Chapter 22 Wall Of Defense

Chapter 22 Wall Of Defense

The fact that there was a part of me that had been in love with Sloane for a long time, way before I offered to marry her.

My eagerness to keep her close and protected, the way I felt the tightness in my chest, whenever she was gone. How my crazy heart beats faster when I share the same space with her.

My cautiousness with how I treat her, so I didn't end up hurting her.

I was falling in love with her, and I didn't know the signs. I ignored all of it, not because I intended to, but because I didn't know.

Merely because I didn't know what love was before her.

A deep sense of calm came over me, as if I were meant to love her; there was a certainty that I was on the right track.

Clueless how love works, but if it’s for her, my willingness to try was absolutely a hundred percent.

For her, only her.

My whole body was weighed down as I walked inside the house. I threw the keys on the foyer, keen to go to bed, only to change paths towards the warm, dim lights of the living room.

Sloane, dressed in my t-shirt, sprawled out on the couch, one of her hands clutched to her phone.

Immediate guilt crawled beneath my skin. I shouldn't have left her earlier.

She stayed up for me. I made a rash decision in the middle of a heated moment.

A mistake on my part. I gathered her in my arms and lifted her gently. She mumbled something before snuggling into my chest, my breathing hardening at how undeserving I was of her.

I carried her to the stairs to the main bedroom and tucked her into bed without disturbing her sound sleep.

I took a quick shower before tugging her against me, making sure she wouldn't avoid me in the morning.

I woke up with Sloane, tapping my cheek.

“Cillian, how do I end up in bed with you? And let me go, please. I couldn't move.” She complained; her eyes were soft, and her face was fresh and natural.

I liked her better this way.

Better with me in bed.

“Cillian!” She groaned, giving my chest another shove.

I kissed the top of her head, not minding the fighting sound she made.

“Shh.” I divulged, secretly wishing she would let me hug her.

“Wake the hell up.” My tigress of a wife hit me harder in the chest, which allowed me to cough.

“That hurts,” I said.

“Let go.” She insisted on trying to unlock our legs.

“Good morning to you, too, flower.” I smiled sweetly at her, gaining her good graces.

She glared at me, “Good morning, your face, get off me, or I’ll kick your damn balls! “ she shrieked, nostrils flaring.

“I deserved that.” She was a feisty one.

I cackled at her remarks and threats.

“Answer me at least. Cillian.”

“Call me husband.”

She released a sour grunt, “No, never.”

I pressed her back against the mattress, “Say it, wife.”

“What’s gotten into you?!” Her voice was laced with total shock.

“I wanted to do this.” I kissed her on the lips, not forcing her to open her damn luscious mouth for me.

Patience was a virtue, soft kisses until she gave in.

“Cillian King!” She growled. I stopped and stared at her.

God, she was immaculate. So breathtakingly beautiful.

And so badly mine.

“I’m holding you hostage until you hear me out.”

“You have no right after you walked out on me.” I could feel her blood boiling.

“Stop fighting, Sloane, and give me five minutes,” I said softly.

“Are you out of your damn mind? You don’t deserve even a minute.” She responded with a sharp glance.

“How about ten words?”

“Nice try, but I don't think that would work.” She scowled.

Sloane was making a fool out of me, and I didn't even care.

“I’m a dick who’s falling in love with you, wife.”

She raised her hands and counted on her fingers.

After realizing what I uttered, she blinked up at me.

I shut my eyes, anticipating her bitter rejection.

“I’m done playing your stupid games. Let me go!” She shouted, tears flowing in her eyes.

“Baby. No, I'm done playing games a long time ago.”

She shook her head to the side, “No, you're lying, stop toying with my heart!”

She sounded so hurt, and it’s all my fault.

It was my fault. I grabbed her hand and led it to my chest.

“Feel it for yourself, that’s what you do to me, you made me want to jump in front of the train for you.”

Sloane covered her face and sobbed, fuck, I broke her.

I broke her real good.

“Remember your transfer to the London office? You know why it was cancelled?” I asked her.

“Why?”

“I never approved of that, even if you're qualified to go.”

Her head spun to face me, “You sabotage me? How dare you?”

“I know I’m not proud of it either, but in no chance in hell I would ever let you go.”

Her face hushed, “Fuck you.”

“Later, baby, I promise you later.” I was grinning.

“No can do.” She stood up and embraced her from behind.

“I couldn't promise I won't hurt you. I have no mastery with love, but if you spare me a chance, I’ll spend my whole life making it right. “

She took a deep breath, “How stupid do you think I am?”

“The only stupid person here is me, for not admitting how valuable you are to me.”

“Ciliian, you hurt me so much it stays, I just—”

I took a step back, and she reached out to me.

“I’m not asking you to love me back, at least not right now, but fuck Sloane, give me a chance to prove to you, give us a chance!”

My eyes sting from her downright rejection. It was pure torment.

“I know how unlovable I might be, how cold and—”

Sloane smashed her lips against mine, and all my defenses retreated.

I’m going to destroy the things that hold her back. I will tear her defenses one by one, even if it takes me a lifetime to do so.