Page 80 of Mob Saint

“It won’t be one of our men. It will be a man from my family. I won’t agree to anything less. Dillan knows that without me saying it.”

“That’s inconvenient for them. They probably have stuff to do already. You might scrape up some men.”

“Scrape up some men? There’s not even remotely a chance that’s happening. I trust no one as much as I do the men and women in my immediate family. My brother and cousins are the only ones I’ll allow on your detail until we know what’s going on.”

“Seamus—”

“It’s non-negotiable. Even if we weren’t involved romantically, now that I know what’s been going on, there’s not a chance in hell I’m ignoring the risk. And there’s not a flying feck I’m letting anyone else near you if my brother or cousins aren’t with you, too.”

She stares at me before she nods. She tucks her head back against my chest and sighs. It’s not a beleaguered one. I think it’s a content one. I run my hand up and down her back as I kiss the crown of her head. I close my eyes for a moment, but my phone vibrates.

Dillan

Everyone’s busy today. But I can get something together for tomorrow.

Me

Then I don’t deal with Mitchell. I’m not leaving Tiera unprotected.

Dillan

Cormac’s got a client meeting. Finn’s running payroll. Shane’s got a city inspector visiting the mini mall project. Sean’s with Nikki because Ewan just announced he’s in town. And I’m heading into a meeting with the tequila distributor.

Ewan O’Malley. My cousin’s wife’s shitbag half-brother heads up the Boston Irish. He’s no better to Nikki than Gareth has been to Tiera. He didn’t hide shite from her, but he was willing to risk her life and get her involved in mob business.

Me

Then I deal with Mitchell tomorrow.

Dillan

You can’t leave him in lock up.

Me

You’re still admitted to bar you go

Dillan

Don’t be testy

Me

Don’t leave my girlfriend in danger

A response isn’t immediate. That’s rarely good when you’re talking to Dillan. I don’t want to shift restlessly, but as the seconds tick by, I’m getting anxious and irritated.

Dillan

Is it really that bad?

Me

Worse. I won’t say over text but I don’t want Tiera alone for even a minute. Someone in our family is always with her. I’ll take her to Mom and Da’s if I have to.

Dillan

Are you okay with Sean and Nikki?

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