Page 21 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

Would the real Dylan O’Connell please stand up because surely this can’t be the same introvert who couldn’t make eye contact with me until fairly recently.

Then I grimace.

I didn’t realize that he’d noticed how tired I am. I guess I must look as shit as I feel.

Great.

“I understand that, Dylan, and I appreciate we’re asking a lot, but there’s also a lot at stake. Jessie, is there anything Dylan can assist you with to help speed up the process? Anything at all?”

Dyl turns to face me with so much understanding in those sapphire eyes of his that I immediately feel tears of self-pity prick my own. He wants to help. But, like him, I’m used to working on my own. Doing everything on my own.

Being on my own.

Perfectly lonely.

I don’t want to relinquish any control. I don’t want to let him in. I can’t. The consequences if it doesn’t work out don’t bear thinking about.

He reaches out his hand and gently squeezes mine, causing more tears to prick my eyes.

My daddy would be so fucking proud.

“I’d need to give him full access to all my systems. I’ve never given anyone those sorts of privileges before.” I’m answering Eoin but staring at Dyl.

It’s a double meaning. Does he realize that?

“Do you trust me, Jessie?” he asks softly while smiling gently at me, and I can’t help but return it with a nervous one of my own.

I nod slowly.

“Then show me what it is you need me to do.”

And right there was the moment I let him in, knowing there was no way back.

CHAPTERELEVEN

JAINE

Jaine’s House, Rising, California

Padraig:What would you do if you found out someone had been misleading you, darlin’?

Jaine:Is that an admission of guilt? Is there anything you’d like to get off your chest, Dylan?

Padraig:No.

Jaine:Good to know. So, are we talking a twisting of the truth or a blatant lie?

Padraig:Let’s just say it’s a combination of both.

Jaine:Well, an outright lie in this life would typically come with a compulsory death sentence attached.

Padraig:True. But I want to know whatyouwould do. Howyouwould react.

Jaine:Shoot the asshole in the goddamn head.

Padraig:Well, that’s a given, but aside from that, darlin’. Say, if you were feeling generous.

Jaine:Well, I’ve had someone lie to me recently, and I was able to see my way past it, but only because they did something in return, and the positives far outweighed the negatives.

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