Page 35 of Bound By Darkness

Seamus steps forward, his expression unreadable as he watches Liam’s retreating figure.“Think he got the message?”

I smirk faintly, adjusting the cuffs of my jacket.“If he didn’t, he’ll wish he had.”

I’m about to signal for another drink when I hear a familiar voice behind me.

“Well, well.Eamon O’Sullivan in the flesh.”

I turn slowly, my eyes landing on a blonde in a fitted red dress that clings to every curve.She moves toward me with the confidence of someone who’s used to turning heads, her lips curling into a sly smile.

“Maeve,” I say evenly, nodding as she steps closer.

She slides into the chair Liam vacated, crossing her legs in a way that’s clearly meant to draw my attention.“It’s been a while,” she purrs, her tone dripping with suggestion.“What’s it been?Six months?A year?”

“Something like that,” I reply, casually leaning back in my chair.

She studies me with her sharp blue eyes.“I heard you were in the Maldives.What were you doing out there?”

“Business,” I say, voice flat.

“Hmm,” she hums, swirling her drink before taking a sip.“You look distracted.That’s not like you.”

I don’t respond.

She leans forward, her perfume wafting toward me, a scent I once found enticing but now barely registers.Her gaze flicks briefly to Seamus, and the smirk that follows tells me everything I need to know.He’s responsible for her presence here this evening.

“I know how you like to unwind after handling business,” she purrs, her voice low and sultry.“What do you say, Eamon?Come back to my flat, and let me take care of you.”

For a moment, I try.I try to feel something, anything.

Maeve is stunning, confident.I know exactly how good it was between us.The way her body fit against mine, the heat of her skin, the way she’d moan my name like she couldn’t get enough.She’s the kind of woman I never thought twice about taking to bed.

What I used to crave.

I shake my head, pushing back from the table.“Not tonight.”

Maeve blinks, her surprise quickly morphing into irritation.“Really?That’s it?”

“That’s it,” I say firmly before standing.

Her lips twist into a smirk, but there’s no humor in it.“Didn’t think I’d see the day Eamon O’Sullivan would lose his appetite.Maybe you’re not the man I remember after all.”

Seamus whistles low, leaning back slightly.“That’s a hell of a parting shot.”

I glance at him, then back at Maeve, my expression cold.“She’s all yours,” I say dryly, the corner of my mouth lifting in a humorless smirk.

Maeve’s eyes flash with indignation, her jaw tightening as if she wants to fire back, but I don’t stick around to hear it.I walk out without a backward glance.

The night air hits me, but it does little to settle the storm inside.Maeve’s words were meant to sting, to cut at my pride, but they barely register.

Because all I can think about is Eve.

The way her green eyes sparkled when she laughed.The way her hair felt like silk in my hands.The way our bodies fit together as though we were made for each other.The way she left without a trace and took a part of me with her.

I clench my fists, trying to will her image away, but it’s useless.She’s in my head, under my skin, and nothing—not Maeve, not anyone compares.

Aoife

I tossanother pair of heels into my suitcase, the faint thud barely audible over the sound of my thoughts.I try to focus on the task at hand, but my mind keeps circling back to my argument with Ruairi.The tightness in my chest hasn’t eased since last night, making every item I pack feel like a small rebellion.

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