Page 31 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

Jaine’s on handsfree. I grin at her shocked tone as I press the filter down on the coffee press then wait for it to do its thing. “Well, truthfully, partner, it wasn’t the first time we almost kissed.”

“Jesus Christ, Jessie.”

“I know. I know. There’s a Disney princess lurking under his bed, waiting to jump out and yell ‘surprise’! But there’s been no sign of her. Not one single blonde hair. There hasn’t been the entire time I’ve lived here. I know it’s a gamble. That one day she may magically re-appear. But then, maybe she won’t. Is it a risk I’m willing to take? I think it is. Because underneath that professor exterior of his there’s a rock-hard body just going to waste. A body that’s been designed for the sole purpose of committing lots of dirty sin.”

“How the hell did you see his body?”

“I cut his hair. I asked him to take his top off, and he obliged. Did you know he looks just like Padraig with his hair cut in a similar style?”

“I didn’t need to know that.”

“Anyway, the attraction is definitely not one-sided. So what have I got to lose by giving in to temptation?”

“Your heart?”

Valid point. I quickly change the subject, so I don’t have to dwell on that thought or answer any more questions. I don’t want common sense to prevail. It’s too late for that. If all we’re destined to be is fuck buddies, then so be it. It’s not ideal but I’ve come round to the idea now. Beggars can’t be choosers.

Can I be that and not let myself get any more attached? Sure I can. It’s just casual sex with no emotional entanglement, right?

“Anyway, O’Connell brothers aside, what’s happening with the Undertakers? I just spoke to my daddy. He mentioned them briefly but didn’t give much away. It was all one-word answers. He sounded worried, though.”

She lets out a frustrated sigh.

“Rumor has it their ex-VP, Ghost, is in talks with their former backers—the suspected traffickers. Rumor also has it he’s been trying to entice some of the brothers to form a new club by offering more money. When that’s not worked, seemingly, he’s threatened to harm their families. Ace is helping mediate, but I’m not sure what good it’s doing.”

“That doesn’t sound like Ghost to me.” I frown.

“You know him?”

“Since I was a young girl. He may be ruthless and ambitious, but he’d never turn on a brother, not unless having worked with Reaper for so long he’s changed for the worse.”

“Maybe he has.”

“Maybe. Do you think we should involve the Irish or the Scorpions?”

“I’ve been holding back on both. What kicked off last time was an alliance issue, so it involved all of us. This time, it’s more of an MC problem. I’m not sure it’s appropriate to drag the Dusters into this mess. And Delaney’s still healing. I don’t want to set him back.”

“He’s the prez of an MC, Jaine. It comes with the territory.” My tone is firm.

I appreciate she cares for him, as does my baby sister, but the prez role comes with responsibilities that can’t be shirked.

“I realize that. Look, let’s play it by ear. You keep checking in with your daddy, and I’ll do the same with Ace. If things start to spiral, then we may have no choice but to ask the others for assistance.”

“You may create another owing.”

“It’s what I’m trying to avoid.”

“But if the Dusters can help?”

“I don’t want to owe Eoin anything, Jessie. The pound of flesh he claws back every time far outweighs the purchase price of the initial loan.”

* * *

“Are you wearing cologne, Dylan O’Connell?”

I inhale the citrus notes exaggeratedly as he stands in the doorway of my apartment.

“It’s body wash. I’ve just showered.” He’s looking at me like I’ve finally gone insane. Given what’s on my mind, maybe he’s right.

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