Chapter 20 #2
Lochlan whistles on his way out, looking at ease. It’s shocking given how tense he was originally. Sometimes I don’t know what to make of him. I don’t think even Rohan can figure out what’s going on in his head half the time.
Shaking off the interaction—and knowing I’ll resolve it tomorrow—I stalk toward the back of my house. I already know where Eden is. Something that is confirmed as I find a trail of her clothes leading to the patio.
I shake my head as I pick up each piece and step out into the night. The sky is clear, so I can see endless stars above us. But that’s not where my eyes go.
Instead, they are on the gorgeous woman already naked and in my pool. Her eyes are glittering when they meet mine. “You can’t seem to win tonight.”
I chuckle, dropping her clothes before starting to undress myself. “And you are going to end up getting someone killed if you strip inside my house.”
“Should have been faster.” Her grin is mischievous. “Then you could have stopped me.”
“Oh, you’re mistaken if you think I want to keep your clothes on.” I descend into the heated water. “I just don’t want anyone else seeing you.”
She swims closer. “Does that mean I’m getting that punishment after all?” Her fingers grasp my shoulders as she locks her legs around my waist. My hands drop to grip her arse on instinct. “Since I’m causing you so many problems.”
Eden dips her head to kiss down my neck, and it takes everything in me not to lose myself in the feeling of her mouth on my skin. But fuck, it’s hard. All I want is her.
But I also wanted to talk about something with her. An idea I’ve been toying with for the last week—one that might solve multiple problems for me.
Her teeth rake over my throat, and my fingers dig into her skin. I’m already so fucking hard, but I fight to keep a level head. “Eden.”
“Hmm?” Her fingers slide into my hair, tugging so that she can tilt my head and kiss lower.
“Fuck, mo chuisle .” That’s it. I can talk to her after.
But her head pops up, looking adorably confused. There’s still a teasing smile on her lips when she asks, “What did you say?”
I blink, the fog of lust breaking enough for it to hit me. I didn’t even realize what slipped past my lips until right now.
Not knowing what else to say, I answer, “ Mo chuisle . It’s a…term of endearment.”
I’m not willing to tell her what it means, not exactly. It’s been so long since I’ve even heard it that I’m surprised it came out.
Lochlan’s father called his wife that. I know a few Irish phrases, but for the most part, we don’t use the language. Terms of endearment even less. But Lochlan’s parents were deeply in love—which is why his mother couldn’t live after her husband died.
I didn’t realize that their relationship was the one that I had started to think about until that nickname came out. But it makes sense. I don’t hate Eden like my parents hated each other, and Rohan’s mom died when we were so young we barely remember her.
But Lochlan’s… If love still exists in this shitty city, they found it. And maybe, I’m starting to compare what I feel for Eden to what I saw between them.
Her fingers trail along my jaw, shaking me out of that train of thought. “I never thought you were the kind of guy to call a girl a pretty nickname.”
I spin us, pushing her against the pool wall. “You’ve made me a lot of things I never thought I’d be.” I push a wet strand of dark hair out of her face. “Which leads me to something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about.”
Her head tilts to the side as she keeps playing with the hair at the nape of my neck. Gently, this time. “What is it?”
“I promised Rohan that I would stay out of the cages,” I admit, something I’ve been keeping from her. Her eyebrows rise, but I push on. “I was thinking that maybe it would be better if we both did.”
At that, Eden’s eyes narrow. I’d expect no less from her. She doesn’t exactly do well with anyone telling her what to do, but I can’t keep my word to Rohan if I keep seeing other men try to kill my girl. I only have so much self-control.
“If you think I’m going to be some kind of woman that you can tuck away for my protection ? —“
My laugh cuts her off, and now she’s seething. I don’t mean to make it worse, but I’m certain that I was about to be threatened. In fact, if I don’t speak fast enough, my life might be in jeopardy.
“I would never,” I tell her, trying not to look too entertained. “But Rohan is going to kill us both if I don’t keep off the mat.”
She’s still glaring at me. “I don’t see what that has to do with me.”
“I have a job for you.”
“Kieran.” Her nails dig into my scalp, but she seems to forget I’m into the pain. “Explain faster.”
