Page 20 of My Cruel Salvation

He smiles, his sandy brown eyes taking me in. “Maybe I just like saying it.”

“Good,” I say, letting my eyes roam over that incredible body. “I like hearing it.”

After a few minutes, his lazy smile turns into a grin. “You’re staring.”

“You’re very pleasant to look at.” Understatement of the year. Really.

“And?”

I scowl. Seriously, the man has the power to read my mind. “I see you better than anyone, you know.”

“You do.”

I reach out and trail my fingers over his bare skin, tracing the line of his body as he’s stretched out on his side. “I see what Packard and that snake Livingston don’t.”

He makes a show of glancing down toward his cock. “Can’t argue with that,” he says, and I pretend to be annoyed even as I’m giving a silent hurrah that he has a sense of humor about it.

“I see how strong you are,” I continue. “How much you can shoulder. And I see how much you deserve to be recognized. For this,” I add, pressing my hand to his heart. “Because you’re a good man with a good heart.”

I start to take my hand away, but he puts his over mine, trapping me in place. “Thank you,” he says, the words softer than a whisper, but they reverberate all through me.

“You should have fought,” I say. “That award should be yours.”

“No. That would have seemed like a tantrum. But I’ll have my say later.” The corner of his mouth curves up, the expression a little bit smug. “It’s a dance, El, and it’s one I’ve been learning the steps to for years.”

“What is?”

“Living life in public.”

I frown. “I’m not sure that’s a cotillion I’d willingly sign up for.”

He cocks his head, studying me. “Wouldn’t you?”

I lick my lips, suddenly understanding what he’s asking. “All things being equal, no. But you tip the scales, Mr. Saint.”

His eyes lock on mine. “Do I? How so?”

“Don’t pretend to not understand me. You know damn well I’d walk through hellfire for you. And in case you’re unclear, being in the public eye pretty much qualifies as hell.” I move my shoulder in what could be considered a shrug. “What can I say? You make even hell feel like heaven to me.”

“I like hearing that. Even if it is completely corny.”

We both laugh, and it’s a nice reprieve before he gets serious again. “The truth is, I’ve always known it could come to this. I’d expected it would be a few more years down the road, though,”

“Is that why Ronan was here? Looking for leaks?”

Devlin nods, then summarizes their conversation for me.

I frown, taking it all in. “So he’s hoping that even though the leak was from an untraceable gmail, one of the reporters will have a clue who sent it?”

“Pretty much. He’s playing detective for the next few days. And setting me up with a security detail.”

“I think the quest to find the leak is a wild goose chase, though I hope I’m wrong. I think security is a great idea, and I’m positive I’m right.”

“I agree on all counts. And I’m sorry.”

I frown. “For what?”

“The spotlight will shine on you, too. Unless you leave me. And I won’t let you leave me.”