Page 75 of The Silencer

"But you're worried about how they'll react," Emmanuel finishes for me.I nod, grateful he understands."I know it won't be easy, especially with Lisa.But I'm tired of hiding how I feel about you.I want everyone to know that you're mine, that we're together."

My heart swells at his words."I want that too," I admit softly."I'm just scared.What if Lisa can't accept it?What if your family thinks I'm not good enough?"

Emmanuel's grip on my hand tightens."Listen to me, Clodagh.You are more than good enough.You're everything to me.And if anyone has a problem with us being together, that's their issue to deal with, not ours."

I take a deep breath, nodding slowly."Okay.Let's do it.Let's tell them.Maybe I can talk to Tammy first and then maybe Lisa?"

“Baby, you don’t have to tell Lisa until you're ready to.”

"I love her, but I don’t want her to try and taint what we have," I say, hating that I’m keeping a secret from her."I love you, Emmanuel.I don't want anyone to think badly of you.I know Tammy will be understanding, so I can’t wait to tell her."

He stands up, pulling me into his arms and kissing me deeply.When we break apart, both slightly breathless, he rests his forehead against mine."I love you too, baby.So fucking much."

As we finish our breakfast, we start making plans.We decide to tell Tammy first.It won't be easy, but with Emmanuel by my side, I feel like I can face anything.

TWENTY-SIX

emmanuel

TWO YEARS LATER

“How’s Clodagh?”Jer asks as I enter his office.

I can’t help but grin.The past two years have been everything I could have ever wanted.My woman is thriving.She’s doing her last year in college and then she plans on coming back to Dublin.I’ve watched her grow in self confidence and become an amazing woman.I'm the lucky son of a bitch who she loves.

"She's doing great," I reply, unable to keep the pride out of my voice."She's doing her last year of college.Top of her class.”

Jer nods approvingly."Good for her.She's come a long way."

I settle into the chair across from his desk, my mind drifting to Clodagh.These past two years have been the happiest of my life.Watching her grow, thrive in her studies, and come into her own has been incredible.And our relationship has only gotten stronger.

"She has," I agree."Sometimes I can hardly believe how far we've both come."

Jer gives me a knowing look."You two planning on making things official anytime soon?"

I chuckle, shaking my head."We're taking things one day at a time.But yeah, I've been thinking about it."

The truth is, I've had a ring burning a hole in my pocket for months now.I'm just waiting for the right moment.Clodagh deserves something special, something perfect.

"Well, don't wait too long," Jer advises."A woman like that doesn't come around often."

"Don't I know it," I murmur.Then, forcing myself to focus on the reason for this meeting, I ask, "So, what's up?"

Jer's expression turns serious."I don’t know.Maverick asked that you come."

I nod.“Let me guess, he’s found another body with yet another ribbon?"It seems whenever Maverick does a job for The Agency, someone beats him to the punch and leaves the body hanging for him with a ribbon.It’s fucking with Mav’s head and I get it.If it were me, I’d be furious.I’d want to know who the fuck is doing it.But he’s not been able to uncover anything.

The door opens and in walks not only Maverick but Stephen.Both men look pissed.“What happened?”I ask, knowing something must have gone down for the two of them to be angry.

“Got a call from Alessio Bianchi,” Mav begins.Alessio is Jade’s brother in law.He’s the boss of the Famiglia in Missouri.

“Kelvin Acaster is dead.”

I blink at his words.The fuck?Kelvin is a man who knows everyone’s business.He’s an anomaly.He’s got friends everywhere, including Mav and Stephen.But the question is: how did he die?

“His men said he was taken out.A single shot to the head.It was done by a professional.”

I raise a brow.That’s fucked up.“Wasn’t me,” I tell them, just in case they thought it was.

---