“You are impressive to watch, and I’d rather have you training my guards than killing useless fighters for money.
” I lean forward, unable to keep from touching her anymore.
I trail my lips up her throat until I’m brushing the shell of her ear.
“You’d like it more, and I’d stop wanting to kill every guy that gets to touch you. ”
“I always kill them in the end.” She tilts her head, encouraging me to keep going. “If I’m training your guards, I won’t get my hands bloody.”
“You could kill the people that are pissing me off. Would that suffice?” I nip at the spot below her ear.
She hums. “I’ll consider it.”
“Can I convince you?” I roll my hips against her, knowing how to tease her until she’s begging. My girl might be fierce, but I love seeing her break only for me.
“Maybe.”
I move down her neck, brushing my lips against her collarbone. “It pays more.”
“I have the richest guy in the city wrapped around my finger.” I chuckle against her skin, but she’s not wrong. “Try again.”
“It’s more of a challenge. I know you’re getting bored on the mat.”
At that, her lips purse, and I sink my teeth into the spot where her neck meets her shoulder. She groans loudly, and I know that she’s going to give in soon.
“You’ll get to boss everyone around.” I lick the mark I left behind as her fingers twist in my hair. “And you’ll see me more.”
“Is that supposed to entice me?” She peeks open her eyes with a smirk. “Not sure it’s a perk.”
I growl and lean down to capture her nipple in my mouth. I suck hard enough to make her writhe against me, tongue flicking over her skin.
Pulling off, I say, “I can go then.”
“No,” she pants. “You’re right. It’s a perk.”
I kiss across her chest, pausing as I hover over her other nipple. “So you’ll become a trainer for me?”
Her back arches as she tries to get my mouth back on her. “If I say yes, do I get to come now?”
I chuckle. “Deal.”
“Then yes. No more cage fights. More orgasms.”
I dip my head down, biting her nipple as I slide one hand between us. I push two fingers into her, curling them as I suck. Eden’s moan is so fucking perfect, and I pump into her, drawing her closer to the edge.
I pull off her breast, still working her with my fingers. “One more thing.”
“What?” she hisses through clenched teeth as I increase my speed.
“Move in with me.”
Her eyes fly open, but I don’t stop my fingers. Instead, I apply more pressure on the one spot she loves, and her thighs tighten around me. “Kieran.”
“Say yes.” My thumb moves to her clit, brushing over it as I finger-fuck her. “Say yes, mo chuisle. ”
She whimpers, and I feel her shaking. She’s so close, and, like the sadistic bastard I am, I stop. My fingers are deep inside her, but I keep still.
“What the fuck ?” She tries to move, but my arm still gripping her arse slides up, wrapping around her waist and pinning her in place.
“Answer me.” I lean forward and blow cool air over her exposed nipples. I feel her walls clench around me, begging for the release.
“You want me to stop fighting in the cages, start working with your guards, and move in with you?” The anger is still in her tone, but now that she’s not teetering on the edge, there’s a hint of amusement.
“Yes.” I circle her clit lightly, making her jolt. “I want you in my bed every night.” I increase the pressure. “Just say the word, Eden, and I’ll make you come.”
I see her thinking. She’s so independent, more willing to fight than bend. But I know she wants this. I’ve tested the waters the last few times she stayed with me.
I blow over her nipple again, my thumb still moving, and finally she whispers, “Yes.”
My eyes lift to find hers watching me. “What did you say?”
“Yes, Kieran.” One hand slides softly along my cheek. “I’ll move in with you.”
I grin, never having felt a burst of excitement before like I am now. But I’m not a sappy motherfucker, and Eden isn’t one to discuss our feelings. So, I drop my head and sink my teeth into her breast as I curl my fingers.
She’s coming seconds later, and then I’m replacing my hand with my cock. Even if we aren’t good at saying it, I feel how much she wants this, too, while she rides me. I feel the way she clings to me. See the way she looks at me.
I don’t need her to tell me. I know we both want this.
And I have no problem coaxing a yes out of her if she wants to try to resist. It’s my favorite game after all, having her make me work for it.