I let out a snort of laughter, watching Tristan start fanning his face exaggeratedly. “Ooooweee. Those bikers are the biggest alphas you’ll ever meet. It’s hotter than a wildfire in July.”
Still laughing, I took a sip of wine. “Well, it looks like it’s done anyway after tonight.”
My friend chuckled. “And if you believe that, my naïve little Ash, then you’re not as smart as I know you are. It won’t be done for him.”
“Ugh,” I cut out. “I just want some space for a few days.”
Tristan’s shoulder lifted. “So take it.”
“He’ll track me down,” I returned. “He’s got someone monitoring my phone, remember?”
“Don’t use it then.”
“And how am I supposed to do that? If I don’t answer the phone to my mam or brothers, they’ll worry, and what if HR tries to get in touch?”
“I’ve got a prepaid cell in the drawer. We contact everyone who matters and say you left your phone somewhere, and to call or message you on the new number until further notice.”
A slow smile curved my mouth. “You’re not just a pretty face, are you?”
“Aislynn, my darling,” he murmured, patting my hand again. “Uncle Trissy’s always the man with a plan. You should know this by now.”
“I’m glad you’ve got a plan, honey,” I replied softly, “because I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m way out of my depth here.”
“Stay here a few days. The spare room’s always on standby. We can get your head straight so that by the time you see Pagan Sinclair again, you’ll have a better idea about what you want. Though, while we’re being honest with each other, Ash darling, I feel it’s my duty to point out that I think you already know.”
—————
Over the next few days,the only time I went out was when I took the back stairs down to Tristan’s salon. I got waxed to within an inch of my life, got a few subtle highlights, and of course, Tristan trimmed and styled my hair.
At night, I cooked dinner, and we drank wine while putting the world to rights. Finally, thanks to Tristan, I started to relax and feel like myself again.
I knew Mam had been going through a hard time because of Callum and Maeve’s big argument, so I messaged her from the burner and told her I’d see her for Sunday roast before heading back to Denver. I had to get ready to go back to work on Monday morning.
Sunday dawned, and Tristan gave my hair a blowout, and I got ready before warming up my car that had been parked behind the salon for the last few days and heading off to Mam’s house.
Hambleton wasn’t a big town, so it only took me ten minutes to get there. It was weird being outside after holing myself up for so long, and I couldn’t stop the butterflies erupting in my belly every time I heard a motorcycle engine in the distance.
Eventually, I pulled up and parked in Mam’s driveway. Then, scanning the street, I made sure there was no sign of Pagan’s Harley before I headed into the house, yelling, “Mammy. It’s me.”
Mam’s softly Irish-accented voice called from the back of the house, “In here, love.”
I dropped my keys in my purse and breezed into the kitchen. “Hey!” I greeted, beaming a smile at my mammy who was chopping up at the counter. “Are you okay?—?”
I sensed movement, and my head turned to see a massive figure sitting at the breakfast bar. My entire body locked as I watched a slow, cocky grin stretch across Pagan’s mouth while he studied me and rumbled, “Mornin’, baby. Lookin’ gorgeous today.”
My jaw dropped while my purse fell from my hand, hitting the floor with a loud clatter.
Pagan slid off the stool and stalked toward me.
I took in his smirk, black tee, jeans and biker boots, and his black KOA leather jacket. He was freshly shaved, and his deep, black eyes held mine for what seemed like an eternity.
His hands gripped my hips, and before I could say a word, he yanked me toward him. My heart pounded as his face drew close, but at the last minute, he swerved to kiss my cheek, and then he pressed his nose into my hair and inhaled deeply, murmuring, “I’ve missed you,Dubheasa. Knew you’d run home eventually.”
His grip on me tightened, conveying he was pissed, but he kept it casual enough so that Mam, who was ignoring us on purpose while floating around the kitchen clattering pans, wouldn’t notice the tension.
I kept my hands at my sides, refusing to relax into him even though his presence made my belly melt, but he just smirked down at me with an arrogant expression.
“Let me go,” I hissed, keeping my voice low enough so Mam wouldn’t catch it.
