Kieran's POV

Xander was beyond joyous to know that I had decided to accept his deal. I made it clear that it was strictly a business deal and we signed contracts and shook hands on it. 

And for the first time in a long while, I felt liberated. 

Truly. 

It felt like I was finally able to own something of mine. 

For now, I was going to keep working, just until serious preparations started. But not as much as I normally do.

I had to reduce my workload in ...