Chapter 21 #2
I know there’s something between us. The fact that other people can tell makes it that much more valid. With that validity comes fear. Because I was engaged to his brother, who likely wants to sue me now. I don’t want to drag Killian into that mess any more than I already have just by being here.
I stop running as we get to the boardwalk of Brooklyn Bridge Park and Lilith stops beside me, leading me to the bench.
“When you and Eve got together, was it easy?” I ask, breathing hard.
“When I first met Eve, I was in a bad marriage to a good man,” Lilith says for a laugh.
“It definitely wasn’t easy. I always knew my sexuality.
It just took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I wasn’t going to be married to the person I thought of spending my whole life with. He was my high school sweetheart.”
“Are you still in touch with him?” I ask softly.
“Yeah, he’s married now. Some loves don’t last, but they do change.” She glances at me, a knowing look in her eyes. “You and Killian don’t have to make it difficult.”
I groan, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I was engaged to his brother, that already makes it difficult. If our families find out, all hell will break loose. And I’m not saying that to be facetious. I’m pretty sure our mothers will find a way to get in touch with the literal devil.”
That makes Lilith laugh, but she has no idea that I’m not kidding. Maybe your mothers won’t find the devil, but they will do everything in their power to try to break us up.
“Our parents think that Beckett hung the moon, and I’m some kind of price he’s won,” I say bitterly.
Lilith’s face twists with disgust. “No offense, but they sound like they need therapy.”
“And a lot of it,” I agree.
“Eve and I will be going to my parents place in the Catskills soon. You’ll basically be alone with Killian,” Lilith says.
“I’m sure Killian will find a thousand ways to not make it happen,” I say.
Lilith brushes back her short hair. “Then maybe you need to make sure that it does happen.”
Unbidden, Beckett’s words from that day enter my mind.
You’re going to be the perfect wife and being a good husband means I have to protect you from the animalistic nature of sex.
He’d phrased it in a way that would make it seem sweet, but really he’d meant that I did nothing for him sexually.
He always told me that he didn’t have sex with me because he respects my father too much and he wouldn’t like it.
I should have known then something was wrong because Beckett isn’t that conservative, clearly.
Now, a different worry niggles in the back of my mind. What if I’m not enough for Killian? What if he’s expecting something I can’t give him?
Lilith sets her hand on top of mine, drawing my attention to her. “Don’t think about it too much. This isn’t something you can perfect or do on a timeline.”
We sit for a moment, listening to the birds and Brooklyn waking up around us. Even though it’s sunny, there’s a nice warm breeze close to the water. It’s a great spot for a picnic.
“Did you ever end up calling Aiden?” Lilith asks suddenly.
“From your party?” I look at her in question. “Why would I call him?”
I still have his card in the back of my phone case. I suppose if Beckett does end up suing me, I’ll need a lawyer.
“If you’re planning on staying here, I assume you might want a job?” Lilith asks. “That’s why I introduced you to him.”
“I didn’t know that! Besides, I practiced corporate law. I haven’t even seen the inside of a court room. Doesn’t Aiden practice family law? How do you even know I have the license?”
“I thought you have to clear the bar once and you’re done,” Lilith says.
“Nope, different states, different laws.”
She raises her eyebrows. “But you have a license to work here?”
“I do.”
“Great! I’ll reach out to Aiden and set up an interview for you.”
My mouth drops open at her casual tone. Admittedly, I don’t know her that well so I didn’t realize she has that kind of pull.
“How can you do that?”
“Our parents are friends. I’ve known him for a long time,” Lilith says with a shrug.
A part of me wants to earn the chance on my own. On the other hand, Aiden works for a top law firm and if I can nepo friend my way in, why not? It’s not like I’m going to get the job because again, I know nothing about family law.
On our way back home, we stop by the corner bodega and I buy a pint of ice cream because I finished the last carton yesterday. I stick it in the freezer as soon as I get home and then make a beeline for the stairs.
I want to see if Killian has finished my painting.
He’s been very secretive about it and he hasn’t asked me to sit for him since.
Except yesterday when he told me he wants to paint me on top of him.
I hate these insecurities which pop up unexpectedly when the man cannot be more clear about his intentions.
The hallway is quiet when I get to the second flood, except for the sound of the shower running.
The bathroom door is partially open and it piques my curiosity, causing my cheeks to heat up.
Killian is naked and wet on the other side of this door.
I’d never invade his privacy, though a part of me wonders what he will do if I walk in there and get in the shower with him?
Don’t think that, Caroline!
My pulse pounds between my legs, imagining him pushing me against the shower wall, the water beating down his back and sluicing over his body.
Killian makes a rough sound which is enough to clear the haze of sexual desire from my mind.
I turn to leave and as soon as I take a step, he says my name.
“Caroline.”
Shit, did he catch me?
It’s followed by a low groan which sends a shiver through my body. My nipples pebble inside my top as I squeeze my thighs together.
“That’s it, butterfly. Take me in slowly, just like that,” Killian says, his voice rough.
I should leave. I need to leave. I look towards the stairs but my feet are rooted to the spot.
“Good girl, sucking my cock just the way I like.”
My heart races inside my chest, breath coming in short gasps. I feel like I did right after my run.
“You’re going to drink every drop, aren’t you? It’s all for you. Every. Single. Drop.”
I bite my lip hard, holding off my moan.
“Get ready to swallow, baby. I know you love to swallow for me.” His breathing changes and then he groans low and deep as he comes.
My legs can’t support my weight anymore. Though, I have no choice in the matter as he turns of the water. I have to move before he catches me in my voyeuristic act.
Taking one unsteady step in front of another, I turn and start to make my way down the hallway. I’m confident I’m going to escape before he steps out of the bathroom.
“Did you catch a good show, butterfly?” Killian asks from directly behind me.