Page 92 of Mob Saint

“I don’t think so. Why?”

“Our guy saw him trying to get into the gate without a fob. He took a photo right before someone talked to the guy and let him in. Cormac’s on his way. We’re going to Seamus’s. Get whatever you need. We’re leaving in five minutes. As soon as Cor comes up.”

I stare at Kieran’s phone for a moment before I nod.

“It doesn’t mean he’s a credible threat. But it is concerning, considering what’s going on. We’re just using caution. My son will lose his mind if he finds out we didn’t take you somewhere else.”

“And it’s safe for me to go out there?”

Right after Seamus left, Kieran went through my entire condo with a fine-tooth comb. He checked everything. Baseboards, carpet edges, cabinets, drawers, light switches and fixtures, mirrors, tables, and chairs. Anywhere a camera or listening device could possibly fit. While he was searching the living room, I dashed to my bedroom to grab my vibrator and shoved it in my purse. He’d already searched my bag. He found nothing.

“That’s why Cormac’s coming. Two more of our men will come up, and the four of us will escort you out.”

They’ll surround me. Human shields. I hate thinking anyone has to be that for me, but it won’t be the first time I’ve had guards. I just hate the idea it’s my boyfriend’s dad and brother. I don’t want to be the reason anyone dies, especially not them. It makes me want to cover my belly. But Kieran will misunderstand, and I don’t want anyone doubting what’s going on between Seamus and me. Questioning why he’s with me.

“Let me get some stuff.”

Fuck. Seamus told me to get stuff for five days. That’s different from having enough to keep me occupied for today. I know Seamus is thirty-two, but what will his dad think when he realizes I intend to spend the night? Will that be an issue in his family?

I hurry to my bedroom and grab an overnight bag. I head to my underwear drawer and pull out a couple bras. I glance at my panties and smile. Should I pack a couple just to get a rise out of Seamus? I swallow my laugh at my own pun. I grab two.

I move to my closet and pull things out, barely noticing whether the items go together. Then I head to the bathroom and round up my toiletries. It only takes me a few minutes. When I come out of the bathroom, I hear two men’s voices. I know they’re speaking Gaelic, but I don’t understand any of it. I’m hesitant to interrupt, and I’m embarrassed about the bag. Seamus and I are both in our thirties, and I’ve been married. But it’s still awkward in front of his dad. His brother is okay, so I don’t cringe when I spy Cormac.

I have no opportunity to say anything because when the door bursts open, I’m ready to run. But I recognize Seamus as he makes a beeline for me. He pulls me against him. He’s not breathing hard. His heart isn’t racing. He doesn’t even feel tense around me. But he’s not happy. When he kisses me, I know an overnight bag in front of his father is the least of my concerns with modesty. I drop the bag and wrap my arms around him. He presses me against his chest but looks over his shoulder at his father and brother.

“Chuir mé glaoch ar Eli ag an am céanna a bhí Liam ag labhairt isteach ina chluas. Lean Liam an fear tar éis do Eli téacs a chur chuige. Thóg an fear an staighre go dtí an díon agus d'fhéach sé thart ar feadh cúig nóiméad ansin tháinig sé síos go dtí an urlár. Bhreathnaigh Liam air ag seiceáil amach gach doras. Ansin chuaigh sé síos an staighre arís agus d’imigh.” I called Eli at the same time Liam was speaking into his earpiece. Liam followed the guy after Eli texted him. The guy took the stairs to the roof and looked around for five minutes, then came down to this floor. Liam watched him check out every door. Then he went down the stairs again and left.

I don’t know what Seamus is saying, but Cormac’s and Kieran’s expressions show their dismay. I lean away and tilt my head back to look up at Seamus. He shifts his focus to me.

“You packed?”

“Yeah. Your dad said we were leaving.”

“We are. Can you show me that file you were working on earlier?”

I don’t know what he means, but I nod. He takes my hand before I lead him to my office. He closes the door quietly before wrapping his arms around me from behind. I lean back against his solid chest, but it soon isn’t enough for either of us. I turn in his embrace, and I slide my hands up his chest to cup his neck before tunneling them into his hair. It’s like silk. It’s softer than mine.

“Daddy, I’m okay. I didn’t know what was going on until your dad said I needed to get some stuff together. Cormac arrived while I was packing. Neither of them appeared upset.”

“The roof could crumble around us, and they wouldn’t appear upset if they want to keep you from panicking. Did you see a photo of the guy?”

“Only his profile.”

Seamus pulls his phone from his back pocket and unlocks it. He taps his texts, and I see the second one down is from Makayla. It’s unread from yesterday. He’s had plenty of time to look at it. He knows I can see it. Is it because he has nothing to hide? Or is it to make me jealous?

“Cailín, I’ve had more important things on my mind than her. If you want to read the message you can, but I’m not interested. I don’t think I need to block her or anything, but I will if I need to.”

“What counts as needing to?”

“She says anything about us being together again. I’m not interested.”

He’s so matter of fact as he taps the top text thread. He scrolls back a few lines until a photo appears. He taps it, so it’s full screen. I think I’m going to be sick.

“Tiera?”

I can only nod. He looks at the desk chair but thinks twice about it. Tears prick the back of my eyes as he opens the door. I don’t want to go out there. He scoops me up, and I have a moment of self-consciousness before I remember he said he could carry Cormac. His brother may not weigh a ton more than me, but he’s still got twenty pounds on me.

I close my eyes and rest my head against his chest. He says nothing, but I know he shakes his head at his dad and brother before he takes me upstairs to my room. He elbows the door closed before walking to the bed. He sits on it with me on his lap.

---