Page 147 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

That’s if he lives long enough to embrace it.

“Dylan… I’m confused. I thought he loved her.”

Just because he’s not in love with her doesn’t mean he’s in love with you.

“He hates her, Jaine. So much so he’s never even consummated their marriage. As a parting gift, Sophia wants a baby, or should I say Luciano does. To ensure they get what they want, they’ve also issued a veiled threat against you. Paddy won’t allow anything to happen to you. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

So, Irish criticized me for keeping secrets as I didn’t want to risk him, but he’s doing exactly the same.

“But it’s no longer a veiled threat, Dylan. It’s reality. Whether he goes through with this pregnancy or not won’t change the fact that the Ruoccos are already gunning for me.”

“He also feels beholden to her, Jaine. He took her purity. She’s used goods….”

“He didn’t,” I interject.

“What do you mean?”

“I found an exchange between Molly and Sophia on Molly’s phone. The whole thing was a setup. Sophia used pig's blood and convinced Irish that it was her virginal blood. I never mentioned anything before as it wasn’t really any of my business. I also thought that they’d moved on, given they were trying for a baby together.”

“And he believed her because he was so drunk that he can’t remember a thing.”

“Exactly. It’s the same as what happened with Brittany.”

“Wait a minute, that means he’s never been intimate with Sophia. Or at least, not yet he hasn’t.”

“I realize that. How long have we got?”

“About thirty-six hours. What are you thinking? Sophia’s moving into his apartment as we speak. He said she’s even considering selecting some sexy lingerie for their delayed wedding night.”

Jealousy. This time over a different brother.

“If she does, she’ll need to take it back for a refund because over my dead body will she be laying one manicured Sicilian fucking finger on him.”

“What are you suggesting, Jaine?”

“I need access to her phone. There were communications between her and Molly that hinted at several things, but they were too one-sided to be used as concrete evidence.”

“How will you gain access?”

“I need to be in Irish’s apartment in approximately thirty-six hours. I imagine Sophia’s mind will be elsewhere then. She’ll think she’s finally got her man, so her phone will no longer be her top priority.”

“Then what?”

“I’ll download the content and send it to you.”

“Am I okay to involve Jessie? Two heads will be quicker than one at trying to decipher the data quickly.”

“Yes. I’m fine with you involving her, but no one else. And Irish doesn’t find out until I tell him.”

“Jaine, there have already been way too many secrets.” He sounds reluctant, and I get it. He’s had to be the keeper of most of them.

“And they are all about to be revealed, Dylan, I promise you. But it needs to be done in the right order.”

“So, not even Eoin?” It’s my guess his big brother hasn’t mentioned that we’re over and that he’s reverted back to his philandering ways.

“Not even him.”

“What if Paddy sees you?”

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