Page 82 of Bozo

He nods then leans in to press his forehead against mine. "I know this isn't easy for you, Grá. But I need you safe. You're... you're everything to me."

The raw emotion in his voice makes my heart clench. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "I know. You're everything to me too."

We stay like that for a moment, just breathing each other in. Then Connor pulls away, his expression hardening as he slips back into Bozo. There’s a difference between the two. I have always gotten Connor. But the hard eyes and angry glint tells me that Bozo is never far beneath the surface.

"Jerry will have men here as soon as he can, okay? Stay in the apartment, don't linger, and come straight back here. Understood?"

I nod, trying not to feel like a chastised child. "Understood."

As Connor leaves the room, I start to get dressed, my mind racing. I know he's just trying to protect me, but I can't help but feel trapped.

Thirty minutes later and I see Brendan and Ruairí waiting for me. I’ve known Brendan for a while, and I’m shocked to learn that Ruairí is Ailbhe’s brother who now works for Jer.

“Grá,” Brendan says with a small nod. “You okay?”

I force a smile, trying to appear more composed than I feel. "I'm fine, Brendan. Thanks for asking."

Ruairí eyes me sceptically, his gaze lingering on the fading bruises on my face. I resist the urge to touch them self-consciously.

"Let's get going," I say, eager to leave the confines of the clubhouse.

The ride to my apartment is tense and silent. Brendan drives while Ruairí sits in the back with me, his eyes constantly scanning our surroundings. I feel a mixture of gratitude and frustration at their vigilance.

As we pull up to my building, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. It feels like ages since I've been here, though it's only been a few weeks.

"We'll come up with you," Brendan says as he parks the car.

I nod, knowing there's no point in arguing. We make our way up to my apartment, and I fumble with my keys, suddenly nervous.

When I open the door, the familiar scent of home hits me, and I feel a lump form in my throat. Everything is exactly as I left it, yet it feels different somehow. Like it belongs to a different version of me. My heart races as I remember the attack that happened here. I hate that my home will always be tainted by what that animal did to me.

"I'll just be a few minutes," I tell the guys, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears.

As I move through the apartment, gathering clothes and personal items, I can't shake the feeling of being watched. Not by Brendan and Ruairí, but by someone else.

I water my plants, most of which have miraculously survived my absence, and pause at my desk. My laptop sits there, untouched. I hesitate for a moment before grabbing it and shoving it into my bag. Maybe I can do some paperwork, feel a little more like myself.

As I'm zipping up my bag, my phone buzzes. It's a text from Connor.

Connor: Everything okay?

I type out a quick reply.Me: All good. Heading back soon.

Just as I hit send, I hear a crash from the living room, followed by Ruairí's shout. "Get down!"

My heart leaps into my throat as Brendan bursts into the bedroom, his gun drawn. "We need to go. Now."

I fumble with my phone, remembering the promise I made Connor. I quickly text as best as I can as I rush after Brendan.

Me: Not sure what’s going on but something’s not right.

I hear a gunshot and instinctively duck, my heart pounding in my chest. The sound is followed by a man grunting and something heavy hitting the ground.

Brendan grabs my arm, pulling me toward the fire escape. "Move!" he yells, shoving me through the window.

I scramble onto the metal grating, my hands shaking as I grip the railing. The sound of more gunshots echoes from inside the apartment, and I hear Ruairí shouting something I can't make out. I pray that he’s okay.

Brendan follows me out, his body tense as he scans the alley below. "We need to get to the car. Stay close to me, understand?"

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