Page 17 of Paddy

“You better not miss a Sunday dinner, otherwise we'll blow your cover, coming in guns blazing to drag you out,” he said, being completely serious. I took a deep breath before knocking on the door, and as it peeled open, I was met with Pretty Washington.

She had this natural kind of beauty. Ethereal even. Gentle brown eyes, a cute little nose and lips that looked so precious that all you could think about was how sexy they looked wrapped around your cock. It was always the ones with the sweet facesthat had the meanest attitudes, and there was no one feistier than the woman staring back at me.

“I've been expecting you. I had time to drop off Elijah at school, but in a bit, it would be helpful if you could pick him up. Just to start familiarizing yourself with his school and teachers. In the meantime, I wanted to show you where you would be staying during your time here. And don't worry, it's completely separate from where we stay, so you'll have your own privacy.”

Suitcases in hand, I followed her to the finished basement, where she explained hosted a two-bedroom flat, a bathroom and even its own mini kitchen.

“I had this finished for my mother, since the plan was to have her live with me, but she decided that she wanted to move back to her home in Barbados. Now, in a time like this, it comes in handy. I had the basement soundproofed since me playing my music can get pretty loud sometimes,andI think that's it. Do you have any questions?” Yeah, my first one was how she got all those curves in that dress.

It was hard not to be mesmerized by the way her hips moved, and while I'd never indulged with a full-figured woman before, she certainly had me curious to try. Bell would be so proud of me.

“Nope, everything looks okay. It's okay if I tidy up a bit, right? I just prefer things a particular way, and I'll rest easier knowing I gave my resting space my own little touch.”

“So, my house is not clean enough for you?” She chastised, and I couldn't resist saying something smart to stir up the pot.

“A lass like you has probably never worked a hard day in her life. Someone's got to show you how it's done.” Her face transformed into a scowl as she took a deep breath and mumbled something that sounded likedevil, not today.

“Huhhh, before I forget I have this pin for you to wear when you're picking up Elijah from his school,” she said, as she pulled out a pin that readproud nannyin bold, black lettering.

There was no chance in hell I was wearing that. Not with my custom-tailored waistcoats. I held it in my hand, examining it before handing it back to her, an appalled look adorning her appealing face.

“Yeah, no, I'm not wearing that thing. I’ll look ridiculous.” Her neck snapped.

“Well, it's either lookridiculousor lookunemployed. I got this custom made for anyone lasting long enough to keep this job. Because of what I do for a living, the teachers at a school know anyone not wearing that pin isn’t allowed to just walk off with my son. I do have to take extra precautions.” I rolled my eyes, snatching it from her hand as she placed her gloved hands on her healthy hips.

“Fine. I'll wear the bloody thing. But once the teachers at his school start seeing my face regularly, I'm not gonna keep wearing it. The last thing I want to look like is a damn Boy Scout,” I said, struggling to get the damn thing on until she offered her help after removing of her gloves.

She had soft hands, perfectly manicured and callous free. This close, she smelled like flowers or something earthy like nutmeg or cinnamon. Who knew a woman so cranky could smell so sweet? When she finished pinning it on, she gave me a light pat to my chest, as she offered a quick nod of reassurance.

“My thanks, Mrs. Washington,” I said, leaning against the doorway to my room, waiting to see if she had any more instructions for me. For a sassy lady, she tended to look down when you stared at her too long, and I was not one for breaking eye contact.

“Well, now that that's settled, Elijah gets off at two. I need you to bring him straight home, and I'll likely be working, but Iwork better knowing my son's home and safe. Oh, and one more thing.” From her pocket she pulled out car keys, the same keys to the car her husband had promised me.

“Vernon told me to give you these. You'll need something to drive around in until you get your car back.”

Eight

Paddy

Pulling up to the kid’s school, I was briefly reminded how soon we were taken out of primary school. Pa never thought school necessary, considering we were all just going to work for him as we got older. Things like uniforms, textbooks and report cards were all a mystery to me, it was almost a relief to learn that Cillian and Órfhlaith weren't subjecting their little ones to follow in their footsteps.

I parked the car, finding myself lost amongst the sea of children and teachers, but Elijah—he wasn't exactly hard to miss. He was the only Black kid in what looked to be an all-white class. Straightening up my waistcoat, I strutted over to where he and his professor were standing, watching as she sent off students to their parents with warm waves of goodbyes.

The flash of recognition filled Elijah's eyes, as he pulled at the teacher's hand and pointed in my direction.

“Good afternoon,” I said in my most convincing civilian tone. “I’m Mr. Sullivan, and I’m here to pick up Elijah.” She laughed, the scarlet burn to her cheeks making her look more nervous.

She was young, probably about Queenie's age, but something about the way she dressed made her appear older. Perhaps it wasbecause teachers never quite did it for me. One look in her eyes told me that she didn't share my sentiment. Some women were predictable that way.

“You know, when his mom told me this morning that she'd be sending the nanny in her place from now on, I have to admit, I wasn't expecting you.” I rolled my eyes.

“I'm wearing the pin, aren’t I?” Sensing my annoyance, she cleared her throat.

“That you are. Mrs. Washington was in a slight rush this morning. So, I was wondering if you could pass on something to her for me?” She bent down to Elijah. “Hey, darling. Remember that book I saw you eyeing earlier? Why don't you go and grab it off my desk while I have a quick word with your nanny?

“Okay, Miss Taylor.” Adjusting his book bag, he headed back into the school, his professor waiting until he was out of earshot to address her concern.

“It's about his participation in class. Elijah, I have to say, is amazingly talented and gifted. He's probably one of my brightest. But…hereallystruggles getting along with the other kids. If this was about his performance alone, that would be another whole other conversation. He scores so well on class assignments, and he always turns in his work. But there are times where he'll just hide away in the bathroom for thirty minutes to an hour at a time. I was wondering, is something going on at home that could be affecting his confidence?”

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