Page 101 of Iron Crown

I turned to her, looking at the spectacle that she was. Dressed from head to toe in the color of emeralds, with my mum’s ring on her hand, she looked gorgeous.

“Could you really order the death of a child?” I asked, curious, even though I knew the answer.

“No,” she said, candidly. “But I know that the threat might be useful.”

I reached out with my good hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear before cupping her face.

“When I first met you, I thought that you were a vision. An angel surrounded by danger,” I chuckled to myself. “Like Francisco Hayez’sThe Kiss”.

She smiled. I hoped it was because she remembered this discussion; otherwise, I’d sound like anidjit.

“You said I was surrounded by danger, and didn’t know it.” That sweet, low voice felt like the sweetest caress that calmed my consciousness.

It was as if her voice, alone, could make my madness recede like sunshine burning away a fog.

I ran my thumb over her thick lower lip, curling it down to reveal her perfect teeth. I loved her lips. They were one of the most dominant features of her glorious face. Though it was her eyes that always hooked me in, like a moth to a flame.

“I was a fool to think you were blind to the dangers around you,” I said with a soft chuckle. “How wrong I was to underestimate you.”

“Does that mean you’ll stop trying to protect me now?” A playful tease graced her lips, and I couldn’t help returning it.

“Never,” I vowed. “I will always protect you.”

Chapter thirty-six

The Deal

Kira

Gallery Four was grander than I remembered. The glass front of the gallery seemed to reach high into the sky, before it turned into an Art Deco skyscraper that reached up to the heavens. The upper floors were expensive penthouses, which I would never have been able to afford.

Then again, looking back at the town car I had just stepped out of, maybe I could live in one of those luxury suites now, looking down at the grand city from above.

Eoghan took my hand, the emerald on my finger glinting in the harsh noon sun.

I placed my right hand on Eoghan’s clean-shaven cheek, and he kissed me. It was sweet, chaste, lacking any of the old desperation that had marked his affection. It was kind, gentle, and content.

He stepped away, a small smile on his perfect lips.

“I had forgotten how handsome you were,” I said, my hand running along his rugged jaw.

“That sounds hurtful,” he said with a little chuckle, “I never forget how beautiful you are.”

I shook my head, rolling my eyes.

“I mean that I had forgotten that feeling when I first saw you,” I said, with a small smile. “I was so mad. You were making fun of me, and I just couldn’t help thinking that it was so unfair that this arrogant man is so handsome.”

“Hmm,” he said quietly, pulling me into him. “I remember thinking that this woman was going to change the world as I knew it.”

He kissed me again, my lips parting to give him entry. He bit down on my lip, taking it between his teeth, gently massaging the flesh until I moaned in pleasure.

“Have I changed your world, as you knew it?” I said in a breathless sigh.

“Yes, you have,” he said, pulling me closer, “You’ve made almost all my dreams come true. Peace, prosperity, a family, a wife whom I adore…”

“Almost all your dreams..?” I said, my voice trailing off. “What other dreams do you have?”

“Hmm…” he said thoughtfully, his voice rumbling in his chest. “Well,oneson is grand, truly. But two is better.”

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