Page 49 of Dirty Eoin

“Is your fault.”

“We didn’t know.”

I laugh dryly. “Same old bullshit.”

“Mind your manners, girl,” he hisses.

“Like the Dusters minded theirs when they walked into my apartment and threatened me two years ago?” I reply matter-of-factly while raising one eyebrow.

“We can’t change the past.”

“Nope, you’re right. We can’t.”

“I have a question I want to put to you.”

“Answer mine first. Did the Dusters have any involvement in Ace’s death?”

“No.”

An immediate response.

I stare at him. He stares at me. I’m not sure for how long. Until it’s clear he’s telling the truth. That’s how long. I don’t say out loud that I believe him when I finally realize that I do.

“What did you want to ask me?”

“You’re a widow.” He states the obvious.

“Go to the top of the goddamn class.”

“Are you always this rude, girl?” he hisses again.

It’s my turn to lean forward to place my elbows on the desk. “Only withfamily.”

We stare at each other. More time passes.

“If I have my way, that’s what you’ll be. I want you to marry into the family. In fact, I must insist that you do.”

“You must insist?” I raise a mocking eyebrow.

“Yes.”

“You tell me to do something, and I’ll do the opposite. Same as I did with Roisin.” I smirk.

“Childish.”

“Perhaps, but still goddamn satisfying if it fucks up your plans.”

I watch as he runs his hand through his hair. Same as he did that day in the subway. It’s to stop him from doing something else.

Shooting me. Throttling me. Cutting me. Probably all of the above if I don’t do his bidding.

“The child is not safe out of wedlock, and you know it. As soon as news of his existence gets out, he’ll become our Achilles heel. You all will. You and both your boys.”

He has a valid point. I’m neither naïve nor stupid. I know the moment it’s announced that Fin is an O’Connell, he’ll have a target on his back, as will I and JJ.

Not to kill per se, although that can’t be ruled out. It’s more likely any enemy would capture to use as blackmail. And a very powerful bargaining tool that would be against the Irish mob given they’re all about family and flesh and blood.

“The only O’Connell I would ever consider marrying is already married.”

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