Hidden Flames [The Ludovicas: Second Generation Book Three]

Nineteen | Safe

IRENE

"So, is he treating you right?"

"Does he talk to you?"

"Do you want me to kick his ass? You can borrow my gun too."

"Did you kiss?"

"Have sex?"

I was bombarded with several questions the moment we were in the kitchen, away from the men.

My cheeks turned red with embarrassment at the last two questions which were asked by Ada and Cel respectively.

"Um..." I cleared my throat. "No."

Cel and Ada looked disappointed while Lilith shook her head. "Don't ask her such personal questions."

"They have been married for months now. What the hell is he doing?" Cel grumbled.

"We are not interested in the sex life of our brother, we just want you two to bond." Ada clarified.

"Oh...we have not been...intimate. Does hugging count?"

"Aww..." All three of them said in unison making me blush harder.

"Kian is not bad", I said softly, the blush remained on my face. "He treats me nicely, better than I expected. He listens to me even though he gets annoyed and he lets me hug him even though he hasn't hugged me back till now. He lets me read his books, and buys me things. He is thoughtful and I think deep down he does...care about me in his own way."

The three of them looked moved by what I said and Lilith said, "The way you talk about him..."

"She's in love", Cel stated, smiling.

I was flabbergasted. "Um, no...I... that's not..."

I have never loved a man and I was afraid of loving Kian, afraid of not being loved by him so no, I didn't love him even though I wanted to.

"It's okay." Ada patted my shoulder. "It might seem scary but it's a beautiful thing."

"And it seems Kian is falling for her too." Lilith's statement made my eyes widen.

Celestine added, "I know right? Kian being thoughtful, letting her read his books, letting her hug him, and listening to her. I thought I would never see this day."

"I'm sure that's not the case." I lowered my eyes. "Please don't read much into it."

Yet my mind went to Kian's message that he sent me a few minutes ago.

Hubby: Let me know if you feel too uncomfortable.

That was him being thoughtful and my heart warmed and I wanted nothing more than to kiss him.

I'm here.

He might not realise it but those two simple words held so much power, they comforted me instantly. Knowing that I had him made me calm. He was here for me.

"Okay, don't trouble her now." Lilith put her arm around my shoulder. "Let's have dinner."

Cel groaned. "I am not setting the table."