Page 14 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

Lockdown.

Through no fault of our own, Jessie O’Brien and I have been flung headfirst into a lockdown situation. Some might argue it won’t make any noticeable difference—I can still hide out in the penthouse above while she can still live her life in the apartment below.

But it is different. Before, even if we chose not to go anywhere, we still had the option. And if we didn’t want to go out, we could at least keep ourselves to ourselves and mind our own business in our own separate space. No communication required. No interaction required. She’d stay in hers. I’d stay in mine.

But now we’re in a forced proximity situation. Now we’re stuck here with no way in or out. Together. Alone. For the foreseeable future.

And we can’t continue to ignore each other. Avoid each other. Deliberately stay out of each other’s way. Because right now, I need to go downstairs and run a check on her systems. Something our Eoin’s tasked me with doing at regular intervals throughout the day, and even the night if needs be.

I mean, would he know if I did his bidding or not? Probably. When it comes to him, I reckon big brother is always watching. It’s the reason I just do as I’m told. It’s easier that way—anything for a quiet life. I’ve never rocked the boat. Not once. The only problem is it means I’m going to have to speak to Jessie.

And I don’t know how to.

What if she asks questions about the make-believe blonde? Does she know my da’s considering entering me into an arranged marriage with an as-yet-unknown female? What if she asks about her? What exactly has Paddy told Jaine? All these lies and untruths will catch up with him, and me, one of these days.

Then again, would Jessie even care? Is she just toying with me on the rare occasions we meet? Like a cat with a mouse. Is she pretending to like me just to pass the time of day? For entertainment value because she’s bored.

I realize I’m not like my brothers. That I’m quieter and more withdrawn. I know I’m thought of as a bit weird for preferring to spend time either in my own company or with my immediate family. There’s no untoward reason for it. I wasn’t abused or mistreated or any horror story like that. Growing up with our Paddy and with him being loud and craving attention, I guess I was just happy to let him take center stage. I was content living my life in the shadows.

Hiding or unseen? I’m not too sure which. Regardless, now I just prefer it there. I can be myself there. I can’t make small talk with strangers for the life of me, and in truth, I don’t really want to. I don’t really want to socialize or go out either.

I’m content living in my own bubble and doing my own thing.

Of course, I get lonely at times. Of course, I’d like to meet that one special person. But any girl I’ve met has just used me as a stepping-stone to gain access to one of my way more popular and way better-looking brothers. I’m not interesting like our Eoin. I don’t tell funny stories or jokes like Paddy. And unlike Cillian, I’m socially awkward. And I’m okay with all of the above. I accepted myself a long time ago.

Could I change? Would I for the right person? As long as they accepted me for who I am and that my change was to improve our relationship, then I would consider it. Of course I would. But I’ve never met the right person. Then again, I’ve never met the wrong person either.

When I first met Jessie, I was blown away. It’s a cliché, I know, but sparks flew. Or at least I thought they had. She walked into the room, commanding all our attention, and she’s had mine ever since.

They say opposites attract. I can hand on heart vouch for that.

Because Jessie’s everything I’m not. Outgoing. Vibrant. Stunning. A real people person. She’s the female version of Paddy. At least in terms of personality and looks. Would someone like her ever notice someone like me?

Don’t be daft.

This attraction is definitely one-sided.

Jessie’s Apartment, Hudson Yards, New York

“Door’s open,” Jessie singsongs from inside.

The top two floors of the building are currently sealed off and pretty much everything-proof. No one can get in. No one can get out. My apartment houses all the Duster’s surveillance and security systems for every property and business we own, including our private apartments and homes. It also houses a database containing every piece of intel we hold on all of the people who matter.

Everything has been written, coded, and set up by me. It’s impenetrable.

Jessie’s apartment houses the hardware and software systems she’s personally developed. It allows her to view every single transaction of every Duster business, enabling her to drill right down.

Who. Where. When.

I’m told she can manipulate everything, including altering time and date stamps if need be.

Impressive.

Her hacking software is currently viewing the same level of detail within some of the key organizations throughout the world.

Or so I’ve heard.

I can’t deny I’ve got a geeky hard-on at the thought of seeing it all in action. But it might also be because I’m about to seeherin action.

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