Page 142 of Destined Lovers

“Right after her eighteenth birthday, her da was appointed to be the judge on a big-time case against the head of the Irish Mob.” Everyone leans forward in their seats, hanging onto every word Declan says.

“The mob didn’t want to take the chance, so—” he pauses and leans down again to kiss me quickly while Sadie has my hand in a vice-like grip.

“They murdered both her parents, and if they had known Fiona was home, they would have murdered her too. She saw the whole thing.” Everyone gasps in shock. Evelyn and Sadie have tears streaming down their faces, and Annabelle is looking at me with utter sorrow.

Marco’s hand clutches over his mouth, holding back his emotions. At the same time, Jackson shakes his head furiously, unable to believe what Declan has told them.

I look ahead, and Wills’s eyes hold mine in regret. He judged our situation before knowing me, and I can tell he regrets it. Honestly, I don’t blame him, and a small part of me is happy knowing he was looking out for Declan.

Before everyone starts with questions, Declan continues the rest of my journey and how we made it here today, and I think he’s shocked them into silence because no one says a word for what feels like forever.

“So, who do we think will buy the movie rights to this story?” Jackson says, trying to make light of the situation.

We all chuckle, then it’s silent again. It’s a lot to take in.

“We weren’t sure if we would tell you at first. We thought waiting until after the court hearing would have been best. Both Fiona and I would never want to put any of your lives in danger. However, since I took Fiona out of the program, I’ve hired a crew of bodyguards that will follow us around constantly. If you’re with Fiona, you won’t miss them. I’ve also hired them for all of the girls, including Charlie. I’m fearful that if anyone finds out how close we all are, they may target you too, so I want everyone protected. And I expect you three.” He looks at Marco, Wills, and Jackson. “To be aware when you’re out with her. Look out for my girl.”

“We look out for all our girls. You know we have your back,” Wills says.

“The bodyguards will all be at your place tomorrow or the next day to meet you.” They all nod in agreement.

“I’m so sorry you had to go through that, but thank you for trusting us,” Evelyn says, and everyone agrees.

“You don’t have to worry about us. We’ll always have your back, Fiona. If you’re important to Bucks, you’re important to us,” Jackson says with a playful smirk.

“Bucks?” I laugh.For Buckley?

“Don’t listen to this fecking eejit. His life mission is to annoy me.”

“So, it seems like we’ve added another to the crew.” Marco smiles warmly at me. “You’ll love Lola. She’s the only one missing.”

“She’s the bestest,” Evelyn adds.

I’m excited to get to know everyone better, not something I thought I wanted even just a short time ago, but now that the last weight has been lifted off my shoulders, I can finally breathe, and I think these could be my people too. If Declan loves them, I’m sure I will.

“Is Fiona even your real name?” Annabelle asks, and I can’t help the small smile that tweaks my lips. I can’t answer, so I hold her stare, not confirming or denying it, giving her the answer she was looking for.

I can’t tell how I feel about Annabelle yet. She reminds me a lot of myself, straight to the point.

Either we will knock heads, or we’ll be fast friends.

“I think there is only one way to truly get to know you, Fiona,” Annabelle says with a special sparkle in her eye.

Wills groans and throws his head back. “Nope, not happening.”

“Oh, shut it! You big twat waffle,” she snaps at him.

I look back and forth between the two as they continue to bicker. I glance at Sadie, who has a smirk plastered across her face.

“Would someone like to fill me in here?” I ask.

Declan is the first to speak up. “Aye, If I had to take a wild guess. Belle wants to go dancing, and Wills is about to burst a gasket thinking of Sadie dancing with all eyes on her. He’s very jealous.”

“I am not jealous.”

Evelyn spits her drink across half the table, and Jackson coughs a “yeah right,” into his hand.

“What drugs are you on?” Evelyn asks her brother.

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