Page 66 of Deliver Us From Evil

Quickly turning, I walk toward where Shay is playing. When I approach him, he shields the sun from his eyes as he peers up at me.

“Look after yer ma.”

He nods, not asking questions why. I think he’s glad to see me go.

Once I get into my truck, I don’t drive away. I simply sit, staring out the windscreen. Aoife is now a problem; one I don’t know what to do about. Everything is riding on her keeping our secret. If she tells Sean the truth…

“Fuck!” I curse, slamming my hands against the steering wheel, needing to hit something before I explode.

My hands tremble as I reach for my phone and send a text to Austin.

I need eyes on Aoife. She can’t be trusted.

He replies a moment later.

On it. Is she going to be a problem?

I hate that I don’t know the answer to that. So, I respond as honestly as I can.

I don’t know.

Aoife has just put a target on her head. Just another victim in this endless war.

I’ve tried not to think about it because Aoife will always be a part of Punky’s life, but I can’t shift this heaviness in my chest. It’s only been a few hours since he dropped me off, but it feels much longer than that.

I know it’s because a small part of me continues whispering doubts into my ear; that Aoife and Punky will always share something I won’t. They have a child together, an amazing child, and no matter what happens in the future for Punky and me, Shay will always be Punky’s firstborn son.

I’ve tried to keep busy. I walked to a local store to buy some necessities as I only have the clothes on my back. I don’t know how long I’m staying, so I bought the essentials. I’d hoped dressing up and applying some makeup would help me feel remotely better.

I no longer look like the living dead, but I still feel like shit.

The meeting with Alek, who oozed confidence and charisma, made me feel somewhat calmer because this time, I know we can win. But I don’t think Punky will be able to give all of this up. He says that he will, and I love him even more for it. But walking away from this won’t be easy.

This country, this life—it’s a part of him and I accept that. I don’t want him to give something up because he thinks it’s the right thing for others. I wouldn’t want him to expect that of me. But the deal is done. I believe Alek will kill him if Punky goes back on his word.

“You look lovely.”

When his warm arms and words wrap around me, every insecurity I feel melts away. I lean into him, relishing in his touch as I didn’t hear him enter.

“Thank you. How’d it go?”

Punky kisses my temple as he hugs me tighter. “I don’t want to talk about that right now.”

Panic overcomes me, and before I can ask why, his hungry whisper into my ear silences my worries.

“Close yer eyes.”

I do as he says because, honestly, I want to shut out the light for a little while.

He is at my back and guides me out of the room. I don’t open my eyes and trust him as he holds on tightly to walk me down the stairs. Curiosity gets the better of me when he takes a left to lead me into the gardens out back.

Even though I’m blinded, I know this place like the back of my hand. “Where are we going?”

“Trust me,” he says, his husky tone setting me alight.

We continue walking, and when my bare feet touch the soft grass, I instantly feel a sense of freedom. Being outdoors helps remind me that I’m merely a speck in the grand scheme of things, and what I choose is my choice alone.

And I choose Punky—always.

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