Page 96 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

Both girls are immaculate as always—one dressed like the consummate business professional, the other dripping in expensive designer wear.

On the outside, they appear total opposites. On the inside, that’s a different matter. Having now spent time with both, I know they’re a lot more alike than either realize.

They eye each other as warily as they did before, but there’s a recognition and acceptance there now. An unspoken sense of camaraderie that wasn’t present last time. They’re now working together for the Duster greater good, which is how it should be. How it needs to be. We Duster women need to be on the same page at all times and supporting our men.

“It’s good to see you, girls. I thought it best we have a catch-up to discuss how things are progressing and to see if I’m needed to intervene in any way.”

They look at each other, but neither shows a willingness to speak first, both of them choosing to play their cards close to their chest.

“Molly.” I pause while the waiter places a glass of sparkling water in front of her and a glass of still in front of Sophia. As much as this establishment is expensive because of the levels of discretion it affords, one can never be too careful. “An update, please,” I continue after he’s out of earshot.

She takes a sip, then smooths down the skirt on her navy suit. “Things are progressing as before. We’re having sex. A lot of sex. So, there are no issues whatsoever in the bedroom department.” She hesitates before continuing. “I’ve been tampering with the condoms.”

Silence follows as she waits for my reaction.

So, she’s devious, this one. In my experience, that can either be a good or bad thing. If she’s trustworthy, good. If she’s a liar, quite the opposite.

I smile at her and nod, choosing to remain silent to encourage her to continue.

“I’ve also introduced myself to the leader of La eMe as Eoin’s fiancée. I’m hoping the more of our peers I can present myself to using that title, the quicker the rumor mills will start, and the sooner Eoin will have no choice but to get down on bended knee.”

I frown at her. “So, he hasn’t mentioned the engagement at all?”

She shakes her head. Again, I think back to poor Cara with our Cillian. She waited too long, and in the end, his head was turned by Sarah. Let’s hope Molly doesn’t make the same mistake. Eoin is fickle. He’s been able to pick and choose women his whole life. She needs to nail down his commitment during the honeymoon period of their relationship and before that Dublin novelty of hers wears off. It’s very naïve of her to think she can back someone like him into a corner.

“Then that’s where you need to focus your energies, Molly. Messing with the condoms will speed up the process if successful, but you can’t afford to rest on your laurels. Our Eoin is a man of the world. He’s spent time with countless women over the years. You need to keep his interest and quickly create the conversion from courting to matrimony. Bear in mind your legal nemesis will be back in Manhattan in less than six months.”

“That soon?” She glances at Sophia.

“Yes. I spoke with Sarah, and that’s what I’m told. She didn’t go into any other detail, and I didn’t pry. They’re close, Sarah and Jaine.”

“Biker bitches.” Sophia smirks, but it’s not because she’s in any way amused.

I turn my attention to the teenager. “So, Sophia. An update, please.”

“He won’t touch me. I’ve tried everything. I even lowered myself to walking into his bedroom naked, but he covered me back up and made an excuse about wanting to wait until we’re married.”

This is not good. Not good at all. Our Paddy is hook, line, and sinker in love with this biker. If he doesn’t perform his marital duties with Sophia and she complains to her brother, all hell could break loose with the Sicilians.

“He’s still in love with her. That’s why he won’t touch me.”

Both Molly and I look at her, but neither of us replies. What’s there to say? We all know it’s true. But it won’t do anyone any favors to wallow in self-pity or focus on things we can’t change. All we can do is concentrate our efforts on things we can. I understand, though. At seventeen, Sophia’s facing a loveless, sexless marriage, and not because the relationship has run its course but because, from the outset, her husband’s heart belongs to another woman.

If, or should I say when, our Paddy takes that precious virginity of hers, he’ll never walk away. He’s too loyal for that. He’ll be hers for life then. She just has to find a way to make it happen.

“She’ll pay for this.” It’s spoken quietly like she’s speaking to herself.

I’m not sure I’d want to be in Jaine Jones's shoes right now.

CHAPTERFORTY-ONE

DYLAN

The Hudson Dusters’ HQ, Manhattan, New York

“It’s been four weeks,”I mutter

“Same.” Paddy.

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