Sinfully Yours, Sir (Doms of Decadence 4)

“Really?” she asked, shyly.

Dylan turned his head to stare at her. “Really. How are you holding up, a mhuirnín?”

Tears welled in her eyes.

“Ahh, baby.” He rolled onto his back and pulled her on top of him.

“I’m okay.”

“No, you’re not,” he said firmly. “You’re keeping it together so well when I know you’re stressed and exhausted. You don’t have be strong in front of me. Lean on me.”

She placed her arms on his wide chest and leaned up so she could look at him. “Thank you for helping me. Without you…” She would be lost.

Dylan’s face grew serious as the same thought obviously occurred to him. “Thank God I was there when you got that phone call.” He held her tight against him.

Leaning down, she kissed him.

“What was that for?” he asked.

“For being my hero.”

He snorted. “I don’t think I’ve ever been called that.”

“You’re a good man, Dylan Maddox.”

“I haven’t always been,” he warned her.

“What time is it?” she asked.

“About three.”

“Three? I’ve slept all day?”

“We didn’t get to bed until the early hours of the morning. I only woke up an hour or so ago.” He set her aside on the bed. “The meeting is at seven and Rogan wants to go over a few things first. I’m going to grab a shower then something to eat.”

“I’m coming with you to the meeting,” she said, following him into the bathroom.

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am. Miller is my best friend. This is my mess. I need to be there.”

“You don’t need to be anywhere near these bastards,” Dylan said firmly as he turned on the shower. “You are not coming.”

“I am,” she replied stubbornly, glaring up at him.

Dylan ran his hand over his head. “You have no idea how dangerous these people are.”

“I watch the news. I’m not some innocent little princess that’s sat in a tower all her life.”

“Watching the news from the safety of your living room is very different than sitting across from a guy who deals with drugs and violence on a daily basis. I don’t want that world tainting you, Tilly.”

She eased back at his words. Dylan had some knowledge of that world. He was only trying to protect her.

“The moment I got that call from Miller, my world was already affected. Please, Dylan. At least let me come and wait in the car. I need to feel like I’m doing something. Sitting here and waiting for you to get back would be torturous.”

He sighed. “Okay, you can come.”

She smiled at him.