Page 42 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

“Don’t apologize for taking time out given the hours you had to commit to the IRS matter. And for the record, there’s only one reason he’s asking to know more about you.”

“And that is?”

“I could be wrong, but it’s my guessing, he wants to, as they call it, court you, but he wants to get Da Duster’s approval to do so beforehand. So, he needs to make sure you’re a match.”

“Dear Lordy Lou. It’s all so old-fashioned.”

“Despite their murderous tendencies, these boys have been raised the old-fashioned way. They take these matters extremely seriously. Marriage. Kids. Family. It’s a lifetime commitment for them.”

“Speaking of marriage, I’ve met Molly McGrath now.”

“And? What was she like?”

“Well, she’s young, beautiful, and she even looks Irish, so pretty much what you’d expect. Disappointingly, she took one look at me, judged that book cover, decided I was competition, and immediately got all possessive over Eoin.”

“And did you set the record straight by telling her you’re not interested in the arrogant asshole?”

“Nope. If she wants to believe I am, then let her.” She huffs.

“Bitchy?”

“I disagree. I wasn’t the one who made the assumptions. She also didn’t have anything complimentary to say about you.”

My back is immediately up. Normally I don’t pay any mind to nasty comments. Let’s face it, I’ve had to tolerate them most of my life. But I’m already fucked off at being a regular talking point at the O’Connell meetings without the future Ma Duster throwing in her two cents' worth.

“What’s her goddamn problem with me?”

She pauses before responding. “I’m not sure I should tell you this.”

“Jessie.” I say warningly.

“She suggested your business successes have only been achieved because you have a professional mattress attached to your back.”

I pause. Is she joking? When she doesn’t continue, I realize she isn’t.

“She actually said that?” I hiss.

“She did, but maybe it’s just a simple case of sour grapes, partner. Maybe she’s done her homework and she knows who herrealcompetition is when it comes to Eoin.”

“But I’m not competing. I have no interest in Eoin or in being the next Ma Duster.”

“I realize that. Hopefully, Eoin will do the decent thing and bring her up to speed. It’s not like he doesn’t know how youactuallyfeel about him.”

“That’s not likely now, is it? He’ll want to make himself look like he’s Mr. Popular with the ladies.”

“On a positive note, Da Duster is anxious for her to fill your legal shoes.”

“Figures. He hates my guts. Well, she can be my guest.”

“I did mention it may not be in the Dusters’ best interests to make any rash decisions given she has very little practical experience, but Fergal seems hell-bent.”

“Does he now? Well, do you know what, Jessie? I may take that decision out of their hands. I’ve had enough of Da Duster looking down his nose at me. Of the O’Connells thinking they’re doing me a favor. And let me break the news to the future Irish king that you’re fucking his baby brother before you go mentioning anything to Dyl, please.”

“Of course, there’s no rush. Or at least none that I’m aware of. Just keep me posted. Oh, and one other thing.”

“Jesus Christ. I’m not liking the sound of this.”

“The Sons of Satan.”

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