58. Malachi
Chapter 58
Malachi
Connor’s hand stays firmly wrapped around mine, possessive and warm, and even though I roll my eyes every time he pulls me closer, deep down, I can’t deny I fucking love it. Every lingering touch, every soft look he gives me like I’m the only thing worth looking at—it’s everything I’ve secretly been craving.
But of course, I’d rather die than let him know how much I love his clingy behavior. He’s already so full of himself; there’s no way I’m inflating that ego even further. He presses another kiss against my temple, and I groan dramatically, lightly shoving his chest.
“Christ, Connor. You’re like a giant fuckin’ puppy,” I complain, though I can’t keep the small smile from slipping through. “You have no concept of personal space.”
He just grins, unfazed, his eyes sparkling. “Not when it comes to you, Babyface. I’ve got five months of affection to make up for, remember?”
My cheeks burn hot, but I pretend to glare, shrugging his arm off me. “Well, you could at least try to pretend you have some dignity left.”
“Dignity?” He chuckles, stepping right back into my space. “Left that behind the second I met you, darlin’.”
I roll my eyes, turning away to hide how red my face is. Connor follows, slipping his hand back into mine as he guides me through the crowd. My stomach knots with sudden anxiety as we approach a small group standing near the bonfire. Connor squeezes my hand reassuringly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles in a way that makes my heart stutter.
“Alright, Babyface,” he says softly, leaning closer. “Time to meet the family.”
I tense slightly. “Great, I’m about to be thrown to the wolves.”
Connor smirks, eyes playful. “Relax. They’ll love you.” Then louder, “Hey, arseholes. Meet Malachi, the love of my fuckin’ life.”
My cheeks fucking burn at that introduction before all eyes immediately shift to me, and I suddenly feel like a deer caught in headlights. Four intimidating guys and two stunningly beautiful women stare at me, curiosity lighting their expressions. I swallow nervously, feeling the full weight of who these people are—the power radiating from each of them is enough to leave me speechless.
Connor wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me to his side. “Malachi, this is Nikolai Mikhailov. Bastard is about to be my brother-in-law.” He gestures to the tall, blond-haired man with a smirk and piercing blue eyes that study me closely. Nikolai nods, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips.
“Konstantin Drakos.” A guy with intense gray eyes and an unreadable expression tilts his head, giving me a cool nod. “Giovanni Basile.” The handsome, confident guy wearing a black leather jacket raises his brows with clear amusement.
“And Mihai Vasile, my best friend and a royal pain in the arse.” Connor points at a guy with dark, curly hair, brown eyes, and a lazy smirk. Mihai gives me a nod, looking me up and down briefly.
The girls beside them smile warmly. The blonde with Mihai offers me a bright, welcoming grin. “I’m Maddy,” she says with a light English accent. “Ignore Mihai, he’s harmless.” Mihai snorts, rolling his eyes.
The brunette next to Giovanni laughs softly. “I’m Chiara. Nice to finally meet you, Malachi.”
I try to smile back, suddenly aware of how Connor’s grip on my waist tightens slightly, silently reassuring me he’s here, and that he won’t let anything happen. Still, my pulse races, anxiety coiling tight in my stomach.
Nikolai smirks, eyes gleaming. “So, you’re the one who turned our Irish asshole into a lovesick puppy. Gotta say, I expected someone taller.”
I blink, caught off guard, and glance at Connor, who looks seconds away from punching Nikolai. But Giovanni snorts, chuckling softly. “Ignore him. He’s just jealous someone actually puts up with Connor.”
I laugh despite myself, relaxing just a bit. Mihai crosses his arms, eyes glinting with amusement. “True. You deserve an award for tolerating him. We should buy you a drink just for surviving his company this long.”
Connor glares playfully, rolling his eyes. “Fuck off, Mihai. You’re lucky Maddy hasn’t dumped your ass yet.”
Maddy shrugs, smiling sweetly. “He’s got his moments.”
Konstantin raises a brow, dryly amused. “Personally, I’m impressed Connor managed to convince anyone to date him at all.”
