Page 63 of Redeem Me

The footsteps get closer until they’re almost outside the door.

I close my eyes and brace myself for the inevitable.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

CAELON

‘I’ll stall him.’ I back away from the bed. ‘He doesn’t know which room is yours.’

I jog towards the door, reaching it as the handle turns. I place a hand and a foot against, preventing it opening more than a couple of inches.

Dermot appears through the narrow gap. ‘Caelon,’ he says, as his brows knit together. ‘I thought you were in Monaco.’

‘I got back last night. Something came up.’ I squeeze my eyes shut for a second, blinking away the guilt.

‘Where’s Ivy? I’ve been trying to get hold of her all week. I know she’s probably tied up.’

I splutter and he fires me a weird look.

‘You know, with the kids and all, but she usually returns my calls in the evening. I’m worried about her.’

She was too busy tormenting me to call Dermot.

‘She’s around somewhere. I think I heard the shower. Let’s grab a coffee. I’m sure she’ll be down when she’s free.’ I glance over my shoulder towards Ivy, still tied to the bedposts, spread-legged and dripping come. It might be themost beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I could happily spend all day going to town on her pert heaving tits, but if I don’t get Dermot away from here, the only place I’ll be going to is hospital.

‘Okay.’ Dermot backs away from the door and I step out of the bedroom. I follow him down the stairs and when we reach the kitchen, Dermot’s beady gaze rakes over my sweaty torso. ‘Were you working out?’

‘Yeah.’ It’s not exactly a lie. ‘I’m just gonna go grab a top.’And untie your little sister from the bedposts.‘Stick a capsule in the machine and I’ll meet you out the back. Liz is around somewhere. She’ll be starting breakfast any minute.’ I nod towards the decking outside the French doors.

‘I’ve eaten, thanks,’ he looks at me quizzically, but I back away before he can ask any awkward questions.

I jog up the stairs, and slip into Ivy’s bedroom, closing the door quietly behind me.

‘Untie me, quickly,’ Ivy pleads, pulling at the ties around her wrists.

‘You’re lucky your big brother showed up.’ I press a kiss to her lips before working on the knots. ‘I had planned on fucking you all day.’

‘Lucky?’ she scoffs, flexing her hands as I free her. ‘One, I’d have happily let you fuck me all day, and two, I saw my entire life flash before me when I heard Dermot’s voice. It’s one thing wanting him to know I’m a grown woman, and another for him to see it.’

‘You’re telling me.’ I scoot to the bottom of the bed and free her ankles.

‘Did you learn your lesson?’ I dangle the ties in front of her face as she rocks upright.

‘Yes.’ Her full lips curve upwards. ‘I learnt that I need to misbehave more often.’

‘Brat.’ I shake my head. ‘Have a shower and I’ll make youa coffee.’ I slip out of the room, grab a hoody from my bedroom as I pass, and head back downstairs. Dermot is outside sipping an espresso, staring out over the pool.

‘Where are the kids?’

‘With Scarlett and James for a couple of nights.’ I opt for the furthest seat away so he won’t detect the scent of sex that clings to my skin.

‘So, Ivy had last night off?’ His thick eyebrows furrow. ‘I thought she might have called. She doesn’t have many friends in Dublin anymore.’

‘You know, I think she’s become friendly with James’s fiancée, Scarlett. They met with the kids at the beach and hit it off.’

‘James is one lucky son of a bitch.’ Dermot grins at me. ‘Scarlett is stunning, smart, and a pole dancer. What a combination.’

James would murder Dermot for even mentioning his fiancée’s past, but Dermot witnessed Scarlett in action at the Luxor Lounge. We all did – before James stole her away from there with a lucrative proposition. ‘What is she? Seven years younger than him?’

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