Chapter 74
BELLA
Rowan’s fast asleep next to me, and Reggie’s just staring out the window of the jet.
I place my hand on his thigh, but he doesn’t move, doesn’t even blink.
“You okay, Irish?” I whisper.
“I’m good, Princess.” His tone’s low, steady, but his eyes stay fixed on the clouds.
So I rest my head on his shoulder, and after a pause, he adjusts himself to wrap his arm around me.
“Did you hear from Theo?” I ask softly.
My brother’s timing is impeccable. I forgot to tell him not to touch the wedding plans. I saw his text this morning and nearly died. I’d hoped to talk to Reggie before he found out—but judging by the frost in his silence, I’m too late.
“Declan did, yeah.”
I look up at him. God, he’s beautiful. But I can see the storm behind his eyes.
“I asked Theo when we were arguing. It wasn’t… recent.”
He nods, jaw sharp, and then rests his head on top of mine.
“I’m sorry for being a grump.”
I giggle, trying to hide my own ache. I hate doing this to him.
“You’re always a grump, Irish. But I’d prefer it if you communicated with me. Tell me why you’re upset. Then I can try to fix it.”
He sighs.
“It’s not up to you to fix. This is a me problem. I just—” He pauses, swallowing hard. “I don’t want to let you go.”
Tears burn behind my eyes.
“Then don’t,” I whisper. “Please don’t.”
“You have to marry one of us. Rowan’s on the cards now. But I’ve told Declan it’s your choice.”
My heart races. My choice. It feels like a blade disguised as freedom. I don’t want our little bubble to burst.
“Do you think marriage will change us?” I ask, trying to keep my voice light.
He presses a kiss to my forehead.
“I’d hope not. But this is new for all of us. I can’t tell the future.”
I breathe him in, the faint scent of whiskey and smoke clinging to his skin. He runs his fingers along my cheek, slow and reverent.
“Whatever you decide, nothing will ever change how I feel about you, Princess. Okay?”
I nod, blinking fast to hold back the tears threatening to spill.
“When we get home, can I take you somewhere?” he asks quietly.
“Just us?”
“Yes. Me and Rowan have to meet with Declan, go over your intel. Lily’s delivering your dress and organizing some kind of bachelorette party she wants to talk to you about. After that, I want to show you something.”
I smile and lean up, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
“Is it the sexy kind of something?” I tease.
He chuckles, the sound warm enough to thaw the ice between us.
“No. The cute kind of something.”