Page 31 of Carnal Urges
Rubbing away the tension in my shoulders with surprisingly strong hands.
Saying softly, “Good?”
I have to get her out of this house before my dick makes me do something stupid.
In a life full of unforgivable sins, sleeping with the enemy would be the absolute worst.
ELEVEN
SLOANE
I’m trying to decide what smartass thing to text Declan when Kieran returns, carrying another tray.
He sets it on the coffee table next to the one with all the junk. When he straightens, he clears his throat. “Here’s yer…” He glances at the tray, grimacing. “Food.”
“Oh, great. Thank you. Mmm, wheatgrass. And you found the lacinato kale!”
“I can’t take the credit. Tommy did the shopping.”
“That’s okay. You brought it in. I appreciate it.”
He looks at me. He looks back at the tray. “Ye really gonna eat that?”
“It’s super good. Full of vitamins. Want to try some?”
“Looks like lawn clippings.”
“No, it’s really yummy. I promise. You probably wouldn’t like it raw, though. That takes a bit of getting used to. But I could cook you some. Sautéed with a little garlic and olive oil, it’s divine.”
He stares at me with a strange expression. I can’t tell if he’s horrified or stunned.
“Maybe Declan would let me use the kitchen. I love to cook. I could make some food for all you guys, the whole crew. When was the last time you had a home-cooked meal?”
Kieran opens his mouth, thinks a moment, then closes it.
“I knew it. Listen, see if you can get Declan to agree to let me into the kitchen, and I’ll get you sorted, okay? And if he says no, just tell him that you and I have an agreement. You remember, from the plane? If you need me to do something, just ask me. Your boss likes to bark orders all over the place, and that’s really not my thing, but you and I are copacetic.”
“Copa…”
“It means we’re friends.”
He couldn’t look more astonished if he tried. “We are?”
“Yes.”
“Oh.”
“Right. So if Declan says I can’t go into the kitchen because there are knives in there and he thinks I’ll attack him with a cleaver, you can just ask me to hand them over and there won’t be any more knives. Or whatever. That’s just an example. My point being that I’ll honoryourrequests, because I know you’ll put them to me politely. With respect. Right?”
“Uh … right.”
He has no idea what’s happening. Honestly, there’s nothing more adorable than a befuddled man. Especially when they’re huge and armed.
I smile, thank him again, and lead him to the door. He exits in a fog of uncertainty.
Twenty minutes later, just as I’m finishing up my meal, Declan storms in.
He snaps, “What have you done to Kieran?”
