Page 151 of Carnal Urges

I narrow my eyes at him. “Why didn’t you tell me that before?”

“You were already climbing the walls with worry. Wasn’t gonna add to that.”

I glance at Sloane, who looks oddly guilty, then back at Kage. “What else did he say that you didn’t tell me?”

He folds his arms over his massive chest and says in a disapproving tone, “That your Styrofoam-peanut girlfriend is the love of his life.”

My mouth drops open. “Wait. Are you guysfriendsnow?”

“No. But he did me a huge favor, so we agreed on a truce for the time being.”

“What?” I leap to my feet, dropping the glass of whiskey.“You’re not at war anymore?”

“Not for the moment. We’ll see how long that lasts.” With a dark look in Sloane’s direction, he says, “He’s a wily one, that Irish bugger. Got lots of tricks up his sleeves.”

The smile that lifts Sloane’s lips is small and mysterious.

Aghast, I look back and forth between them. “You guys are keeping secrets from me!”

Kage pulls me into his arms. “I don’t keep secrets from you, baby. You want me to tell you exactly what he said, I’ll repeat it word for word.”

“You’re damn straight you will,” I say forcefully, winding my arms around his neck. Even when I’m mad at him, he’s irresistible.

He kisses me softly, but it quickly turns passionate. I stand on my tiptoes to get closer. He reaches down and grips my ass with his big hands, pulling me against his crotch. A growl of pleasure rumbles through his chest.

Sloane says drily, “I’m still here, kids. Just so you know.”

I break away from Kage, grinning, and look at her. “That reminds me. What do you think of blush for the color of your maid of honor dress?”

Sloane’s mouth drops open. Her eyes go wide. “You’re gettingmarried?”

Kage frowns. “You didn’t notice the rock? I told you it was too small, baby.”

“It’s ten carats, honey. Any more and I’d need a wrist brace.”

Sloane rises from the sofa, grabs my hand, and gapes at my platinum-and-diamond engagement ring. She says loudly, “I thought it was a fucking cocktail ring!”

“That’s it,” says Kage, bristling. “I’m getting you something bigger.”

Sloane is still staring in shock at my hand. She looks up at me, eyes wide.

“Speaking of complicated… my plus-one for the wedding might present a small problem for the rest of your guests.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll make everyone check their guns at the door.”

Sloane’s eyes shine. “I love you, sis.”

“I love you, too. Now let’s sit back down. I want you to tell me everything that’s happened since you’ve been gone, including what the hell the deal is with this baby of yours.”

Kage says loudly, “Baby? Whatbaby?”

Sloane and I look at each other and smile.

FORTY-ONE

SLOANE

A week goes by. I don’t hear from Declan. I try not to worry about him, but fail spectacularly. Meanwhile, Nat and I are like a couple of sorority girls, staying up late watching movies, drinking wine, and obsessing over boys.