Page 100 of Safe and Sound

With a shrug, I replied, “Because it benefits us and our families.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, he countered, “But how the fuck does it benefit your dick?”

I laughed. “Annika is willing to sleep with me to conceive a child.”

“But you don’t want kids.”

“I still don’t, but it was her one stipulation.”

“So you’re basically a sperm donor?”

“Except I get to blow my load inside her, not in a cup.”

Eamon chuckled. “Whatever, man.”

At the knock on the door, I called, “Yes?”

James poked his head in. “I’m sorry to interrupt, sir, but there’s a woman demanding to see you.”

“I told you not to bother me while my brother was here.”

“I know, sir, but she’s pretty belligerent. She says that you will see her rightnow.”

Eamon chuckled. “You’ve got a live one, boyo.”

“Inform her that she will see me whenIallow her to see me.”

“She wants me to tell you her name before you dismiss her again.”

“Like it will matter.”

“It’s Ava Carras.”

Every molecule in my body shuddered to a stop at the mention of that name. After four years of complete radio silence, it wasn’t possible. It had to be a dream…or a nightmare.

“What did you just say?”

“Ava Carras is here to see you.”

“Holy shit,” Eamon muttered.

“Get out,” I ordered.

For once, he didn’t have a cheeky comeback. Instead, he quickly swept out of his chair and power walked out of the room. Once I was alone, I tried to regulate the erratic beating of my heart.

Ava was in Boston.

Ava was in the Celtic Grand.

Ava was here to see me.

Fuck.

“Send her in,” I croaked.

“Yes, sir.”

Although I desperately needed a drink, I remained seated. There was a part of me that wondered if my legs would give out if I stood up. I’d never experienced a feeling like this in my life. I’d never feared anyone or anything, but I feared what was about to walk through my door. The power Ava held over me was overwhelming.

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