I drank my coffee while I ordered my thoughts.

“Who did you work for before?”

He stiffened for a second. “If I told you that, I’d have to kill you.”

I frowned. “I can’t tell if you’re joking.”

He winked. “That’s the point, sweetheart.”

I opened my mouth, uncertain about what I was planning to say, but the sound of voices stopped me. I put my mug down and hurried out, spying Ronan and Kade in the living room, shedding bulletproof vests.

“How did it go?” I asked, both hope and fear in my voice.

Ronan straightened, all business. “Tom has the money, and I have Lennox Securities. It’s done. You don’t have to worry anymore.”

My breath whooshed out. “Thank God.”

“Don’t thank God,” Zeke quipped. “Thank King. Without him, none of this would have happened.”

How well I knew that. Without Ronan’s interference, I’d never have dodged the kidnapping attempt. I liked to think I could have gotten myself out of it, but who knew?

I walked into Ronan’s arms. “Thank you, you wonderful man.”

He found my mouth in a searing kiss. We only pulled apart when we ran out of breath. His eyes were dark with desire, and he waved a hand at his partners. “Thanks for your help, both of you. I appreciate it. But I’d appreciate it even more if you left now.”

Zeke grumbled, but Kade seemed grateful to go. The moment they were out the door, Ronan took my hand and led me to his bedroom.

“Is Tom okay?” I asked, trailing after him.

“He’s better than he deserves to be.” He turned to me. “Lucky for him, I’m in love with his sister.”

“You…what? You love me?”

“I do.” He kissed me again, this time slow and tender.

I pulled back, still stunned by his declaration.

I hadn’t been able to put words to what I was feeling for him, but this fit. It should have scared me considering how fast things had moved, but it felt right. “I love you too. I didn’t expect this to happen when I broke into your office, but I have no regrets. You’re the most amazing man I’ve met, and I never want to lose you.”

“You’re sure you want me now that this is over?” He tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. “You weren’t just drawn to me because I was there for you during a difficult time?”

I rolled my eyes, annoyed that he’d even have to ask, but then I caught sight of the vulnerability in his expression. “That’s not what this is,” I assured him. “I know my own feelings, and I’ve never felt about anyone the way I do about you.”

He smiled hesitantly. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have doubted.”

Concern prickled at my gut. No, he shouldn’t have, and the fact he did didn’t bode well. But I’d just have to show him how very much I wanted Ronan the man, not the protector. I pressed closer and touched my lips to his. He returned the gentle pressure, groaning in the back of his throat.