Page 151 of Indulge
“I asked Theo when we were arguing. It wasn’t… recent.”
He nods, jaw sharp, and then rests his head on top of mine.
“I’m sorry for being a grump.”
I giggle, trying to hide my own ache. I hate doing this to him.
“You’re always a grump, Irish. But I’d prefer it if you communicated with me. Tell me why you’re upset. Then I can try to fix it.”
He sighs.
“It’s not up to you to fix. This is a me problem. I just—” He pauses, swallowing hard. “I don’t want to let you go.”
Tears burn behind my eyes.
“Then don’t,” I whisper. “Please don’t.”
“You have to marry one of us. Rowan’s on the cards now. But I’ve told Declan it’s your choice.”
My heart races. My choice. It feels like a blade disguised as freedom. I don’t want our little bubble to burst.
“Do you think marriage will change us?” I ask, trying to keep my voice light.
He presses a kiss to my forehead.
“I’d hope not. But this is new for all of us. I can’t tell the future.”
I breathe him in, the faint scent of whiskey and smoke clinging to his skin. He runs his fingers along my cheek, slow and reverent.
“Whatever you decide, nothing will ever change how I feel about you, Princess. Okay?”
I nod, blinking fast to hold back the tears threatening to spill.
“When we get home, can I take you somewhere?” he asks quietly.
“Just us?”
“Yes. Me and Rowan have to meet with Declan, go over your intel. Lily’s delivering your dress and organizing some kind of bachelorette party she wants to talk to you about. After that, I want to show you something.”
I smile and lean up, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
“Is it the sexy kind of something?” I tease.
He chuckles, the sound warm enough to thaw the ice between us.
“No. The cute kind of something.”
75
ROWAN
The minute the jet lands, the air shifts.
Reggie’s quieter than usual, and Bella’s holding his hand like she’s trying to anchor him to the ground.
By the time we reach the hangar, Declan’s already waiting. Black suit, black mood, that Quinn command stitched into every movement. Conan’s leaning against a steel pillar, cigarette between his fingers, looking bored but dangerous.
Finn’s the only one who looks calm, but it’s the kind of calm that makes everyone else nervous.
