Page 55 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

I know what she’s going to say. He does too. It’s the answer he doesn’t want to hear because it will prove that Molly is currently not Ma Duster material. Not if she’s incapable of putting the organization’s needs ahead of her own. In the best interests of the company, she should insist they use Jaine, at least while she finishes her training and gains the necessary practical experience.

Instead, she’ll put herself first. Because for the moment at least, it’s more about her own personal vendetta. I hear the warning bells ringing loud and clear.

And Eoin does too.

I consider what he said. And he does have a valid point. Eoin will have been forensic when it comes to doing his homework this time around after what happened in the past. I’ve known Rodolfo Flores my whole life. Jaine’s known him most of hers too. He doesn’t suffer fools, and in my opinion, if Molly makes the wrong business decision on behalf of the Dusters, she is one.

Because if she then drops the ball, there’s every likelihood La eMe, after the fiasco that went down in Nevada, will hit that fucker so far out the park it will spectacularly mark the end of the alliance with the Mexicans altogether. The end of La eMe’s tether has pretty much been reached. I know that. Eoin knows that. He’s fully aware of the multi-million-dollar risk to the Dusters if he pisses Rod off further.

“If Jaine Jones can handle it, then I’m confident I can.” Molly answers confidently and with no hesitation whatsoever.

Whoops! Red buzzer. Wrong answer.

Eoin frowns briefly before resuming his impassive expression once more. Is it wrong that I can’t wait to see Molly with egg all over that perfect face of hers? For her, it’ll no doubt make a nice change from Eoin’s cum.

“Well, I do believe the future Ma Duster has spoken.” I grin at Eoin before turning my attention to his potential wife. “You should touch base with Jaine. I’m sure she’ll be more than happy to fill you in and update you on whatever it is that’s required from you legal eagles.”

“Don’t worry. I fully intend on speaking with her.” There’s an underlying threat of something there. Silly girl. I do hope she realizes who she’s messing with.

“I’ll be sure to let her know to expect your call.” I smile politely before standing and leaving the room.

Jessie’s Apartment, Hudson Yards, New York

“Eoin’s crying into the crook of his elbow because you won’t talk to him, partner.” I smile as I lean against the kitchen worktop waiting for the coffee press to do its thing and waiting for her to blow up.

“I don’t give a damn. I have nothing to say to him. He’s an asshole!”

“He has plenty he wants to say to you.”

“He should have thought about that before he pissed me off.”

“His other half.”

“What about her? What have you done now, Jessie, Jesus Christ.”

“I perhaps told her she should touch base with you over the alliance. So you can debrief or whatever it is you legal types do.”

She exhales. “Surely, Eoin can do the honors. He knows what’s entailed. She can then introduce herself to the other parties involved. She doesn’t need her hand holding to do that. She’s a big girl. If she needs guidance at this stage, she won’t last five minutes.”

“Ah, you see. That’s where you’re giving her way too much credit. She’s not the big girl she’s making herself out to be. I reckon I’ll be able to hold my breath longer than she’ll last in that arena.”

“She’s only a year younger than me.” She snorts. “If she’s going to be the next Ma Duster, she needs to learn the ropes the hard way and quickly.”

I take a sip of my coffee. “Rodolfo will eat her alive. You know what he’s like.”

“Not my problem.”

“She said she was fully intending on speaking to you anyway?”

“About?”

“I have no clue.”

“I’m not sure what’s worse. The prospect of speaking to him or the prospect of speaking to her. Maybe I’ll change my number.”

I laugh out loud. “He’ll show up on your doorstep. Say he was just passing by.”

“I live in California in the middle of nowhere. There’s no way he can ever be just passing by.”

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