Page 37 of Dublin Devil

In our line of work, payback is a fact of life…an inescapable facet of the business.

“I’m headed to the clubhouse now. I’ll have Gallagher take a dozen boys out to remind Campbell of a few things and take Kieran and another group with me to set up protection at the docks.”

“Sounds good.”

“Can you send the twins over to stay with Piper?”

“Sure. How’s she feeling?”

Better and better. “She’s healing and getting stronger.”

“I’m sorry having her on our side has taken over your life, but you were the one who dragged us into this McGuire mess.”

“And if I hadn’t, you wouldn’t have found out about the Russians and Mattie brokering guns.”

“Aye, that’s true. I suppose Mam was right and everything happens as it’s meant.”

If that’s true, I wonder what he’d think of me sleeping with the girl? He’d fucking hate it and pound the shit out of me. No question.

“All right. When the twins arrive, I’ll head out.”

“Good enough. I’ll send them now and see you in a few hours.”

The call ends and I frown at the closed bedroom door. Let’s hope Piper has a good poker face and can keep our fucking around a secret. Otherwise, she won’t be the only one sporting a shiner and bruised ribs.

CHAPTER TEN

Piper

Iwake up alone in bed and the daylight coming in at an angle that tells me it’s mid-morning at the earliest. Sleeping in has never been one of my strong suits, but I suppose a night of sex can do that to a girl.

Not that I have much to base that theory on.

Stretching, I reach my arm out, and my hand brushes a piece of paper. I grab the note on Sean’s pillow and smile.

Morning, P,

Had to run to the clubhouse and then off to do some work for Tag. The twins are downstairs to keep you safe. I told them you need to heal and to let you sleep.

Looking forward to scratching more off your list.

Remember to keep private things private, take your pain pill, and eat something. You need your strength ??

Back as soon as I can,

Mr. Quinn

I chuckle and read the note again. It doesn’t say much, but it also says a lot. Folding Sean’s thoughts into a small square, Ituck the note under my pillow and pull on the t-shirt of his I’ve been wearing as a nightie.

I’m alone upstairs when I poke my head out of the bedroom but hear the muffled timbre of male voices downstairs. I’m about to venture down in search of sustenance when I catch myself in the mirror.

Wow, is that really me?

Day three of the bruising isn’t doing me any favors, and that’s before the bedhead and looking like I was up all night giving away my V-card.

I step closer to the mirror. Will anyone be able to tell? Do I look any different?

Whether or not I look different, I certainly feel different. Last night I took my first steps to reclaiming my life. Up until now, I twisted myself into knots being who and what my mother wanted me to be, hoping she and my father would see my value.

---