I inhale deeply and lift my shoulders to my ears. This can’t be real. I love that man so much.
***
I stumbleinto the house exhausted. The pub was busier than I thought it would be. Carrick stayed around until closing.
I sent Larry home around eight. He looked excited but tired. He didn’t need to stick around all night. He should be packing for his trip.
I drop my shoes by the door and make my way to the kitchen for some water and a snack. After I down the glass of water, I stand at the island with my palms flat on the countertop.
“I missed ya,” Cole says into my ear as he comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist.
I smile, melting into him. He kisses the top of my head. I could fall asleep right here in his arms.
“I missed ya too.”
“How was yer first day?”
“Well, I got the surprise of my life as I was handed the keys to my new pub. I thought I was going to be a barmaid, not the owner.”
“Ya would have known if ya came to me first. If ya want or need something, ya can talk to me. I want ya to talk to me.”
“Aye, noted.”
“Ya sound wrecked. Come, I’ll draw ya a bath,” he says and kisses my neck.
His mobile buzzes on the counter where he placed it. He snatches it up, but not before I get a glance at it. I’m thrown by the text and how fast he reaches for the phone as if he’s trying to keep me from seeing it.
A:Sorry I missed your call. Was in the shower. I got the money. Thanks.
“On second thought. Forget the bath. I’m going to bed,” I say as I turn and head for the bedroom.
My mind is spinning with whoAcould be. I laugh to myself when I think of Arnez. That had to be him.
CHAPTER 27
Called Away
Brooklyn
Six months later …
“Fuck,”I roar after I hang up the phone with LaSalle.
They still haven’t released Logan and now motherfuckers want to test me just because my brother isn’t around. Wrong fucking move. Logan is the sane brother and that’s saying a lot.
I’m the brother who’s coming for your head first, then I’m showing up at your funeral to ask questions to see who else needs to die with you. It seems while I’ve been dividing my attention, some motherfuckers have forgotten.
I’m Brooklyn O’Brien. It’s important you think twice before coming for what’s mine or anything connected to me. If not, I’m going to answer accordingly.
“Let Christian and Arnez know we’re heading out,” I bark at Emory on the other end of the phone.
Seán needs to remain here this time. It’s fine, I don’t need many for this. I plan to make my message heard myself.
He sighs. “Yeah, all right.”
I get it, my guys are exhausted. We’re always on the move. Before that call, I had planned to remain focused on DJ for the next few days.
The guys thought they would get a few days off. Not anymore. Everyone’s plans will have to change.
