Page 17 of By His Play

“My time here isn’t about what I want,” I confess.

He doesn’t say anything for the longest time, making me regret saying those words out loud. Not that they were necessary in the first place. Kieran already knows.

“You need to do something for yourself,” he concludes as he lowers a plate and mug of coffee before me.

“No. I need to be here for Grams.”

“You are, Eff. You’ve been here for her every day for months. Trust me, there will be no question in her mind that you love her. That you’re here for her.”

I can’t help but shake my head. “Some days she might. But others, she doesn’t even know my name, let alone that I’m here for her.” The words cause physical pain in my chest. Every time I walk through her door and she’s got that blank look in her eyes, a little bit of me dies. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep up the brave face that’s required of me.

“We’ll go and see her later. But before then, I’m taking you out for a little Effie time.”

“Kieran,” I warn.

His eyes hold mine, refusing to release them until I concede.

“Your job might be to look after Grams right now. But mine…mine is to look after you. So eat, then shower, and then I’m taking you out.”

“Kieran,” I try again, but this time I get nothing but his hard glare. “Fine,” I sigh, lifting my cinnamon bun to my lips.

I take a bite and instantly groan in delight.

“Oh my god, this is so good.”

His eyes sparkle with my praise.

“Women always love my buns.”

“What is this place?” I ask as Kieran drives up to a huge building on the outskirts of town I’ve never seen before.

It’s new, that much is obvious, but it’s also fancy as hell.

“The Cove?” I mutter as we pass the sign that gives nothing away.

This is clearly a place for celebrities to come and hide out.

It suits Kieran. Me, not so much.

“Don’t complain,” Kieran mutters as he pulls the car up directly outside the entrance. The valet immediately moves toward us.

“Kieran,” I warn.

“You deserve this. Just…embrace it.”

Before I have a chance to argue, my door is opened, and I have little choice but to get out.

“Thank you,” I murmur as I step past him.

Kieran is a little more confident as he shakes the man’s hand, no doubt slipping him a tip and coming to stand beside me.

“Do you trust me?” he asks ominously.

I stare up at the huge, immaculate white building before me.

“Sadly, I do. Do your worst.”

With his arm draped around my shoulder, he guides me inside.

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