Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 126485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 632(@200wpm)___ 506(@250wpm)___ 422(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 632(@200wpm)___ 506(@250wpm)___ 422(@300wpm)
“I don’t doubt it. But I don’t want you to get yourself in trouble with your nosy questions. Seamus will make sure you avoid certain people and areas.”
Aislinn narrowed her eyes. “You want to stop me from finding information about Imogen!”
“Of course not, but I prefer to lead the investigations myself. You’ll stir up dirt that should stay underground.” I cupped her chin. “Now give me a goodbye kiss, wifey.”
Aislinn’s green eyes burned with rage. I knew she would try to evade my surveillance, so I had to throw her a bone to keep her in check. “Don’t give me that look. I’ll tell Seamus to help you ask around a bit today. How about that? And tomorrow, I’ll gather information in the Cunt Yard for you.”
“I want to go with you. I know what questions to ask because I know my sister.”
I rubbed my thumb over her tense mouth. “We’ll see. Maybe I’ll allow you to come with me.”
“What do you want in turn? I’m already your wife.”
“You are. Tonight when I return from work, I want you to be a good girl.”
“If that’s what it takes.” Feistiness pinched her beautiful face.
I leaned down and kissed her lips. At first, she was tense but then softened and opened her mouth. This was part of her show, but soon my kiss would affect her in a way that couldn’t be faked. Her breathing quickened and the sweet aroma of her arousal, which was quickly becoming a familiar scent and definitely my favorite teased my nose. I pulled away, smirking at the hooded look on her face. If Aislinn wasn’t so responsive to my touch, this game wouldn’t be half the fun. “Keep your hands away from your pussy. I’ll know if you touched yourself.”
A knock sounded.
Aislinn jumped and righted her blouse and skirt, even though they hadn’t been askew, but I supposed she felt a little unhinged. The amount of arousal she’d displayed this morning wasn’t easily suppressed. She needed relief, and I couldn’t wait to give it to her.
My idea of a good marriage entailed more than satisfying sex, but to reach a level of trust required for such a bond, both parties needed to be willing to let themselves fall. I preferred to throw people into pits.
If Lorcan thought I’d sit back and watch time pass by while my sister was missing, he was mistaken.
Seamus gave me a friendly nod. I couldn’t imagine he was happy about his baby sitter duties. He was Lorcan’s second in command and he probably had better things to do than follow me around like a lost puppy. Yet when I asked him about it, he only smiled pleasantly.
“I do what Lorcan needs me to do, whatever that is.”
The moment we stepped out on the street, I realized what it meant to be Lorcan’s wife in this part of town. People greeted me or tossed curious glances my way. I was used to anonymity and always enjoyed the freedom it gave me; nobody paid attention, not to the good, and especially not to the bad. Now with everyone watching my every move, every mishap would be next week’s gossip, or worse … everything I did would eventually reach Lorcan’s ears. How could I investigate Imogen’s disappearance like that?
I needed to get rid of Seamus so I could contact Desmond. He could probably help me, but if word got to Lorcan that I’d spoken with police, things would become really uncomfortable for me. It was really risky. If Lorcan had the intention of helping me and was just waiting to see if I was worth the trouble, a meeting with police could ruin any chance of using his resources.
Seamus’ voice broke through my thoughts. “Maeve likes you. She’d like to spend more time with you.”
“I like her too. Has it been difficult for her to make friends here?”
Seamus paused, and I stopped beside him. “She’s always had her sisters as friends. Making friends outside of family is something new to her.”
“I doubt she’ll have trouble making new friends. She’s funny and kind. And she seemed to get along really well with Talulla, the seamstress.”
“She would be a good friend to you,” Seamus said then added in a tighter voice, “I know Talulla. She’s not the type of person you or Maeve should be friends with.”
“She seemed so nice.” She didn’t really. She had been reserved and cautious, but I still felt the need to defend her for an unknown reason.
“Maeve likes her too. But she likes to test the limits of our rules.”
Good to know. She was exactly the kind of person I needed. “Lorcan picked her as seamstress for our wedding, so she can’t be that bad.”
Seamus let out a bitter laugh. “Lorcan likes to keep his enemies very close. Talulla isn’t the enemy yet, but she’s a thorn in our side. I want you to be aware of that if you further your interactions with her.”