My Pulse

Chapter 30: Quinn Keane

This is madness. I told Cian I loved him, and it's really starting to sink in now. I'm staring at myself in the mirror, and I feel like a different person. I *am* a different person, I realize. I wouldn't even recognize myself this time last year. My cruel lover has done a number on me. He introduced me to and seduced me with his darkness. That may be the truth, but yet I feel stronger and more alive than ever. 

The woman staring back at me from the mirror is strong, confident, and poised. My dark plum evening dress flows gracefully down my body, hugging my hourglass figure and making me feel ferociously feminine. I am ready to begin this new life. 

I am anxiously awaiting the meeting tomorrow with all the heads of our operation. The key will be to act strong and present myself in a way that conveys leadership. I am also going to wear *this dress.* 

I smirk and take in the beautiful white number that was added to my side of the closet. Everything in here is too much. Over the fucking top, really. But I am not going to complain because of this one dress. It is the most perfect "coming out" dress. 

It's a white strapless gown with a bustier that exposes my slim waist and pushes up my breasts. I tried it on earlier when I saw the closet, and it fit me like a glove. The satin white fabric spills from the cinch at the waist, flowing elegantly to my toes. It's the most beautiful dress I have ever tried on and perfect for tomorrow. 

I am as ready as I can be for this meeting, even though I'm still wary. Cian hasn't told me much about it, really. I will ask him more about it tonight. 

I almost forget to check on Rory before going downstairs, so I pull out the cell Cian gave me. I punch in Rory's number and hit send. It rings a few times before going to voicemail, and I hang up. I try him again, but still no answer. 

That is weird. Rory usually picks up. I send him a quick text: 
*"Where r u? Are u ok?"* 

No reply as I stare at the sent message. He must be busy. I will check in on him later. 

I guess it's time to go down to dinner, but I am nervous to see Cian again. It's all out there now, and I agreed to move in with him. He won't let me take that back now. 

The outfit is missing something as I look at myself in the mirror. Then I remember Cian's necklace. The sapphires would be perfect with this gown. 

I open one of the jewelry drawers and gasp. He has filled these too. My god. Cian, this is absurd. 

I still search for the one he gave me and find it in a drawer next to— 
Is that a fucking crown? 

Why would anyone need this? I take it out and look at it. It's gorgeous, of course. Stunning, with the largest sapphire diamond protruding from the top silver band. Sparkling with diamonds and smaller sapphires, it is a work of art in itself. 

I put it away, determined to ask Cian about that later. Now it's time to go down, I think, as I see the shimmering reflection of my necklace in the mirror. 

*Now or never,* I smile and shake out my nerves. 

I don't know why I am so damn nervous to see him. 

Descending the stairs, my stomach rumbles again in hunger, and it's the only thing that makes me feel one ounce less sexy as I make my way to the kitchen. I am glowing with sex, and my dress is as dark as I'm feeling. 

As Cian takes in my appearance, it doesn't seem like he cares about food at all. A slow smile stretches across his face as he says, "My sweet queen of darkness." 

I smile back at him and tilt my head up to meet his oncoming kiss. 

It's a sweet kiss, a surrendering one. He has given me everything I have asked for and more. Cian has even given me honesty.