Page 75 of Restless Hawke

That hope falters from his eyes, and instantly, regret that I’m going to have to leave—and soon—sits heavy on my chest.

But I can’t stay.

It would be bad for both of us.

Him especially.

The last thing Coen needs is a complication like me, and I am definitely becoming one.

We return to eating in mostly silence, various side conversations popping up about things I can’t quite follow.

These people all know each other so well. They easily fall into discussions of everyday basic life. Laughing at inside jokes. The couples around the table casually kiss each other or touch, unconcerned that anyone could see.

There’s so much love here.

So muchacceptance.

My throat closes as tears sting my eyes again.

Kennedy’s red lips twist in annoyance at something Cass says, and she looks at her father. “Cass and I were just discussing the timeline for the second tower. I think we can get it opened within three months. Do you agree?”

Leaning back in his chair, Cass gives his wife a dubious look, then glances at his father-in-law. “I think it’s going to be closer to five.”

Savage reclines slightly, drawing his hand across his stubbled jaw. “That all depends on a lot of factors that are out of our control. But now that Coen’s back”—his gaze cuts to him—“that should help move things along. We can have him there daily to help monitor and expedite.”

Cass nods. “It would be a big help.”

Bishop snorts and takes a sip of her drink. “Which means I’ll be there.”

Saint glances at his daughter. “I can put someone else on him, if you’d rather not be.”

The woman who walked in on Coen with his cock buried deep inside me smiles at both of us. “Oh, no. I find protecting Coen quite interesting.”

I can’t help the little laugh that slips out, and everyone’s focus returns to me.

Coen’s heated gaze meets mine, and he smirks in a way that promises that no matter what happens at this table the rest of the night, he’s going to make it up to me—or make me pay for it—after.

11

ALLEGRA

Coen is on me the second the door to his condo closes behind us, pinning me back against the hard wood and slamming his mouth to mine, stealing my breath and trying to take my soul straight from my body.

I groan as he presses into me, his already hard cock pinned between us, grinding against my stomach. Frantic hands bury themselves in my hair, angling my head to give him the access and angle he desires as I cling to his shirt, holding on for dear life as he destroys me with one damn kiss.

It goes on forever.

A thorough exploration. A claiming. A release of something he’s been holding on to all night and couldn’t contain one moment longer.

And I fall right into it.

Allow myself to drift into that place where all that exists is him and his lips moving over mine.

When he finally tears his mouth away and presses his forehead to mine, he pants heavily, squeezing his eyes closed as if he’s searching for some sort of control he’s lost along the way tonight.

It takes me a few moments to locate my own. “What was that for?”

He lifts his head, his warm, welcoming eyes meeting mine. “I didn’t think you’d come back with me after that.”