Page 110 of The Catalyst

My eyes widen at the gall of her. I kind of like her. She’s ballsy as hell.

Even if it ishimshe’s touching.

Oliver and I haven’t really talked or done anything since the night I was brought back, but I still catch glances from him and I can’t say they are exactly unwanted. We’ve just kept our distance in a silent agreement to keep the peace as much as possible.

She flattens her hand and pushes him away, stunning him. That’s something I’ve never seen anyone do. “So, back the fuck off and get Nigel out here,” she demands with the anger back on her face.

I have so many questions.

Who the hell is this girl?

How does she know what the Bastard’s rules are?

How the hell does she know Oliver’s nickname? The only ones who even hear it are the guys and me. Not even Arely knows that nickname.

“What’s going on here?” I ask, and her eyes snap to me before looking at the other guys.

“I’m trying to talk to Nigel, but his dimwitted friends won’t let me in,” she answers easily.

“Well, the hostility is not necessary because Nigel isn’t here. Besides, why are you looking for my boyfriend?” I cross my arms over my chest as Oliver remains unmoved, but Ronan and Oisin take a step back to allow us some breathing room. Then, the girl’s eyes widen.

“You’re…Nigel O’Reilly’s girlfriend?” she asks, the defensiveness gone from her tone, left with confusion and astonishment.

“Duh. Everyone in this town knows that, youngin,” Charlie laughs.

She scowls at him. “Fuck off, Kennedy. I’m older than you, for god’s sake!”

“How the hell are we supposed to know that?” Oliver mutters, and her big blue eyes settle on him.

Then, I see it. Disappointment. Heartache. I don’t know what it's from or if it’s directed at what Oliver said, but it’s affecting her.

“You…don’t remember me?” she asks, her voice small and vulnerable.

He throws his head back, laughing while clutching his stomach. “I don’t remember every pussy me or my friends fuck. Sorry, little girl.”

Okay. I’m at a loss from this conversation, but Oliver is being a dick, more so than usual, and somehow what he says affects her.

“Back off, okay?” I growl at him before moving to her, blocking his view. “Why don’t you guys go enjoy the party? I’ve got this.”

“Hell, no. I want to enjoy the show.”Oliver.

I want to slap him silly for that comment, but my attention remains glued on the girl fighting tears. “Why do you want to talk to Nigel?” I ask, my voice soft.

“Because…” she trails off, wiping at the outer corner of her eye. “Nigel is my little brother.”

Everything falls silent, including the thoughts racing through my brain, as her words settle in the stagnant air.

His sister.

The sister his mother took with her when she ran off in the middle of the night.

“Come on, Beth. Don’t fall for this bullshit.” Oliver scoffs from behind me, but my eyes examine her face and the features she possesses.

She looks…like Nigel if he were born a girl. Her face is softer, cheeks more plump. Her lips are fuller, and she has a face full of freckles dusting her skin.

Icy blue eyes and brown hair so dark it’s almost as black as the midnight sky.

“You’re Aimee?” I ask, taken back by the sudden appearance of Nigel’s sister.

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