Page 128 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

My bad.

“We were just reminiscing about Ace.”

My eyes well up as I look at Irish. I keep forgetting that he knew Ace before he ever knew he and I had a past. How many memories does he have that he could share with me, because I’ll never have enough. I’ll take any spares I can get.

“Jaine, darlin’.” Irish stands and walks across to pull me straight into his arms.

“I’m sorry. I seem to have turned into an emotional wreck.” I wipe the tears from my face with my hand.

“It’s only to be expected. In a matter of weeks, you’ve almost died twice.”

I raise my head and stare into eyes of sparkling blue. For the first time, I notice that even though his mouth has the upward curve it always has, ready to turn into an infectious smile at any opportunity, his eyes hold a sad, almost defeated look.

He’s not happy. Why is that?

“Anyway, I should head off.”

“You don’t have to leave on my account,” But I know he does have to leave for that very reason. Because he’s not allowed to be anywhere near me. More tears prick my eyes.

“Jaine.”

I disentangle myself from his arms, turn and leave.

* * *

There’sa knock on the safe space door not ten minutes later. I open it to find Duke standing there.

He’s looking older now, his hair rapidly becoming more peppered with grey. What’s been happening on our own doorstep won’t be helping matters. We’re all aging because of what’s been going on.

Now that Roisin takes the kids most afternoons, Duke’s been spending his free time at the Scorpions’ clubhouse. With Delaney now the proud father of a little boy he and Bailey have named King, he’s been happy to relinquish a little control to the other council members.

As Duke’s a former prez of his own club, he’s been roped in to help out—something he’s only too happy about.

His look is sympathetic, causing more tears to prick my eyes. I motion my head for him to step inside, and he does, taking a seat on the sofa. I immediately curl up beside him, and he wraps his arm around me.

“We’ve not had much chance to talk since your ordeal at the church.”

“I know.” I sigh.

“How was it spending time with Padraig again, even if it wasn’t under the best of circumstances?”

I shrug. “Is it wrong to say I enjoyed it?”

“Nope. Nothing wrong with that at all. He was saying you argued and yelled at each other, and then you made your peace.”

“We did.”

“So, are your feelings for him still as strong?”

“I love him. I will always love him.” My voice fades out.

“Say what’s on your mind, Jainie.”

“Irish never cheated.”

“And who told you that?”

“The girl he supposedly cheated on me with.”

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