Page 77 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

“I also believe that to be the case.”

“Have you spoken to Mr. X?”

“You could say that.”

“And what did he say?”

“Exactly what you just did. That Eoin saved his life.”

“I guess Eoin was in the right place at the right time too, huh?”

“Maybe so.” Definitely so.

“Anyway, speaking of big bad Eoin.”

“What about him?” I know what’s coming next.

“He refused to come into the safe space with the rest of us. He was worried you’d come back to the house.”

“So I’ve been told.”

Guilt swallows me whole. I didn’t want his protection, but in the end, I’d be dead without it. If he had gone into the safe space with the others instead of staying put to look out for the other me, my number would have been up for sure.

“It broke him when Dylan said you’d gone to Paddy’s apartment, Jaine.”

“Nothing happened.”

“Are you sure?”

“I was there, wasn’t I?”

“Maybe you should tell Eoin that.”

“I’ve tried calling. I’ve tried messaging. He won’t answer either.”

“Maybe you need to pay him a visit.”

“So he can ignore me to my face?”

“I just think that aside from him being a bit over-protective, you guys had it all going for you.”

“He was suffocating me, Jessie.”

“I know that. I realize you’re a proper female biker like Bailey, and you can look after yourself. That I’m just a pretend one, and I need a man to help me out most days. It just seems a shame to throw it all away on something he just needs to work on a little.”

I snort. “A little? The man’s a misogynist.”

“Then work on changing him, Jaine. He’d do anything for you, you know that. Don’t just butt heads with him all the time. This isn’t all on him, partner? This is on both of you. You need to sit down and talk each and every time a problem arises, and then you need to compromise and find a solution. You’re used to doing your own thing, and the men in your life have been accommodating with that, but Eoin’s isn’t like them. He’s…”

“Possessive.”

“Yes, but only because you’re his everything, Jaine. You’re his whole world.”

“Even the world needs to be able to spin, Jessie.”

“I’m sure he’ll let you spin once he gets used to the idea. He’s just scared. He’s never felt this way about anyone before. You both went through so much to get to this point. Don’t just throw it all away.”

“I’ll think about paying him a visit.”

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