Page 30 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

“Well, you put your mouth against hers….”

“Very funny.”

He chuckles again. I’m glad he’s finding this situation amusing. I’m not.

“I don’t know what to do about this arranged marriage thing. If she is interested, I don’t want to lead her on only for history to repeat, and for me to wind up in the same situation as you.”

“Who’s to say you will? Personally, I’m still of the opinion Da was just spouting hot air where you’re concerned. And even if he wasn’t, maybe Jessie’s just chasing sex. Maybe she’s not wanting any sort of formal commitment.”

“What do you mean? She doesn’t strike me as the promiscuous sort.”

“I’m not saying she is, Dyl. What I am saying is that people take what they want from relationships these days. Whether that be casual sex or something else. Just because she wants to fuck you doesn’t mean she’s looking to marry you or carry your offspring. Both men and women have fuck buddies these days. A handful of partners they rotate. You know. Like our Cill had before Sarah, and like Eoin does now. Everyone using everyone else for their own selfish needs.”

“And you think that’s all she might be chasing?”

“What I’m saying is don’t read too much into it just yet. Jessie’s a grown woman. I’m sure she’ll make her wants and expectations known in due course, and then you can decide if what she’s after is something you’re able to give her. And vice versa.”

“And what if she asks questions about the family?”

“As pillow talk?” He laughs. “It’s not likely. Given the amount of time you’ve spent together I’m pretty sure she won’t ask anything she hasn’t already. If she does, just change the subject. Simple. Da would turn even more insane if we were to spill our guts to any female about what it is we actually do. Women may suspect, but we can never admit to anything unless we commit to them first.”

“Jaine knows.”

“She’s the only one who’s ever been allowed to live, and that’s strictly on the basis that she never tell the tale, and you know it. Plus, you and I know the secret we hold over her is far greater.”

He pauses momentarily.

“Listen, Dyl, for what it’s worth, my advice is this. If you decide you want Jessie for keeps, find out about her, and then run her credentials past Da. From what I can gather, Jaine thinks she’s a good match, which means she’s further up the rankings than you and I know or suspect.”

“You’re right.”

“And I know it’s probably been a while, but fucking’s like riding a bike. You never forget how to do it.”

Should I pretend or should I just tell him the truth? I decide to opt for the latter.

“I’ve never ridden that particular bike before, Paddy.”

There’s a long pause.

“Jesus Christ. Not ever?”

“No.”

I’d never have admitted that to anyone. Only him. And he knows it’s because I trust him. I know he won’t take the mickey or breathe a word. He probably can’t believe it. I’m not sure I can either. I mean, opportunities arose, but I’m just not the type to have meaningless sex.

“Well, you’ve watched the Discovery Channel, Dyl. All I can say is hop on and try not to fall off.”

“Helpful.” I laugh dryly.

“Listen, you’re an O’Connell. It’s in our blood to be the best at everything we do. Trust me. Jessie O’Brien will have no complaints.”

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

JESSIE

Jessie’s Apartment, Hudson Yards, New York

“What doyou mean you almost kissed Dyl?”

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