Page 162 of Bound Lies

Ronan closes his eyes for a moment, likely trying to keep a hold on his temper.

“I love you, Tine Bhaeg, I really do. But right now, I need you to stop arguing with me just this once. Can you do that?”

“You’re an ass, Ronan Sullivan.”

“I know.” He presses a kiss to her temple, then turns back to me. “I’ll take the girls to a safehouse, and you go and get the truth from Finn. Take my car.”

He reaches into his pocket and tosses me the keys.

I snatch them out of the air and meet Ronan’s eyes as I pocket them, a silent agreement passing between us.

This isn’t even close to being over, but we’re not going to stop until it is.

I get to my feet. “Please, keep Riley locked down tight, Ronan. I’m not losing her over this.”

“You won’t. Now go.”

Chapter Thirty-Seven

RILEY

The cracks in my armor are starting to form as I watch Kieran walk away.

I know that this isn’t goodbye, and yet the pit in my stomach is making it feel like I’m never going to see him again.

“Kieran.” I’m on my feet and running after him before Ronan can stop me.

His shoulders tense at the sound of his name, and I fear for a moment that he’s going to walk out without saying goodbye. But then he turns and closes the distance between us so quickly that I barely have time to realize until I’m wrapped up in his arms and breathing in his musky cologne.

“You’ll be safe with Ronan.” He sinks his fingers into my hair and holds me tight against his chest.

The soft thud of his heartbeat soothes me, reminding me that he’s here, that he’s alive.

But for how long?

“Let me come, I can help⁠—”

“No.”

I pull back just enough so I can look up into his eyes. “Why not?”

“Because I said so.”

“Please—”

“It’s not an option!”

His tone is sharp, and I flinch.

His eyes close. “Fuck, I’m sorry. It’s just…”

Something like pain flickers in his eyes, and another crack forms.

“Kieran.” I reach up to stroke his cheek, the stubble rough against my palm as he leans into my touch.

“I can’t focus with you around, little dove. You consume me in every possible way. It is both a blessing and a curse.” He takes my face in his hands and leans down to rest his forehead against mine. “You are everything to me.”

When he presses his lips to mine, the tears finally start to fall.