Cian: Dublin Kings, Book 1 by L.K. Shaw

Author:L.K. Shaw [Shaw, L.K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter 19

Nessa

* * *

I’m surrounded by warmth and the scent of ginger. Did I only dream last night? The ache between my thighs tells me I didn’t. I slowly open my eyes. Cian is lying on his side, facing me, with his eyes closed and his chest rising and falling evenly. Afraid he’ll wake up, I hold perfectly still and study him. Faint morning light shines through the crack in the shutter and hits his face. He appears younger—maybe even a little softer—in his sleep with his auburn hair curling over his forehead. The freckles that dot his nose and cheeks give him a more vulnerable appearance. Or maybe more earthly as opposed to the god-like presence he radiates when he’s fully awake.

I wait for the embarrassment to hit, but it doesn’t come. Neither do the regrets. For the first time in my life, I actually did something for myself. Something I wanted. No one, not even Dónal, can take that away from me. And I want to do it again. And again.

Don’t forget there’s a time limit on this…relationship? Affair?

What do I even call this? Maybe arrangement is a better term.

I can’t forget to keep my emotions in check. The last thing I need is to be sent home with a broken heart and pining for something—for someone—that can never be. I just need to enjoy whatever time I have with Cian so I have the memories to keep me company later.

The temptation is too great for me to resist. Trying not to disturb him, I reach out and brush one of the curls that fall forward. It’s soft to the touch. He shifts his head, his cheek rubbing along the pillow and then his eyelashes flutter and lift. A small grin appears.

“Good morning.” His voice is sleep-filled.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“If it means seeing a beautiful creature beside me, then by all means, feel free.”

Heat warms my cheeks. Cian makes me feel beautiful. He reaches out and runs a finger down the side of my face. Like always, tiny sparks run along its path, lighting me up from the inside. “I must not have debauched you enough if you’re still blushing. I guess that means the next time I need to try a little harder.”

I laugh. “Maybe so.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Do I hear a challenge?”

“I’m not sure I’m ready for your next level of debauchery quite yet.”

Cian chuckles this time. “I definitely heard a challenge there.”

He playfully tackles me and rolls us so I’m on my back and he’s on top. The weight of him is a heavy but comforting presence. Beneath him, I feel protected. Safe. Although he is the danger.

“What are you thinking about so hard that has that look on your face?” He pushes a few stray strands of hair back and tucks them behind my ear.

I blink and focus on him above me. There’s such tenderness in his expression it makes me ache a little. “Nothing really. Just that if I was going to give my virginity to anyone…I’m glad it was you.

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