Page 56 of Sunrise Malice

He brushes his fingers down my cheek. “You’re my wife, Brianne.”

“I guess that comes with certain perks?”

“Like frequent assassination attempts, apparently.” His jaw works, and I know how hard this must be for him.

I reach up and tug at his hair. His eyes are hooded as he allows himself to be pulled down, and I press my lips gently to his. It’s a soft kiss, almost even chaste, but it sends a river of cascading pleasure rippling down my spine as excitement pools between my legs. I can’t believe how badly I want this man, despite everything, and for a few seconds all my worry fades into the background hum of my mind as I focus on the feeling of his lips.

They’re soft and firm, and he makes this incredible little grunting sound as I press closer and kiss him more eagerly, mymouth open. I feel greedy, maybe because I was almost blown to little pieces, but mostly because I’ve been resisting the urge to do this for the past week and screw it. Attempted bombings are like a mulligan.

I get a do-over, and I want this.

He breaks the kiss off. I feel dizzy and overwhelmed. I can tell he does too as he gently kisses me one more time and extracts himself from the bed.

“Pain medication,” he says.

“You’re the doctor now?” My cheeks are flushed and my heart’s pounding. My skull throbs with each beat of my heart. “Actually, you know what, that’s not a bad idea.”

He’s smiling as he gives me water and pills. I take them and drink down the whole glass.

“Kim knows you’re okay, by the way. I called her earlier when you were still unconscious. She’ll be happy to hear your voice.”

I sigh with relief. “You’re a good man.”

“Not even close.” He kisses me again.

There’s a knock at the door. It’s not loud, but it makes me flinch all the same. Julien’s eyes narrow as he strides away and answers it.

“Don’t knock on my wife’s door again,” he growls at Jean, who looks understandably confused.

“Uh, that’s the normal, polite thing to do, right? I mean?—”

“Spread the word. Nobody knocks. Get a fucking doorbell installed.”

Jean seems totally bewildered. “Seriously?”

“I’m not fucking around,” Julien growls.

“It’s fine,” I call out. “Seriously, I’m just a little raw. It’ll be fine.”

He ignores me. “Pass it along and get it done.”

“I understand.” Jean nods and glances in at me before focusing on Julien again. “We have to talk.”

“It can wait.”

“No, it really can’t. Pascal’s waiting in the basement.”

That must have some deeper significance I don’t fully understand, because Julien stiffens for a moment before turning to look at me. “I’ll be back shortly. I have guards on your door. Please, stay in bed and don’t fall asleep.”

“I’ll do my best,” I say, smiling a little. The pain in my head is receding which means the pain pills are working, at least. “Go on, I’ll be fine.”

He hesitates, but shakes his head with frustration and follows Jean out of the room.

I sink back into the pillows and try not to think about the sound of a bomb ripping my life to shreds.

Chapter 24

Julien

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