Page 59 of Sinful King

What was supposed to be one session, had now turned into three.

“You want me to come back?” I asked, frowning.

He began to clean and cover my back.

“That’s what you heard, right?”

I nodded. “When?”

Over my shoulder, I caught his lips lifting a little—same as my da when he was amused or satisfied with something one of us had done.

“Whenever you need to see me again,” he said.

Whenever I needed to see him again.

He didn’t want me to come back right away.

“Understood.”

I slipped into my t-shirt and watched him collect his stuff from the makeshift station. Still trying to understand what he wanted to convey.

“Bring those chairs in,” he ordered. “And stay for dinner. I’m sure Blair won’t mind.”

The teasing lilt in his tone made me smile.

“That mean you want me to bring her next time?” I asked as we entered through the back door into the kitchen. “Not sure if that was an actual invite earlier.”

Our eyes met before he replied.

“Should I not meet the love of my grandson’s life before inking him completely?”

I searched his eyes but got nothing.

“But only when I need to come back?”

The expression in his gaze changed, only for a split second, but it was enough time for me to understand a little more.

He felt like he owed me for helping him identify the man who pulled the trigger. For not shutting down. For getting my hands dirty at thirteen. For catching my first body.

The many “firsts” I had that year were a mile long and then I mether. Blair helped me forget when it mattered.

“Beidh a fhios agat nuair a bheidh tú ag teastáil uaim,” my grandda said, turning toward the fridge.You’ll know when you need me.

I hummed.

“Don’t die on me before I cash in on that.”

His laughter was hearty, a deep rumble that reminded me of my childhood.

“Can’t make any guarantees but I’ll try my best.”

His best was good enough for me.

NINETEEN

blair

I tracedthe outline of Sean’s tattoo with my tongue, arms wrapped around his waist from behind.

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