Page 30 of Mob Saint

“It’s the first hurdle. If I get past it, then we’ll see about our families.” My brow furrows. “If he has a problem with it, then I need to reevaluate the relationship, anyway. I don’t know if it will still work for me if he says no. I need to think before I do anything.”

“I’m not going anywhere, cailín. Whatever you decide, I’ll respect it. It will not change my promise to protect you, and I will make sure Gareth never mistreats you again.”

I chew on my upper lip before I say something I pray I won’t regret. “Please come to Trenton with me tomorrow. I can’t put it off any longer. I don’t want to make things blow up in my face even worse than they’re already going to. But I don’t want to face Gareth alone.”

Seamus kisses the corner of my forehead. “Of course.”

I nod and sigh. “Do we need to go to the coffee shop at this point? I think it’s closing soon.”

“No. I suppose not. I’m glad we shared all of this. If there’s a path to walk along together, then at least we know what’s paving it for now. We can’t stand outside like this again. At least not somewhere so open. It’s a risk I shouldn’t have taken when I’ve said over and over that I’ll protect you. But I don’t think we would have shared all that we have if we’d had to pause to drive somewhere else.”

“I don’t think we would have either. I’m glad we did.”

Nothing about any relationship involving the mob—directly or indirectly—is easy. Rarely are they this open, though. I like it. That’s why I shared what I did. But I’ll be happy to not have another intense conversation for at least a day or two. I don’t know how Zack’s going to take it.

We head back downstairs, and I point to Suze. He walks with me until we’re standing beside her and some guy she’s chatting with.

“Hey. I saw you headed up to the roof.”

“Yeah. The stars are gorgeous, even if the city lights get in the way of seeing them clearly. I’m going to call it a night because I’m driving down to Trenton in the morning.”

She shifts her gaze between Seamus and me. He speaks up before I do.

“I’ll walk you out before I find my family.”

Suze and I hug while Seamus fires off a text. By the time we’re on the street, a town car is parked behind the O’Rourkes’ limo. Seamus walks me over to it.

“I’d prefer you not take a rideshare or taxi, and definitely not the subway. Pauly will take you home. Give him the address, and he’ll walk you to your door.”

I wish he wasn’t on bodyguard duty tonight. He’s already let that slip by walking away with me. His cousins probably wouldn’t appreciate him totally ditching them. He stands beside the open door as I give the driver my address. He hands me his phone, and I program my number into it. He shoots me a quick text, so we have each other’s number.

“Where should I meet you in the morning?” I don’t know if he wants us to drive down separately. I don’t want to get my hopes up.

“I’ll pick you up. How’s eight-thirty?”

“Sounds good. I’ll be ready.”

“Goodnight, little one.” Seamus looks at my mouth, but he doesn’t kiss me. It’s for the best, even if it leaves me aching for him.

“Goodnight, big one.” I stretch onto my toes and kiss high on his cheek.

He closes the car door for me. He waits until the car’s pulling away before he steps back from the curb. He watches me as the distance grows, but the driver takes a sharp left turn a few blocks from the art studio. Seems rather symbolic.

I passed out hard last night when I got home. It was a great night out, but as is usually the case with Seamus, our conversation got heavy fast. It’s draining in one sense but invigorating in another. I have hope for the first time in a long time. I have something to really look forward to. Someone to look forward to. My arrangement with Zack gives me a consistency I’ve needed, and I like our time together. It’s usually the highlight of my week, but it’s become routine. Predictable. Whatever this is with Seamus is new and exciting. I feel like myself from before I got married. I feel young again. My marriage, the accident, and the fallout aged me.

My phone dings with a text alert.

Gareth

Can’t meet with you today. You’re not off the hook but something came up. I’ll be away. I expect you here the day after I get back.

Me

How long will that be?

Gareth

Don’t know and none of your business.

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