Me
If I can’t fool around with anyone else, you can’t either.No one but me.
His
Sweets, I’ll be honest with you here.You’re the only woman I want.The only woman I’ve wanted for a very long time.
I scoff and respond back.
Me
Sure.I’ve heard the rumors.
His
Sweets, I told you already, and you know I don’t say anything unless I mean it.All those are just rumors.That’s all.I haven’t been with a woman in God knows how long.You’re it for me.I’m it for you.I’ll fight everyone for you.Are you going to say the same about me?
His words hit hard.How many rumors are flying around Vegas about Alek or any of the other guys?So many that are false.Women will make up stories to get notoriety and use the Bratva men as pawns.The same could probably be said about Patrick.But his final statement is what gives me the most pause.
I sit there, staring at the food he got me.The way he tracked me down and put his own personal guard on me.How he has been focused on me since the moment he saw me.
Me
Yes.I’ll fight my brother, the Bratva, and the Italians to keep you.
His
Phew.I was beginning to worry when it took you so long to respond.But don’t worry.I’ll never let you leave me, even if I have to lock you up in my house and keep you barefoot and pregnant.See you tonight, sweets.I have to get to work.
Me
See you, Patrick.Kisses and hugs.Yours.
His
He sends me back a heart emoji.I’m about to respond when there is a knock at my door.
“Enter,” I call out.
My brother walks in and takes a seat in one of the chairs across from my desk.
“What smells amazing?”He lifts his chin slightly to look at my food.
I take a bite of my stew, loving the savory taste of the broth.
“Irish stew for lunch and bangers and mash for dinner.”I point at the bag holding the other food.
“Hell yeah.”He dives for the bag and grabs the container.“I love a good banger with mash.Where did he take you to get these?”
I slowly lean back in my chair and try not to get upset.I want to, but I hear the words he’s said countless times to his wife in my head.It’s his job to protect her.Then I remember Patrick’s words.I’m now his to protect.
“He stopped at O’Bannon’s.I’ve never been there.This is the best Irish stew I’ve had in town.”
“They’re the best.He would know where the best is.”
I watch as he cuts off a chunk of sausage link and scoops it into the mashed potatoes with gravy before taking a bite.Alek closes the container and leans back, slowly chewing before swallowing.
“That’s good.Just like I remember.I’ve ordered from there before.I think I’ll have to do that again.I bet Lyric would love it.Her stomach hasn’t been feeling the best lately.Maybe stew would be better for her.”
