Page 124 of Dirty Eoin

It’s Ava Di Matteo.

Both turn to look at me. They’re so close their bodies are almost touching. It’s an intimate pose. It’s not the type of pose you’d find yourself in with a business acquaintance or a friend. At least, not unless you were planning on taking things to the next level.

What have I disturbed? Were they kissing? Were they about to? If I had walked in ten minutes later, would I have caught them fucking? Are they seeing each other? Have they been the whole time I’ve been gone?

With the alliance between the Sicilian mafia and the Dusters now imminent, it’s my guessing her brother introduced them.

Aquamarine eyes connect with mine. His face is impassive.

I turn my attention to Leo’s twenty-five-year-old sister.

Tall. Slim. Subtly elegant.

Ava is beautiful inside and out. She’s also extremely intelligent. She has it all going for her. She’s wearing her dark hair straight down her back. Her heart-shaped face is graced with full lips and large crystal blue eyes. She’s the perfect match for Eoin O’Connell. An arranged marriage between them would secure a bond between two of New York’s oldest and most influential families.

I want to hate her, but I can’t. There isn’t anything about Ava that I don’t like. Just like her brother, she’s an astute and well-respected businessperson. I doubt there are many who would have a bad word to say about her, myself included.

“Jaine.” She smiles widely as she continues to stand just in front of him. “It’s been years.”

She walks over and kisses me warmly on both cheeks.

“Just over two.” I smile back at her.

“We must do lunch and catch up.” She turns back to Eoin. “That’s if I can ever squeeze anyone else in these days as Eoin has already claimed most of my lunch and dinner dates for himself.” She chuckles across at him.

He doesn’t respond.

She must know he’s estranged as he’s wearing a ring. Does she know it’s me he’s currently married to? Going by that comment, likely not.

“Well, I’m sure Mr. O’Connell can spare you for one afternoon.” I smile at her once more before turning my attention to him, my poker face firmly in place. “I was just passing. I’ve had a meeting with one of our mutual business acquaintances this morning and he asked me to drop in some paperwork. I’m told Aidan is expecting it and is already aware of its content.”

I open my briefcase, pull out the very lucrative documents from Rod, then toss the manila envelope on top of his desk. The desk that I bought and that he was potentially just about to fuck Ava Di Matteo over the top of.

I snap my briefcase closed. “Sorry, but you’ll both have to excuse me. I have another appointment I need to get to.”

“I’ll give you a call tomorrow, Jaine.” I return Ava’s genuine smile and accept her kisses a second time.

“I look forward to it.”

I close his office door behind me and lean against it briefly.

He told me he loved me. He clearly lied.

Eoin O’Connell isn’t my future. It seems he’s simply another person who belongs firmly in my past.

CHAPTERFORTY

EOIN

The Hudson Dusters’ HQ, Manhattan, New York

As soon as Ava leaves,I call Jaine. One ring, then straight to voicemail. Infuriating, evil woman.

Eoin:Answer your phone.

Jaine:Are you dating Ava?

Eoin:We’re getting to know each other.

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