Page 57 of Sullivan

We stared at each other, and he strode forward, rubbing his hands up and down my arms. “Autumn, you’re freezing. Let’s go inside.”

I looked down and saw red on his knuckles and grabbed his hand. “What happened?”

“Eejit took a swing. I swung back.”

“Who were you talking to?” I demanded.

“His foreman. He needs to know what disrespectful arses are working for him.”

“Were you serious?”

He sighed. “I was angry. He might have a black eye, but he is very much alive.”

“You said⁠—”

He interrupted me. “I was furious. I’ll apologize for upsetting you, but not for defending you. Did he hurt you?”

“No. He annoyed me. I told him off.”

He smiled, this time one of the smiles I was used to seeing from Sully. Wide and proud. He kissed my head. “That’s my girl. Let’s go inside and warm up.”

I followed him, but the rest of the evening, I had to force myself to be present. I kept seeing his face, that frightening smile and hearing his words.

I held back.

I had no idea what to do with how I was feeling.

But I didn’t like it.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

SULLY

Isensed Autumn’s subtle anxiety and withdrawal the rest of the evening. I cursed Kevin, the chance encounter, and my own stupidity for letting my anger get the better of me and calling O’Leary in a parking lot to tell him off.

She smiled and chatted with the three women, letting them drag her to the dance floor to teach her some Irish steps. Roisin returned, sitting down and taking a long drink of her Guinness. She regarded me. “Okay, Sully?”

I sighed. “I didn’t expect a confrontation tonight.”

She nodded. “I know. You prefer a low profile, but I think it will send a message.” She glanced at the dance floor. “Tonight has upset your girl?”

“She’s anxious. She heard me say I should have killed Kevin.”

She scoffed. “You wouldna done that for his stupid behavior. She must know that.” She paused. “She knows of Finn and Niall, yes? Your connection?”

“She knows we’re cousins. I haven’t exactly spilled all my secrets.”

She tutted. “Honesty is a keystone to a good, strong relationship, Sullivan Black. Be it friendship, lovers, or marriage.”

“I know. I’ve been trying to figure out how.”

“If you are serious, you have to tell her.”

“I know.”

She shook her head. “Men. You’re all daft.”

“What?” I asked, confused.