Page 93 of Toxic

"Okay then. But let's make our next conversation be about all the things you've missed about me," Killian states in his cocky voice.

I laugh through my tears. "Still arrogant, I see."

"Yep. Admit you missed me."

"I did," I confess, smiling.

"Good. I tell Arianna every day if she ever left me, she'd be miserable from missing me so much. When I see you next, I'll have you tell her."

I groan. "Poor Arianna."

He chuckles. "I'll call Sean and text you later. Just give him this one thing, Bridget. He's in good hands with Dante."

"I know," I admit.

"Okay, then. Tell him he can box, text me after you let him know, then I'll call him and reiterate Dante's rules."

"What are Dante's rules?" I ask.

"He didn't tell you?"

"No."

"Dante was clear with Sean that he has to be respectful toward you and Tully. He has to stick to the training schedule, finish high school in New York, and he can't register to fight until he's eighteen. I'm sure Dante will lift that last restriction if you allow it," Killian adds.

"So he isn't going to be fighting right away?" I ask.

"No. Not unless you let him. Dante's just taking him under his wing right now. Not sure why."

The growing emotions I can't seem to ignore surrounding Dante hit me hard. I close my eyes again, ashamed of how I lashed out at Dante earlier instead of listening to him. I admit, "It's very nice of him."

Killian grunts. "We were all shocked when he volunteered and, frankly, pretty damn relieved."

"Relieved?" I inquire.

Killian replies, "No one wants him uprooted. As much as we want to see the kids more, we want what's best for them. He needs to stay in school in New York. We've all reiterated it."

"Thank you."

A group of men's voices fills the line, and Killian states, "I have to go. Let me know when you've talked to Sean. But we always have your back, Bridget. Don't forget it."

I start to cry again. "Thank you."

"Sure. And I don't know what's going on between you and Dante, but he's a good dude."

I hold my breath, not sure what to say. I wasn't even aware the O'Malley's had any suspicion about us.

"It's okay, Bridget. To move on. You know this, right?"

My lips quiver. I can't see through the river of tears flowing out of my eyes.

"Bridget, Sean would want you to be happy," Killian claims.

I start to sob.

"Shit. Bridget, are you okay?"

"Yeah. Sorry. I have to go. Thank you for calling Sean," I voice.

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