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A warmth spread through me at his words. Despite my initial intentions to leave after the week, I was as enamoured with Ewen as he seemed to feel the same way. I couldn’t imagine going back to how everything was before. I had no idea what my future held, but I wanted it to be by his side. He was an enigma. Strong and protective, yet loved to consume my tears. Cold and brooding, yet sweet and generous.
‘Now get your lovely arse to the bathroom and have a wee before you get a UTI,’ he said, sliding out of me. ‘You’ve got five minutes before I come and find you if you’re not right back here where you belong.’
Belong.
The word made me melt.
I’d never belonged anywhere.
THIRTY-SIX
EWEN
Bodies swayed in the colourful lights as music filled the club. Cora sat next to Katie at the table where most of my family gathered. They chatted enthusiastically while sipping cocktails, their smiles brimming.
Happiness flooded me.
We had all the time in the world. Not only a week. It might get hard when Ruby moved in after her hospital stay, but whatever happened, I’d be there for Cora.
Mac sidled up next to me and followed my gaze to our girls.
‘She fits in well,’ he said. ‘You look happier than I’ve seen you in forever.’
‘I don’t think I believed it could be so good. When you all met your partners, I kind of thought you’d all lost your minds.’
‘We did,’ Mac said with a laugh. ‘Love’ll do that to you.’
Love.
It had only been a few weeks. I had an obsession. Then, a desire. Could I be in love with her so soon?’
The way my heart leapt inside my chest told me I could.
‘We need to take care of Edwards. I don’t know what his endgame is, but if he comes after us, they could get hurt.’
‘Tomorrow. Tonight, let’s focus on the good stuff.’
‘Your men are at the doors?’
‘I’ve got thirty guys in the building. All armed. Everyone who comes in is being checked for any weapons or drugs. There’s no sign of anything amiss. Our intelligence on Edwards tells us he only has a handful of men in his service now. He’d be an idiot to try to take out thirty armed guards as well as us.’
Letting my shoulders relax, I nodded. ‘You’re right. C’mon, let’s go join everyone.’
‘Happy birthday.’ I slapped Logan on the back, and he pulled me into a hug.
‘Thanks for hosting, Ewen. Everything is perfect.’
Following his sweeping gaze, I smiled.
It was perfect. My family was all under the same roof. Our friends and business partners were laughing and having a great time. Well, everyone except Alfie. Where the fuck was he?
‘Glad I could help,’ I said. ‘Feels pretty great having everyone back together. Shame it can’t be more often.’
‘There’s not a chance in hell Esther’s going to move back to Glasgow. Who can blame her? They might not be in a mansion, but they get far more sun than we do.’
‘And what about you? Are you still loving life as a country bumpkin? Don’t you ever regret handing over the reins to Maeve?’
‘I couldn’t be happier if I tried. Haven’t regretted a thing since Valentina made her way into my arms.’ Logan’s eyes creased as he grinned.
