drowsy again. When my head began to bob, Kellan ushered me over to the couch and eased me down. It wasn’t long before I was sound asleep.

I remained asleep for the remainder of our trip and didn’t come awake until someone was shaking me. “Wake up, sleepyhead. We’re landing.”

With a groan, I pulled myself into a sitting position. “Didn’t you sleep?”

He shook his head. “Too much nervous energy, so I did the week’s payroll.”

As I raised my hands over my head to stretch, I snorted. “Of course you would be productive.”

“I wouldn’t be a good Golden Boy if I didn’t,” he teased.

“That’s right.”

“Dima called while you were out.”

“He did?”

Kellan nodded. “He’s going to personally pick you up at the airport.”

“I knew he would. I can’t count on my father, but I can always count on him. I mean, all my brothers are there for me, but Dima is special.”

Kellan smiled. “I’m sure I know exactly how he feels about you.”

As the jet skidded across the runway, I peered my head out the window. I was home. Although I should’ve been glad to see the sight of the two blacked out SUVs waiting on the tarmac, I wasn’t. I knew what those SUVs meant.

Turning to Kellan, I gave him a slight smile. “I guess this is it.”

“For now.”

Although I hated myself for it, my heart did an irritating flip-flop at the determination of his words. “For now,” I repeated.

He dipped his head to bring his lips to mine.

As his tongue slid into my mouth, I moaned.

Kellan tangled his fingers through my hair as his tongue made love to my mouth.

At first, he was tender and gentle, and then something turned over in him.

The thrusts of his tongue against mine became more forceful as he tugged my hair between his fingers.

Just as I was afraid I was going to leave a wet spot on the leather, someone cleared their throat. When I jerked away, I found a visibly mortified Andrew standing before us. “It’s time for Ms. Korolova to depart, sir.”

“Yes, Andrew,” Kellan replied.

As I rose out of my seat, Kellan said, “I’m coming with you.”

Furrowing my brows, I questioned, “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“If I didn’t escort you to your brother, I would look weak or as if I had something to hide.”

I rolled my eyes. “You underworld men and your obsession with feeling weak.”

The jet door opened, and Kellan and I started out. When I got to the top step, Dima stepped out of his SUV. I waved wildly at him, to which he merely nodded. Of course, he wouldn’t show a lot of emotion in front of Kellan since it would be construed as weak.

Kellan followed right behind me down the stairs. When I got to the end, Dima stepped forward to meet me. “Thanks for coming to pick me up.”

“I wanted to make sure no further harm came to you.”

His statement was more for Kellan than for me. To his credit, Kellan didn’t take offense. Instead, he replied, “As I said on the phone, your sister was safe in our protection.”

Dima’s jaw ticked. “I thank you for that.”

“And you once again have my apologies for Brian’s actions. The Kavanaughs will be handing sanctions to his family regardless of our shared blood, which hopefully shows your father and your family our commitment to keeping a positive alliance between us.”

Dima’s expression turned menacing. “While there might be a shred of an alliance, it will never be positive. Your brother’s disrespectful actions will not be forgotten or forgiven anytime soon.”

“That is understandable.” Kellan’s gaze flicked from Dima’s to mine. “Please take care of yourself, Mila.”

Dima sucked in a breath. “You speak with too much familiarity to my sister.”

“I would argue that Mila and I were familiar due to our shared history. Not to mention, the confines of our stay last night bred even more familiarity.” Giving him a pointed look, Kellan added, “You cannot comfort a hysterical woman without gaining familiarity.”

Stepping toe to toe with Kellan, Dima growled, “Whatever was between the two of you is over.”

“Dima–”

He cut off my protest by slashing his hand before me. “That is a command from Father.”

“He has no right to dictate my life!” I argued.

“Get in the car, Mila,” Dima growled.

When I started to protest, Kellan shook his head at me. “Let it be, Mila.”

Before I could argue, he said pointedly, “For now.”

I understood his meaning. With emotions high, we would get nowhere arguing with Dima now. We had to be patient.

“For now,” I once again repeated.

With a nod, Kellan turned and started back across the tarmac.

Dima grabbed hold of my arm and jerked me towards the SUV. I flung out of his hold. “Don’t put your hands on me.”

“You wouldn’t be arguing if that was Kellan, would you?”

“He wouldn’t manhandle me out of anger like you are.”

Remorse flooded his face. “I’m sorry.”

“Thank you.”

When we reached the SUV, one of the bodyguards stepped out to open the door for me. As I turned to get inside, Dima stepped past me, determination etched on his face. “What are you–”

My words choked off when the gleam of the silver gun in his hand caught the light. The realization of what he was about to do sent a shudder through me.

“Dima, no!” I gasped.

He threw a glance at me over his shoulder. “I have orders.”

I grabbed his arm. “But he saved my life!”

Although indecision swirled in his eyes, he gave a slight shake of his head.

The world slowed to a crawl as I watched my brother point a gun at Kellan’s retreating form. As my heartbeat pounded in my ears, I had two choices. I could watch my brother kill the man I cared for, or I could stop him and face the wrath of my father.

As Kellan’s face filled with compassion for me flashed before my eyes, a blood-curdling scream erupted from deep in my throat. “KELLAN!”

At the sound of my voice, Kellan spun around just as Dima fired the gun. Seconds ticked by agonizingly slow. A hulking bodyguard shoved Kellan to the ground before snapping back when the bullet hit him in the stomach.

Dima whipped his head around to pin me with a wild stare. “Dammit, Mila!” he snarled.

Before I could tell him I was sorry, a jolt went through him like he’d been zapped with a wire. Pain contorted on his face before he sank to the ground. “Dima!” I screamed.

When I dropped down beside him on the tarmac, I cradled his head in my lap. Staring down at him, my vision flickered. One moment it was Dima staring up at me, and the next, it was my mother.

I’d been in the same position thirteen years ago.

As his eyelids fluttered, tears streamed down my cheeks. “Please stay with me, Dima!”

“MILA!”

I tore my gaze from Dima to see Kellan being dragged up the plane steps by two bodyguards. He was fighting desperately against them to break free. “MILA, I’M SO FUCKING SORRY!”

As I stared at his retreating form, our own bodyguards came rushing from the SUVS. While two of them started returning fire, two others tore Dima away from me, rushing him into the SUV. When I remained frozen on the ground, one of them came back and grabbed me up before tossing me onto a seat.

The SUV squealed out of its spot and began tearing away from the airport. My blood-stained fingers pressed against the windows as Kellan’s plane began to taxi down the runway in the opposite direction.

In one day, I feared I’d lost two of the men I loved.