Page 145 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

“What difference will that make? I’ll still have to go through with it. Something could happen to Jaine if I don’t.”

“Don’t you see, Paddy? It almost did. The message on Molly’s phone that saw Jaine head straight to the church was from Sophia to Molly.”

I sit down on the sectional. “Jesus Christ.”

“Unfortunately, there’s no proof that Sophia was involved in what happened. It was worded in a way to suggest that she was merely passing on an anonymous message.”

“Without proof, we have nothing.” I exhale in frustration.

“Paddy, given what you’ve just told me, you can’t go through with this. This is blackmail.”

“You tell me what other choice I have, brother?” My question is met with silence. “Exactly. I have none. Telling the rest of the family would make no difference. We can’t accuse the Ruoccos of anything without concrete evidence. There’s also the small fact that I took the girl’s purity. If I hadn’t, we could have contested the original contract. I’m almost certain it was signed under false pretenses. Luciano already knew his position with the mafia was in jeopardy. I’ve not bothered to look into it because there’s no point. It’s been superseded by me sleeping with his sister. He’s right. She’s worthless to him now. He would have to pay someone to take her off his hands.”

“So, he wants a Duster heir in return for you taking her virginity?”

“Yes, and if I don’t…”

“Something might accidentally happen to Jaine.”

“In a nutshell, yes.”

“So we need proof.”

“And given how manipulative and cunning the pair of them are, it’s not something I’d expect to unearth any time soon, if ever.”

“So, you’re doomed.”

“Unless The Almighty grants me a miracle.”

“He granted one for Cillian and me.”

“I’m the brother that has to repent most. He’s unlikely to do the same for me.”

I can smell her vile lily-based scent before I even see her. “I need to go, Dylan.”

“But…”

I disconnect the call just as my wife enters my apartment. I look up from where I’m sitting on the sectional to take in her smug expression as she stands and inspects her red-talon-tipped fingers. She has a keycard now. She can come and go as she pleases.

She’s already started moving things around. She’s also insisted that we use the main bedroom. I knew she would, so I moved my bed to one of the guest rooms in advance.

There’s no way she’s lying in it after Jaine.

“We still have two days, Sophia. I wouldn’t get comfortable just yet.”

She smiles coyly at me as she smooths down her black pants. “Come now, Padraig. The next stage in our relationship is inevitable. There’s no need to wait any longer. I can move in now and transfer the rest of my belongings later.”

“We don’t have a relationship. All we’re doing is undertaking an act to fulfill the terms of a contract, or at least that’s all I’m doing.”

She narrows her eyes but doesn’t reply. In a way, I feel sorry for the girl. She’s still clinging to the hope that this ‘relationship’ will work out. It may well have done had her true colors shown her to be a half-decent person, but she’s not.

“Two days, Padraig.” She smiles seductively. “I may even buy some special lingerie for our delayed wedding night.”

I stare at her but say nothing. If she thinks gift-wrapping herself will make her more appealing to my dick, then she’s very sadly mistaken.

Even he has standards.

CHAPTERFORTY-SEVEN

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