Page 92 of Vicious Seduction
“You’re kind of a brute, you know that?” she teased.
I walked back to the bedroom and bent over her, slanting my lips over hers in an ardent, poignant kiss. “Only for you, baby. Only for you.” I turned off the light and joined her in bed, pulling her snugly against me.
“Oran?” she asked again, this time more hesitantly, her voice barely a whisper.
“Yeah?” I murmured sleepily, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair.
“I love you.”
The words hung in the air, stopping time and my heart along with it. I felt like a kid who’d caught a soapy swirling bubble on the tip of my finger, afraid the slightest breeze might cause it to burst. Elation brighter than pure sunshine filled my chest.
“I love you, too, Lina. More than you could ever comprehend.” I rolled her onto her back and propped myself on my elbow so that I could kiss her with all the ardent devotion brimming inside me. I wanted her to feel my love for her with such unerring intensity that she never had to question it, no matter what the world threw at us. That would be the first thing on my to-do list every day, so long as I drew breath. And until that daily task was completed, my job wasn’t done, because this woman was the center of my world. My greatest priority and my proudest accomplishment. I would never stop striving to be worthy of her love.
CHAPTER 47
LINA
“I don’t knowwhat to say.” Mellie looked worriedly from me to Oran and back. “Either option is awfully generous. I don’t want to put a strain on you guys.”
“That’s sweet of you,” said Oran, “but I’m not the type to inconvenience myself. I told Lina I’m good with either option, and I am. You just need to choose.” He rinsed his empty breakfast plate in the sink, then placed it in the dishwasher.
I shot my sister a look.See, I told you so.
Excitement flashed in her eyes. “Well, if you really don’t mind, the apartment here in the building sounds incredible. I’ve enjoyed having my own little space, and being so close to youguys would be perfect.”
Oran took out his phone and dialed a number. “Frank, it’s Oran Byrne. That apartment we talked about yesterday? I’ll be by later today to sign the paperwork. How soon can I get access?”
Mellie and I exchanged beaming grins.
“That works. See you in an hour.” He hung up and slid his phone back into his pant pocket. “They have to have a cleaning team go through tomorrow, but you can start moving in the day after. Just let me know of any other issues you notice after that, and I’ll have them taken care of.”
“Oh my God.” My sister gaped at me. “Is he for real?”
I laughed. “Yup. He’s a force of nature—there’s no stopping him once he sets his mind on something.”
Mellie smirked. “Funny, I know someone else like that.”
I looked over my left shoulder, then my right, placing a scandalized hand over my chest. “Me? You can’t possibly mean me.”
Oran burst out laughing. “You can definitely stick around, kid.”
When I gaped at him in outrage, he laughed a little more, then kissed my forehead. “I’ve got shit to do. You ladies be good.” My mouth went dry at the sight of his expensive slacks filled perfectly by his muscular backside.Good God.
“Yeah,” Mellie drew out slowly. “Having my own apartment is a must.”
“What? Why?”
“The sexual energy between you two is so intense, I’m worried I’ll end up pregnant just breathing the air in here.”
It was my turn to burst out laughing. “Sorry about that.” I shrugged. “We’re still in that honeymoon phase, I guess.”
“No apologies necessary. I’m so incredibly happy for you.” She placed a hand over mine and squeezed.
“I’m pretty dang pleased for us both. Things are going to be freaking spectacular from here on out, I just know it.”
She smiled, but her enthusiasm didn’t match my own by a long shot.
“What is it?”