Page 17 of Recklessly Rogue

That statement makes my breath lodge in my chest.

Hearing it out loud from him like that makes itreallyreal.

I’ve been trying very hard not to think about Henry at all, because it hurts so much when I do. And it makes me all itchy and jumpy because I don’t know when I’m going to see him again. Or how to act when I do.

But I did expect to have notice before he just showed up. I figured Scarlett would let me know when she was coming home. Which would be when Henry would be coming to Emerald, since he’s practically a conjoined twin with her new husband.

I clear my throat. “You came back early? Without them?”

“Your sister tells me you have a houseguest.”

I sigh. And study the man who, even when he is thousands of miles away with an ocean between us, can make my panties wet. But with only a beat-up slab of wood separating us, I’m tempted to both launch myself into his arms and punch him in the jaw.

Henry Dean is a huge pain in my ass.

Things were pretty good in my life before he showed up.

And really, if I hadn’t fallen in love with him, things would be goinggreat.

Ignoring him for as long as Scarlett and Cian stay married—yes, fine, forever—was never going to beeasy, but I figured it would only be select holidays and things like Mariah’s birthday and graduation. Once I leave Emerald, he and I won’t run into each other much.

Stomping into my place of employment, inserting himself into a conversation, and throwing a customer out, was definitely not how I pictured things going.

Even if that was pretty hot.

“My houseguest is not in need of butler services,” I say. “I have no idea why you would think your presence is required.”

He gives me a look that clearly says he doesn’t like my attitude or my sass. Too fucking bad.

“Scarlett informed me that your houseguest has a husband who is not very pleased with the fact she’s staying with you.” He arches a brow and glances toward the door where he just escorted Jeff out into the night. “Jeff confirmed a few things as well.”

“No, Chris isn’t very happy.” I cross my arms. “But I didn’t order a bodyguard.”

“Perk of being an in-law to the royal family,” he says with a shrug.

“Cian sent you?”

“I volunteered.”

“You didn’t have to do that. I was calling to inform Scarlett, not ask for help. I’ve known Chris Duncan since high school. He’s definitely a jerk and has a terrible temper, but I’m not afraid of him.”

“Scarlett was about to get on a plane to come herself. She’s on her honeymoon with my best friend. I’m here so that she staysthere.”

I shake my head. Of course, Scarlett was going to come home. She knows Chris, too. Plus, she’s probably feeling as weird as I am about this time and distance between us.

My sister and I haven’t spent a lot of time apart, literally, since we were conceived. As identical twins, we’ve always been in each other’s personal space. The only time we really had any physical or emotional distance was when she went to live with our biological father in high school. It was a very emotional time for both of us. Time neither of us wants to repeat. Obviously, her being happily married and on her honeymoon is a wholedifferent situation. That doesn’t mean that her first instinct to come home and be with me was any different, though.

“If you think I’m going to let you face down some abusive asshole ex of your friend by yourself, you don’t know me very well,” Henry says.

The problem is, I know Henry very well. We are very much alike.

“I am actually shocked that you can be this far away from Cian without breaking out in hives.”

“Who says I don’t have hives?” he asks.

Good point. I blow out a breath and focus on his muscular, corded forearm. “They haven’t spread to your wrists yet,” I comment.

“It’s only been a few hours,” he says.

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