Page 74 of Into Temptation

I leave her alone because I don’t know what else to say. She has every right to hate me. I hate me for what I’ve done.

Cian and Rory are outside, waiting in the garden. They don’t ask how I am, or how things went. They heard it all.

“He’s comin’ home with me,” I announce. “That’s the only way I can protect him. I won’t send him to some clinic where they talk about their feelin’s.”

“Course, mate,” Cian says. “Whatever help ya need, we’re here.”

“He’s goin’ to pay for what he’s done,” I snarl, clenching my fists and looking into the night sky. “I swear it.”

The front door opens, and Ethan sheepishly comes outside. He understands he can come with me on his own accord, or I’ll drag him out. Hannah stands behind him, a bag packed with his things slung over her shoulder.

This is tearing her apart, but I made her a promise. I won’t break it.

I’m thankful Hannah fitted my house with everything I need because I intend on spending a lot of time here, helping Ethan heal.

He’s going cold turkey. I know what that involves. It won’t be pretty, but I’m here every step of the way.

Ethan is passed out on the sofa. I’m sitting in the armchair, watching him, too afraid to leave his side. He sleeps for now, but when he wakes, things are going to get ugly. He will lie, cheat, and steal to get his next fix.

I have to be strong because there is no way he’s going to touch that shite ever again.

A soft knock on the door has me reaching for the gun beside me.

“Punky, it’s me.”

Placing the gun in the small of my back, I quietly walk to the door. When I open it, I see Babydoll standing in the dark.

“Hannah called me,” she explains. “She’s worried. About both of you.”

I don’t say a word and open the door wider, permitting her entry.

She brushes past me, her touch soothing me in ways I still find impossible. But I don’t have time to think on that. Closing the door, I walk into the living room where Babydoll stands, peering down at Ethan. She places a hand over her mouth.

“He’s so skinny,” she whispers, tears in her eyes.

“That’s ’cause he’s a druggie,” I bluntly state, not seeing the point in sugarcoating it.

“This isn’t your fault,” she says, always defending me. “We all should have done more.”

I appreciate her words, but they don’t make a difference because it is my fault Ethan is here.

“Can I talk to you?”

I arch a brow but nod.

Not wanting to wake Ethan, I make sure the front door is locked and gesture she’s to follow me into the bedroom. I leave the door open in case Ethan stirs.

She exhales, clearly gathering her thoughts. Her response has me bracing for the worst.

“The gangs Brody is offering protection against are his own,” she says, confirming what I already knew to be true. “I went to see Ron Brady. He is one of the many businesses which pay a hefty fee to Brody. He told me he and many others won’t work with Sean. But they will with you.”

I take a moment to process what she just shared because this changes everything.

“They don’t have a choice. They pay Brody because they see him and Sean being as bad as the other. They need hope. And that’s you.

“I don’t know how many, but from what Ron said, you’ve got the support of those who were loyal to Connor. They’re loyal to you now.”

“Ya shouldn’t have gone on yer own. That was dangerous.” But what she says, this now changes the course of everything. I know what I have to do.

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