Page 29 of Played By the Fool

“I know, but you’ll be out soon. Hey, I wanted to ask you something.”

“Sure.”

“So…when I get back from Ireland, I’ll be in Lake Renegade. And you’ll be here in Starlight Bay. What about if you moved to Lake Renegade with me?”

We’ve already started to organize everything we need to open our dental practice in Lake Renegade. Sebastiano has also been helping us with all the paperwork needed to be able to move here. It’s made the process a whole lot easier than if I had to do it alone. Aisling has decided to apply to stay here too. I thought our parents would be sad, or mad even, that we won’t be taking over for them. They were a little sad, but also really happy for us. And Áine decided that she wanted to continue their practice for now. One day she might want to join us in Lake Renegade.

“You want me to move with you?”

“Of course I do. We could even ask Frank to come with us. I know he doesn’t have any family besides you.”

Emilia sniffles. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

“You’re a good person and you deserve the world. I plan on giving it to you.”

The smile that lights up her face is one I want to see everyday.

“I love you, Ciarán. Yes, I’ll move to Lake Renegade with you. And I love the idea of asking Frank to come with us.”

“I’ll talk to Frank and see what he thinks. I already talked to my family about it. They all love the idea of you and Frank coming with me. And don’t forget, Carmelo will be with you from now on. And when I get back, he’ll be with you when I’m not.”

“It’s so weird to think that I’ll have a bodyguard. You only hear about them for like, celebrities, and I’m far from being famous.”

“Yeah, but you’re important. To me and to my family. I don’t ever want you to worry, your safety is too important.”

“What about you? Don’t you need one too?”

I chuckle. “No. I can take care of myself.”

Emilia frowns at me. “You could be in danger too and who will protect you?”

“I’ll be okay, baby. I’m safe in Ireland and when I get back? You’ll protect me.”

Emilia sighs. “I hate that you’re leaving tomorrow.”

"But three weeks will fly by and we’ll talk everyday.”

“I still don’t like it.” She pouts.

I laugh and lean down to kiss her. In such a short time, she’s become everything to me. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together. Carmelo walks in as we’re kissing.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He smiles at us.

“You’re fine. I’m just complaining about Ciarán leaving tomorrow. I wish I was going to Ireland.”

Carmelo chuckles. “No shit. Me too.”

We all laugh as someone bursts through the door. All I see is a gun, and I watch Carmelo turn in slow motion, pulling his gun from his holster. I grab Emilia and pull her off the bed and down behind it. I hear a loud pop and there’s a burning sensation in my shoulder.

“Get down!” Carmelo yells as I watch him aim and fire a shot.

Before I can take shelter, I see Paul’s face as he points the gun at me again. Carmelo fires another shot and I see Paul drop to the ground, a red spot blooming in the center of his chest.

“Is—is he dead?” Emilia whispers.

“He’s down. But I need you to stay there. I’ll get a doctor,” Carmelo says as he hands me a sheet from her bed. “Put pressure on that shoulder.”

“You’re shot.” Emilia starts sobbing.

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