Page 114 of Sweet Deception

I laugh and pivot into his embrace. “Not as sexy as you.” Threading my arms around his neck, I give in to his lips the way I always, always do.

I lean back. “Have I said thank you?”

“For what?”

“Doing this.” My hands comb through his soft blond hair. “For taking a big step back from the family, from everything you’ve always known. For me.”

I still can’t believe that someone so high up within the Kings’ ranks—the second-in-command’s son—would even consider leaving that life behind for someone like me.

Seems impossible. In every way.

“There was no point in staying there without you.” Darren kisses me and smooths his hands over my waist. “You’re here, so I’m here. That’s all there is to it, princess.”

Bozhe moy,I could kiss him forever.

It’s like we’re already married. We could go down to the courthouse today and that would be good enough for me. Honestly, this time seven months ago, I would’ve considered the notion of a love like ours preposterous.

But now?

This is my idea of heaven on earth. Trading tongues with this man while our cats snooze in the other room.

I might’ve let him do me right here if not for the knock on our front door. Darren pulls away with more than a little disappointment on his face.

I smile. “Later.”

That cheers him right up. “Later.” He grins back.

Lucy and Maya, my two oldest friends, have arrived on schedule to discuss business, and nothing gives me more pleasure than doing just that, especially given all the craziness we’ve survived this year.

We sit at my kitchen table while Darren watches Formula One coverage in the living room with the kids, Furball 1 and Furball 2.

Though Lucy’s doing much better than when we first rescued her, the old sparkle hasn’t yet returned to her eyes. Instead, shadows lurk within their depths. Her long chestnut hair seems like it could use a wash. She’s brought with her an invitation to audition for an upcoming reality show that’s being filmed in New York. They’re seeking models, and she’s thinking of auditioning for the competition.

Getting a new gig—a real one—could do wonders for her morale.

Maya’s obviously conflicted. This would mark Lucy’s first major step on her own since the abduction. Her last job ended with her in Troy Sullivan’s clutches.

Anyone would be nervous, but she’s pushing forward. I hope she realizes her bravery.

Lucy sneaks a glance at her older sister, then she and I share a look. Something in my expression must reassure her, because she shifts back to Maya and says, “You can’t hover over me forever, Mae-Mae.”

“I know.” Maya’s voice catches. “But I was hoping you’d come with me to Europe when I go study in Italy for the semester. If you get onto the show, we’ll be separated by continents.”

Maya slept right beside Lucy for a month after her rescue, just to keep herself calm and ensure her little sister remained safe.

I know this is hard for them.

But in large part because of my fiancé—how I love saying that—they’ve both been protected.

While Darren has taken a giant step back from the Irish Kings, he’s still part of the family. And he’s arranged for someone to keep an eye on Lucy.

Maya, of course, can’t live in Lucy’s pocket forever. She has her own life and eventually, she has to allow her baby sister to spread her wings again.

That’s why we’re gathered here. To discuss security arrangements, which will hopefully allay any fears that my dear friends have about Lucy pursuing her dreams on a global scale.

“As you know, Darren and I are starting a security firm.” I draw both their eyes to mine. “I’m heading the tech components and organization. As soon as we’re all set up, we’ll assign someone to watch you more closely.”

“Like a bodyguard?” Maya’s eyes go wide.