Page 57 of Desecrated Reign

“Until next time.”

With that, I turn to leave, ready to take my girls home.

* * *

After finally getting Saoirse set up on the couch, I reach for the TV remote, ready to hit play on the movie she chose. But before I can hit the button, the doorbell chimes. Thinking it’s the takeaway we ordered, I reach for my wallet and head for the door. Only, when I swing the door open, it’s not the pizza delivery guy, it’s Aodhán.

Uninterested in anything he has to say, I swing the door shut, but his boot slips between the door and the frame, stopping it from closing.

“Rohan, please. Just let me explain.”

I bite down on my lower lip, and suck an irritated breath through my nose. “I don’t want to hear it. Frankly, you’re even lucky to be breathing after what you did. The only thing stopping me from putting a bullet in your head is the girl you decided to fuck over. For some reason, she thinks you’re worth saving.”

“I know.” His gaze falls to the ground. “Trust me. I fucking know. I swear to you, Rí, if I could go back, I would.”

Pulling the door open fully, I step forward, closing the distance between us. “You almost got my fiancée and my child killed. What the fuck makes you think I’d ever want to speak to you again?”

“Saoirse’s pregnant?” Guilt flashes across his face as every ounce of colour disperses.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but yeah, she is. Wanna know when we found out? After my dad almost killed her because my so-called lifelong friend handed her to him on a silver platter.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know how to make you forgive me, but I swear to you, I didn’t think I had a choice.”

“Why?” I bark. “What the fuck could be so fucking important that you’d be willing to lose the only person who gave a fucking damn about you, huh? What could be so fucking vile that you would risk the one person in your life who loved you like a brother? Tell me, Aodhán. Tell me why you’d break my fucking heart to keep your secrets safe.” Rage bubbles beneath the surface, seconds away from boiling over. “Well, what was it, Aodhán? What did my dad have on you that would force you to take his fucking side?”

“Is everything okay?” Saoirse appears behind me and places her hand on my back between my shoulder blades as she peers around me towards Aodhán. My eyes bounce between the two, and I fucking hate how she gives him the benefit of the doubt after everything he caused. “Come on in, Aodhán.”

“Are you serious right now?” I scold, wondering if she’s still concussed. “Haven’t you ever heard the saying ‘When the devil knocks, don’t answer’?”

Her amber eyes hold mine, and she stares me down, reprimanding me with a look. “Don’t be so dramatic, Rohan. He made a mistake, let him explain himself, then if you still want him to leave, I’ll personally show him to the door.”

Even though the last thing I want is to invite him inside, one look from Saoirse, and she crumbles my resolve. “Fine, you have five minutes and not a second longer.”

Stepping back, I wave a hand through the air, allowing him to breach the threshold.

Following Saoirse’s lead, she guides us towards the living room. “Would you like a tea or something?” she offers.

“Don’t bother, love. He’ll be gone before the kettle is boiled.” Narrowing my gaze on a still silent Aodhán, I usher him to get a move on. “Four minutes.”

“I’m bisexual.”

He shocks the shit out of me. Eighteen years we’ve been friends and not once had I ever seen him with someone of the same sex. “Since when?” I mean it’s an ignorant question, and I want to take it back as soon as it leaves my mouth, but I’m so fucking pissed at him, so I let it slide.

“Don’t be a dick, Rohan.” Saoirse narrows her eyes at me, making me feel like a gobshite.

“So,” Saoirse primes, “Gabriel found out and was holding it over your head?”

“Not exactly.” He drops his head, tipping his chin towards his chest. “Gabriel found out that I was having an affair with a married man.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I square my shoulders. “And what, keeping your dirty little secret was more important than Saoirse’s life?”

“No, definitely not. I knew Saoirse could handle herself, but I was praying it wouldn’t get to that. Ryan Manor was surrounded by guards, and honestly, I didn’t think he’d make it by the gates. That’s when he made me hand over the keys to my car. I knew then that I’d royally fucked up. Being bi in the syndicate world is unacceptable. If word got out, it wouldn’t only ruin me and my place, everything he built would be in jeopardy, too. I made a choice with my heart, Rohan.” He stares into my soul. “It wasn’t until I was in the thick of it that I realised how much of a mistake I made.”

“Tattoos on your arse are a mistake, A. Not handing my future wife her death warrant.”

“I know that. And that’s why I am here. I get it, I honestly do. If I could turn back time, I would. But unfortunately, I can’t.” His eyes close briefly, then once again, he locks them onto mine. “I’m not asking you for forgiveness. ’Cause honestly, I don’t deserve it. I just—I had to explain before I leave.”

“Leave?” Saoirse’s voice drops. “Where are you going?”

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