What was more interesting? I had accepted it without disappointment. I think that was a turning point for me, a bit of growth on my part.
I was frying the last pork chop when Ian returned.
I glanced over, smiled. His hair was mussed, his eyes hooded. He looked sated, relaxed.
“Two minutes,” I told him. I had taken my time, especially after I realized what was going on in Dante’s bedroom.
Ian walked over, put his arms around me, held me to him. I hugged him back, inhaling his scent. He smelled like Dante and sex mixed with his unique, delicious scent.
“The things I mentioned earlier,” he said softly. “Let’s keep that between us.”
Things being his feelings for Everly, I knew.
I nodded as he released me. “Of course.”
“Thanks.”
He disappeared toward his bedroom and I finished the food.
Dante appeared. He looked similar to how Ian had. Satisfied, relaxed.
“Hi,” I greeted. “Hungry?”
“Starving.”
His eyes searched my face, as though he expected me to say something. I realized then I needed to. The last thing I wanted was for him to wonder.
“About earlier … I really don’t want things to be weird between us.”
“They’re not weird,” he said, though I got the impression he wasn’t being exactly truthful.
“Good.” I took his hand, tugged him toward the kitchen. “Now, you get drinks. I’ll get food.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Ian returned a few minutes later.
“Are Isaac and Everly joining us?” I asked as I brought in two plates piled with food.
“No,” Ian said. “I checked on them. Everly’s asleep already.”
I smiled knowingly. Good sex could take it out of a girl.
“I’ll put theirs in the refrigerator. They can heat it up later.”
Ian nodded.
“Were you born in Ireland?” Dante asked, surprising us both because it was rare he talked unless prompted.
Ian turned his full attention on Dante. “Aye.”
“How long have you been in the US?”
“My father moved us here when we were sixteen,” he said conversationally. “He came here for work. Corporate type.”
“Is he still here?”
Ian shook his head, took a pull from the beer I’d brought him.
“No. He went back after we graduated.”
“And you stayed?”
“Aye. Isaac didn’t want to go back. Couldn’t really blame him. So, we settled in here. Started doing some security work, bought this house. Made a go at our own security company, gave it up after a few years.”
“Didn’t like it?” I asked.
“Didn’t like the politics that came along with owning a business, schmoozing people in an effort to get business. Not really my thing. Prefer someone else handle that. We stick to the protection part.”
“What about your mother?” I asked.
“Let’s just say she preferred the pub.”
“Alcoholic?”
Ian leaned back, took a swig of his beer. “Men.”
He didn’t elaborate.
“You work in security now,” Dante said. “Local gigs?”
“Not usually, no. A lot of what we’ve been assigned to are in LA and New York.”
“Long-term assignments?”
It wasn’t until that question that I understood what Ian was saying. They travelled. Were gone a lot.
“Yeah,” he replied to Dante. “Usually two or three weeks. Sometimes a couple of months at a time.”
The thought of a relationship having to endure that sort of distance… I was suddenly not hungry anymore.
“Problem?” Ian asked, frowning.
“Nope,” I lied.
His eyes hardened instantly, a look I hadn’t yet seen on his face.
“I might put up with a lot of things.” He held my gaze in his without force. “But I don’t tolerate lies or avoidance.” He took a drink. “One more time. What’s on your mind?”
“Nothing,” I said, exasperation in my tone.
After depositing my plate in the sink, I took off for the guest room, ignoring him when he called after me.
I should’ve known he would follow. The man didn’t know the meaning of personal space.
He stood in the doorway, arms crossed, his full attention on me.
“Would you mind?” I snapped. “I’d like to get some sleep. I’ll need it at my sister’s. Kids and all.”
“I do mind.” He stepped into the room, closed the door.
“Ian, I’m not interested in your games right now.” I started to get on the bed, but he stopped me, his arm banding around my middle, lifting me off the ground. “Put me down, dammit.”
“Something you haven’t had a chance to explore yet,” he said, depositing me on my feet. “Kneel.”
I gave him a go-to-hell glare. “I’ve seen more than enough, thank you very much.”
“Kneel.” His voice was so low, so deep it sent chills down my spine.
For a second, I had to wonder if he even remembered who I was.
“Go to hell,” I rasped, hoping he didn’t singe me with the anger in his eyes.
Ian stepped forward, his hand shooting out. I flinched, expecting a blow, but he didn’t hit me. In fact, his hand was almost gentle as it curled around the back of my neck. He was so close I was forced to crane my neck to look at him.
“I told you, I don’t tolerate lies or avoidance. Not even from my friends. You’ve done both in less than two minutes.” His gaze searched my face. “And I’m going to be clear on one thing. I will never hit you. Not out of anger.”
