Page 148 of Shameless Royalty

“You alright, Babyface?” he asks quietly, studying me carefully.

I nod slowly, biting my lip. “Yeah, just… a little overwhelmed, I guess.”

His thumb brushes my cheek softly. “They loved you. Though Nikolai might need an arse-kicking later for that height comment.”

I laugh softly, rolling my eyes. “It’s fine, Connor.”

He leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips before guiding me inside. The suite is as luxurious as I expected—dark wood, expensive furniture, and the faint scent of whiskey and smoke. But I barely have time to appreciate any of it before Connor’s tugging me into his bedroom, closing the door quietly behind us.

I glance around, taking in the spacious room, the big bed dominating one side, bookshelves lined with novels I didn’t expect him to own, and photos of his family and friends scattered on the wall. It’s so Connor—bold and messy but with subtle hints of warmth and comfort.

Connor wraps his arms around me from behind, burying his face in my neck. “I’ve waited weeks to have you here,” he whispers, voice rough.

I lean back into him, closing my eyes briefly. “Yeah, well, you could have invited me sooner.”

He chuckles softly against my skin. “I deserved that.” He spins me around gently to face him, eyes suddenly serious. “You’re not still mad at me, are you?”

I sigh softly, shaking my head. “No. I get it, Connor. Doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt, but… I know you didn’t mean to hurt me.”

His expression softens, relief flooding his eyes. “Fuck, I love you,” he breathes, pulling me impossibly closer.

My heart pounds hard against my ribs, my face heating. “You better,” I mutter quietly, trying to hide my embarrassment.

He grins, cupping my face gently. “I’ll spend forever makin’ it up to you, Babyface.”

“Damn right, you will,” I mumble, but I’m smiling despite myself.

Connor chuckles softly, leaning down to kiss me again, slow and deep. My breath hitches, my arms slipping around his neck as I lose myself in the feel of him—the heat of his body, the strength of his hands on my waist, the softness of his lips against mine.

When he pulls back slightly, resting his forehead against mine, his green eyes are dark with intensity. “I’m serious, Malachi. Whatever you need—space, freedom, time—I’ll give it to you. Just… let me love you.”

My throat tightens with emotion, and I nod slowly, heart aching sweetly. “I want that too. I want you. But this freedom thing… it’s new for me. I still want to find myself a bit.”

He nods immediately, eyes gentle. “Of course, baby. I’ll never take that from you. But I’m still gonna show everyone you’re mine. Can’t help it.”

I laugh softly, rolling my eyes. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re beautiful,” he murmurs, sincerity shining in his gaze. “I look at you sometimes and wonder how the fuck I got lucky enough to have you.”

My face heats fiercely, embarrassment warring with warmth. “Shut up,” I mumble.

Connor chuckles softly, tugging me toward the bed and sitting down, pulling me onto his lap. I go willingly, relaxing into him as his arms circle around me securely. We sit quietly for a moment, my head resting against his shoulder, his pulse steady beneath my ear.

“Connor?” I finally whisper, fingers tracing idle patterns on his chest.

“Hmmm?”

I tilt my chin up, studying Connor’s face. The dim lighting from his room softens the sharp lines of his jaw and makes his green eyes burn brighter. “There’s something I wanna do first.”

Chapter 59

Malachi

Connorfrowns,watchingmeclosely, as I reach out and take his hand in mine. His skin feels rougher, calloused, familiar in all the ways I’ve secretly missed. I brush my thumb over his knuckles, feeling the silver band of the Claddagh ring pressing against my skin.

This ring. The one that symbolizes everything between us, every moment of hurt and hope, anger and love. My heart stutters in my chest as I slowly slide it off his finger.

“Babyface—” he begins, confused, but I shake my head slightly, cutting him off.

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