Page 72 of Bozo

As we approach the door, I hesitate. "Con... what do we tell them? About us, I mean."

He turns to face me, his expression serious. "Whatever you want. It's no one's business, and anyone who has a problem with that can go fuck themselves."

I can't help but laugh at his bluntness. "Always so eloquent," I quip.

He grins, that cocky smile that I've always loved. "You know it, Sunshine."

We walk back into the clubhouse hand in hand, and I can feel all eyes turn to us. Connor looks at me, his eyes filled with warmth and love. "I've got a meeting with Jer. I'm hoping we'll have some answers soon."

I nod. "Go. I'm okay here."

"I know you are, Sunshine, but I fucking hate leaving you."

I smile, unable to hide it. I love that he's being so open. "Go," I urge.

He presses a kiss to my lips. It's soft and quick, something I love, but I wish it was longer. "I won't be long," he promises me. He gives me a lingering look before he exits the clubhouse, Raptor and Preacher following him.

"It's about damn time!" Ailbhe laughs as I move back to where we were seated before. "That man loves you something fierce, Gráinne."

I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks as I sit back down with the girls. Their knowing smiles and expectant looks make me both nervous and excited.

"So,"Mallory says, leaning in conspiratorially. "Spill. What happened out there?"

I take a deep breath,trying to gather my thoughts. "We talked," I say softly. "Really talked. He... he told me he loves me."Yesterday was chaotic, and I know that he said it then, but I wasn't sure if he truly meant it. Today, I know he did.

The girls letout a collective squeal of delight, causing me to laugh despite my embarrassment.

"I knew it!"Chloe exclaims. "The way he's been acting, it was so obvious."

Hayley nods in agreement."It's about time he admitted it. We've all seen how he looks at you, Grá."

"And?"Ailbhe prompts, raising an eyebrow. "What else did he say?"

I bite my lip,still processing everything that just happened. "He said he wants to be better for me. That he wants to face his demons and... and give me the life I deserve."

Mallory reachesout and squeezes my hand. "That's huge, Grá. It means he's all in."

I nod,feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "I know. It's just a lot to take in. Everything's changing so fast."

"Change can be scary,"Hayley says softly. "But it can also be amazing. Especially when it's with the right person."

"And Bozo is definitelythe right person for you," Chloe adds with a grin.

I can't helpbut smile at their words. "I hope so. I really do love him."

"We know, honey,"Ailbhe says. "It's written all over your face every time you look at him."

I finally have what I have always wanted, but there's such a terror that lingers beneath the surface within me. The men who hurt me aren't going to stop. What happens if they hurt Connor?

That's not something I could ever live with. He's always been my rock, the man who has always had my back.

I don't want to lose him.

I can't.

TWENTY-THREE

BOZO

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