“Yeah, Caelan told me all about it,” Darragh said softly. “It’s heartbreaking, and I don’t blame you for wanting to stand by your man and help.”
My throat tightened again. “Yeah.” It was all I could say.
A moment of silence passed, and it was as if we were paying some small respect to Odhran, or maybe saying a prayer to a higher power that would help make his way easier.
“Tell me about all the wonderful things that are happening there,” I finally said.
I listened as she talked about her relationship with her father, Colin, and how it was strange and heartbreaking to hear his side of things and why he wasn’t in her life. I was insurmountably happy for her that she’d found that piece of her family. She deserved all the happiness.
The sound of the shower running drew my attention, and I glanced over my shoulder to stare at the partially closed door that led to the bathroom. Steam billowed out from the crack, and my body instantly heated at the images of him under the spray of water as it slid over his hard, muscular form.
“You must be thinking of something really nice to put that kind of smile on your face,” Darragh teased, and I laughed softly before looking down at the screen again.
“I’m just thinking about how much has changed in such a short time and how afraid I was at first, but I’m now so grateful.” Even with the poor connection and fuzzy screen, I could see her smile was genuine and that she understood exactly what I was talking about. She knew where I was coming from, because she’d gone through something monumental and kind of crazy herself.
“Who would have thought our truths would be stranger than fiction?”
I laughed, agreeing wholeheartedly. “Yeah, life has a way of turning your world upside down without you realizing it. It’s scary as hell, but the end result is pretty damn fantastic.”
I glanced back out at the window, the sun having set an hour before, the lights of the city flaring like little flames scattered throughout the night sky.
“We’re leaving the hotel tomorrow and supposed to go to Adryan’s nightclub tomorrow night.” I looked at the screen again just in time to see her cringe before she masked her expression. “Yeah… I know.”
“Good luck with that. I’ve heard enough stories from Caelan about his uncle that if I never saw Adryan for the rest of my life, it would be like hitting the lottery.”
I couldn’t even say she was exaggerating. “I guess he wanted to personally invite us to check it out, but I know it’s also so he and Cian can talk about the next plans concerning Odhran and the Assembly.” We were both silent at the mention of that evil entity. I cleared my throat. “Although I’m not a club person, so it’s gonna be even more awkward for sure. And I think he sees us as… friends?” I didn't miss how I wasn't even sure enough about that statement, because I'd phrased it like a question.
She started laughing. “Or his version of a friend, I guess. He’s too arrogant and twisted to have any real friends. I’m pretty sure you have to be sane to make those kinds of connections.”
“Agreed. Adryan is sooo not the type to have friends, but I like to think that maybe he’s turning over a new leaf.” We were both frozen after I said that and then burst out laughing.
“More than likely, he’s just making nice in case he needs something from you two in the future.”
I figured as much. Before I disconnected the call we did a little bit more small talk before we promised to speak again soon. I missed her terribly, but I meant it when I said I wasn’t going to leave Cian. I set the phone down on the edge of the bed and walked toward the bathroom, placing my hand on the door and slowly pushing it open.
The humidity and warmth that immediately surrounded me in a hazy, hot cloud of moisture had me inhaling deeply. I smelled the body wash Cian used, and although it had notes of feminine subtlety, it was impossible to mask the masculine aroma that always surrounded him.
He stood behind the frosted glass doors of the shower, his form big and imposing, his shoulders wide, and his chest so broad he took up the confines of the small space.
I was like Pavlov’s dog, my body awakening, becoming aroused just from looking at Cian… from just thinking of him.
I quickly took off the oversize shirt I wore—his T-shirt—and let it drop unceremoniously to the ground. And then I padded softly over to the shower, pulled the sliding glass door open, and stepped into the humid, hot confines to stand behind him.
I stared at the broad, massive width of his muscular back, my nipples tingling and tightening, my pussy becoming soaked, my inner muscles clenching. I was sore between my thighs from the numerous times we’d fucked, had sex… made love, but still I wanted more. That pain only led to more pleasure.