Connor flips him off, laughing, but pulls me closer. “Alright, arseholes, that’s enough. Don’t scare him away.”
Nikolai chuckles, winking at me. “We’re harmless. Welcome to the madness, Malachi.”
I glance around, warmth spreading in my chest. They’re intimidating as hell, but the way they tease Connor feels genuine and playful. My anxiety fades slightly, replaced with something like cautious optimism. Maybe these people aren’t as terrifying as I first thought.
Okay, wait, no. These are trained killers, so they’re definitely terrifying.
Connor leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “Come with me,” he murmurs, his voice low enough for only me to hear. I shiver slightly, nodding once.
He pulls me away, guiding me towards the suites, his hand firm around mine. As soon as we’re away from everyone else, Connor turns me to face him, his expression softening.
“You alright, Babyface?” he asks quietly, studying me carefully.
I nod slowly, biting my lip. “Yeah, just… a little overwhelmed, I guess.”
His thumb brushes my cheek softly. “They loved you. Though Nikolai might need an arse-kicking later for that height comment.”
I laugh softly, rolling my eyes. “It’s fine, Connor.”
He leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips before guiding me inside. The suite is as luxurious as I expected—dark wood, expensive furniture, and the faint scent of whiskey and smoke. But I barely have time to appreciate any of it before Connor’s tugging me into his bedroom, closing the door quietly behind us.
I glance around, taking in the spacious room, the big bed dominating one side, bookshelves lined with novels I didn’t expect him to own, and photos of his family and friends scattered on the wall. It’s so Connor—bold and messy but with subtle hints of warmth and comfort.
Connor wraps his arms around me from behind, burying his face in my neck. “I’ve waited weeks to have you here,” he whispers, voice rough.
I lean back into him, closing my eyes briefly. “Yeah, well, you could have invited me sooner.”
He chuckles softly against my skin. “I deserved that.” He spins me around gently to face him, eyes suddenly serious. “You’re not still mad at me, are you?”
I sigh softly, shaking my head. “No. I get it, Connor. Doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt, but… I know you didn’t mean to hurt me.”
His expression softens, relief flooding his eyes. “Fuck, I love you,” he breathes, pulling me impossibly closer.
My heart pounds hard against my ribs, my face heating. “You better,” I mutter quietly, trying to hide my embarrassment.
He grins, cupping my face gently. “I’ll spend forever makin’ it up to you, Babyface.”
“Damn right, you will,” I mumble, but I’m smiling despite myself.
Connor chuckles softly, leaning down to kiss me again, slow and deep. My breath hitches, my arms slipping around his neck as I lose myself in the feel of him—the heat of his body, the strength of his hands on my waist, the softness of his lips against mine.
When he pulls back slightly, resting his forehead against mine, his green eyes are dark with intensity. “I’m serious, Malachi. Whatever you need—space, freedom, time—I’ll give it to you. Just… let me love you.”
My throat tightens with emotion, and I nod slowly, heart aching sweetly. “I want that too. I want you. But this freedom thing… it’s new for me. I still want to find myself a bit.”
He nods immediately, eyes gentle. “Of course, baby. I’ll never take that from you. But I’m still gonna show everyone you’re mine. Can’t help it.”
I laugh softly, rolling my eyes. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re beautiful,” he murmurs, sincerity shining in his gaze. “I look at you sometimes and wonder how the fuck I got lucky enough to have you.”
My face heats fiercely, embarrassment warring with warmth. “Shut up,” I mumble.
Connor chuckles softly, tugging me toward the bed and sitting down, pulling me onto his lap. I go willingly, relaxing into him as his arms circle around me securely. We sit quietly for a moment, my head resting against his shoulder, his pulse steady beneath my ear.
“Connor?” I finally whisper, fingers tracing idle patterns on his chest.
“Hmmm?”
I tilt my chin up, studying Connor’s face. The dim lighting from his room softens the sharp lines of his jaw and makes his green eyes burn brighter. “There’s something I wanna do first.”