Page 128 of Rags to Royals

KING D.

I look up at him. “Your grandfather?”

He nods, and now he seems a little emotional.

I read the message:Well done. I’m proud of you.

Now tears definitely fill my eyes. I put my hand on his knee and squeeze. He covers my hand with his.

And it hits me that Cian’s family is truly seeing the man he is. Maybe for the first time. They’re proud ofhim.

They’ve probably also seen him as a ‘sidekick’. I know they love him. That was more than clear this weekend. I’m positive Fiona knows how much he did for her and Saoirse. But, as Henry said, he’s been the guy who’s always been there, helping everyone else out, filling in the gaps, but not taking anything on by himself.

Now he’s making a difference, doing something big on his own, and they’reseeinghim. They’re seeing that growth and change. They’re impressed. And they’re supportive.Theywant to helphim, now.

These are the things I’ve wanted from Emerald. Or so I thought. But it has to mean so much more coming from his family and friends. The people he looks up to.

But that wasn’t why he did it. Cian did something good for other people, not to prove anything, not to shut anyone up, not to impress anyone or to get accolades. He didn’t even tell his family about the communities he built. He created thosecommunities simply because he wanted to and because he could. He liked the idea and thought it was something that would help people. His motivation was pure.

And I realize that’s why I haven’t been inspired to actually do anything in Emerald beyond the garage. I haven’t had the right motivation. Being here is all about proving people from my past wrong.

But why do I care what Emerald thinks?

I don’t admire my father. I don’t want to be like Hannah. I don’t want to return to the church.

So, why do I care if they approve of me?

I stand and move between his knees. His hands come instantly to my hips and I wrap my arms around his neck.

And I just hug him.

And he hugs me back.

“You are an amazing person, Cian O’Grady,” I tell him, leaning back after a minute. Surprise flickers in his gaze, but it’s almost immediately replaced by the affection I’m getting very used to seeing there. “Thank you for coming after me.”

“I will always come after you, Scarlett.”

I sigh happily. “God, I want you right now.”

He squeezes my hips. “Want to go to the B&B? Mariah is probably home by now.”

“Yes,” I say quickly. Surely there’s a way for me to sneak in and out of there.

“Or,” he says, moving his mouth to my neck. “We could stay here. I’ve had fantasies of bending you over a car or fucking you on a hood.”

Tingles shoot through my body. “Have you now?”

“Only every single time I see you in these boots. Or these coveralls. Or in this garage. Or with a streak of grease on your face.”

I step out of his arms and cross to the door, where I turn the sign to CLOSED and lock it. Then I head into the bay, hitting the button to close the big garage door on my way past.

“You coming?” I ask him over my shoulder.

He’s right on my heels.

I lead him toward the ridiculously expensive Rolls Royce parked in the second bay.

“Is this the car Henry got?” he asks.

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