Page 178 of Dirty Eoin

“No, but that’s not my concern right now. My main concern is if this faction’s reach extends all the way to New York, then it may be a much larger entity than we first thought, so I’d sooner get all my ducks in a row to be on the safe side.”

“So, you want convictions and jail time.”

“As they’re now encroaching on your territory, then for any that fall within your jurisdiction, yes.”

We eat as he considers what is effectively my offering to form an unofficial alliance.

Good guy lawyer. Bad guy lawyer.

This could earn him a lot of brownie points in his career, and he knows it. He places his cutlery on the plate, wipes his mouth, and then takes a sip of water.

“And what’s in this for me, Jaine?”

“Exposure. We know this faction is involved in human trafficking among other things. Being seen to serve them justice would earn you quite the feather in your cap and would look extremely impressive on your legal resume.”

He nods. “I’m interested, but only if I get to convict someone of a suitable caliber. If all I’m doing is dealing with the lower hierarchy, it won’t earn me a great deal of exposure. Not for the work it may entail handling the throughput.”

“And what if I offer you their leader?”

“Then I may be interested.” He pauses before continuing. “Is that all you could offer me, Miss Jones?” His tone has turned suggestive.

I stare at him. Is he for real?

“Well, I’m not fucking you, Nate, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“No, she’s right. She’s not fucking you, Hawke.” A veiled threat comes from directly behind me.

Nathan grins past me. I did wonder why he’d lowered the tone. He must have seen my ex-husband come in and then walk over. He’d love for Eoin to react further so he can haul him into court. Eoin is probably top of his list of people he’d like to bring to justice.

“As if I would ever suggest such a thing to your very beautifulex-wife, Mr. O’Connell.” He smiles charmingly at him before standing and turning his attention back to me.

“I’ll be more than happy to work with you, Jaine. Call me anytime. Day or night. Both my personal number and address are on the back of the card. I can send a driver to pick you up at a moment’s notice.”

I stand and he kisses me on both cheeks, again closer than would be deemed polite and most likely for Eoin’s benefit this time. He then passes me the hand-written business card.

“Miss Jones. Mr. O’Connell.”

He smiles at us both before walking away.

I then turn my attention to my ex-husband as he stands there in a dark business suit, the whiteness of his open-neck shirt contrasting against the material.

Darkness. Power. Strength.

He radiates all three, the combination intoxicatingly magnetic.

Roisin mentioned Eoin had a business meeting. I really should have asked where.

I allow Nate time to leave before making my own way to the exit. I’m aware I’m being followed.

“Dec will drive us.”

I nod as I walk out of the building.

“Are you not going to respond?”

“When I’m able to do so.” I smile politely at the other guests as we pass them.

“And what does that mean?”

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