Page 59 of Vengeful Devotion
Finally, Declan steps through and our gazes immediately lock onto each other. He’s such a beautiful sight to see. His presence gives me the space to take a full breath for the first time since the incident. I can’t stop myself from jumping up, but my adventure is cut short by a dizzy spell. I fall back on the bed with a giggle. All of the sudden, I feel lighter.
“That tea really does work, Franny Pack.”
Francine laughs at the ridiculous nickname. “I told you so.”
“Please tell me you didn’t give her your tea, mother?”
Declan’s voice is tight with disdain. I lift my head enough to look at him. The sour expression on his face earns another giggle. Declan’s eyes swing to me. His face softens with relief. Like he’s realizing that he hasn’t lost me.Like you ever could, Declan McBride.
“She needed it.”
“Did you tell her what is in it?”
“Of course not.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? You can’t just drug people without their consent!”
“You can say what you want, Declan. But I’m a mother, and when one of my children needs my help, I’m going to help. Even if they don’t ask.”
“It’s illegal. No matter which way you spin it.”
“Everything we do is illegal, Deck. You should be used to that by now.”
“This isn’t the same fucking thing! This is Gemma, and you don’t put her in danger. Ever. Especially not in her own home.”
Declan’s rising tone makes me jump. The movement grabs Declan’s full attention. In a flash, he closes the distance between us and pulls me into his chest.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
I sink into his embrace, not bothering to reply. At this moment, I wish we were alone at the hotel already. The urge to get the fuck out of here and away from the fear is intense. But the burning need for Declan is worse.
“Can we leave now?”
“She’s fine, Declan. She’s happy. Let her enjoy it. If she’s upset about it tomorrow, I’ll apologize.”
“You’ll apologize,” he growls, picking me up. “Tomorrow.”
She rolls her eyes, ignoring his attitude. “Come see me tomorrow, Gemma. Okay?”
“You’re the boss, Franny Pack. I’ll be here.”
Declan swears under his breath, and I reach up, poking his face. My fingers scratch through his scruff, and his arms tighten around me. I don’t think I could tire of this. Not in a million years.
“You’re really pretty.”
He chuckles. A dark and smoky sound that vibrates through me.I really wish we were alone right now.The desire for him is stronger than the usual lustful craving. Much stronger.
“You’re more beautiful than I could ever dream of being.”
I giggle as he grabs the backs of my thighs and lifts me.
“Time to go.”
I wave to Francine as Declan carries me out of the room. I lay my head on his shoulder, wrapping my arms around his neck as his spicy scent crawls over me. To be in his arms is to know serenity. It also means to know what a raging storm of lust and love feels like. With every breath, it gets bigger and bigger.
The outside air brings little relief. I’m only a moment away from rubbing myself against him. But he puts me into a car before I can. The frigid blast of the air conditioning pebbles my nipples beneath my thin nightgown. I squeeze my legs together, feeling the dampness of my panties. My eyes track his every movement to the driver’s side. Like a lioness in heat, ready to attack her mate.
That thought makes me giggle.
