Page 118 of Fifth Avenue Fling

Maria places a hand on his forearm. “Are you sure this maid is telling the truth, Killian?”

My gut clenches. I can’t bear to listen to them talk about me, so I inch back down the stairs and melt into the shadows, my mind racing. She doesn’t look like she’s going anywhere anytime soon.

I can’t stay. I’m not staying here while Killian sleeps with her. He might not have offered me on a platter to the mayor, but if he sleeps with another woman when I’m in the house, it’ll destroy me. I’d prefer to spend the night on a Central Park bench.

I want him. That’s the shitty thing. How can one person feel something so one-sided?

I let myself become too attached, and now I’m vulnerable. The ache in my heart spills out through tears as I race into my studio and collapse onto the couch. I would rather feel nothing than be riddled with this pain.

The knock on the door makes me flinch.

“I’m fine,” I shout, trying to sound as upbeat as possible. “Let’s talk tomorrow.”

Right now, I don’t care if he fires me.

Silence.

Just when I think he’s left, his deep, huskyvoicedriftsthroughthedoor. “Please.”

“Go away.”

“I’ll wait out here all night if I have to.”

I wait for what feels like an eternity to figure out it’s an idle threat.

When I hear him still leaning against the door, I wipe my tears with my hand and move toward the door to open it.

Killian stands rigid in the doorway, his blue eyes blazing into mine. The lighting throws shades on his jawline, making him look equally beautiful and predatory.

His expression twists into concern as he takes in my blotchy face.

Please go away.

“I’m sorry,” I force out, maintaining a steady tone as I stand awkwardly by the table. “I didn’t mean to make you lose your deal.”

His frown deepens, as if my words have wounded him. He takes a purposeful step closer. “I don’t care about the damn casino, Clodagh.”

“You’re not the one that should be sorry,” he continues quietly. “I should never have put you in that situation. I swear, Clodagh, if I thought that would happen, I would never have invited the fucker into my home.”

I try to swallow the massive lump in my throat. “It’s fine.”

“It’s not fucking fine. I promised to keep you safe, and I didn’t. I’m so damn sorry, Clodagh.”

“Look, I just want to go to Queens, alright?”

He watches me for a long moment in silence.

Then his face darkens, and he nods, almost dejectedly. “You don’t feel safe here. I should have protected you. I failed you.”

He looks so devastated that I almost feel sorry for him. Almost.

I grab my backpack and give him a faint smile. “It’s not the mayor. I’ve had my share of sleazy guys before. I just need some time out, okay?”

“It’s me. You want to get away from me.”

I sling my backpack over my shoulder and grip it tight for support.

Can’t he leave it?

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