Page 31 of Bound By Darkness

Bridget rolls her eyes as she sinks into my lap.Her arms loop around my shoulders, calming some of the storm inside.“She told me she asked you to let her work in the Syndicate.”

“She brought this,” I say, holding the note up for her to see.

“What is it?”she asks.

“It’s a promise we made when we were kids barely old enough to tie our shoes.We wrote it in ashitelittle treehouse and signed it in blood, for Christ’s sake.And here she’s kept it like it’s some sacred contract.”

Bridget takes the note from my hand.Her lips twitch into a smile as she reads it.“You two were adorable,” she says, handing it back.

I groan, running a hand through my hair.“It was a game, Brie.Kids’ stuff.But my sister is acting like it’s the bloody Proclamation of the Irish Republic.”

“She’s serious about this,” Bridget says gently.

“I know she’s serious,” I snap, though the anger in my tone is more frustration than anything else.“That’s what worries me.Aoife doesn’t understand what she’s asking for.This life is dangerous.It’s brutal.It’s not a place for a girl.”

“Aoife’s not a child anymore.She’s a grown woman, and she’s determined.”My wife’s gaze softens as she rests a hand on my arm.“You can’t protect her from everything.”

I shake my head.“I can try.”

“Be patient with her,” Bridget says.“She’s trying to figure out where she belongs now that your parents are gone.She’s still grieving.”

I exhale heavily.“I get that she’s grieving.I am, too.But this obsession with the Syndicate?It’s not about finding where she belongs.It’s about proving something, and I won’t let her do that.”

“She mentioned Cian O’Leary,” Bridget says, changing the subject.“Maybe now isn’t the best time to introduce them.”

I let out a humorless laugh.“It’s too late for that.He’s coming to dinner tonight.”

Her brows lift in surprise.“Does Aoife know?”

“No,” I admit.“I didn’t think it was necessary to mention it.”

My wife sighs, shaking her head.“You’re playing with fire, Ruairi.”

“She’ll get over it,” I say, though I’m not entirely convinced.Aoife’s temper is as fiery as her hair, and I know this will only stoke the flames.Whether she likes it or not, she needs to understand that I’m doing this for her.

Bridget stands, smoothing her hands over her dress.“Don’t push her too hard.She’s not as fragile as you think, but she’s not unbreakable either.”

I nod, though my resolve remains firm.Aoife doesn’t see the danger she’s walking into, but I do.And as long as I’m in charge, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her out of it.Even if she hates me for it.

Aoife

Saoirse kicksher little legs happily on the changing table, her tiny hands waving in the air as I carefully fasten her nappy.“You’re so lucky, you know that?”I tell her, smiling as her green eyes twinkle up at me.“Your biggest problem right now is what color onesie to wear.Meanwhile, your Da is trying to marry me off to some stranger.”

Saoirse gurgles in response, her chubby fists grabbing at the air, and I can’t help but laugh softly.“Exactly.He’s being ridiculous, right?As if I don’t have enough on my plate.”

She giggles, her laughter so pure and infectious that it softens some of the frustration I’ve been carrying since my argument with Ruairi.“Don’t get me wrong,” I continue, pulling a soft pink onesie over her head.“I might want kids someday.But not now.I have things I want to do first.A life I want to live.And settling down with some guy my brother’s trying to set me up with isn’t in the plan.”

My hands still for a moment as I think about Eamon.His piercing blue eyes.The way his touch made me feel like the most important person in the world.I should’ve told him who I was.Left him my number.Something.

I shake my head, trying to push the thought away.“See what I mean, Saoirse?Men only complicate things.”

She coos softly, her small hands patting my arm, and I lean down to kiss her head.“Come on, love.Let’s get you to dinner.”

When I step into the dining room with Saoirse on my hip, I immediately spot Ruairi and Bridget, who are already seated.Bridget smiles warmly, but when Ruairi stands, I immediately know something’s off.

“There you are,” Ruairi says, his expression softening as he moves toward me.“I was wondering when you and my little princess would arrive.”

I’m about to respond when a deep, unfamiliar voice cuts in.“And who’s this beautiful little one?”

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