Page 11 of Aidan

“What? No, you shouldn’t be driving this late. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

There are barely any cars on the road as I make my way out of Dublin. “There’s no way I’ll be able to sleep tonight anyway. Plus, I want to make sure you’re okay.”

Sorcha hesitates, but then sighs. “Please be safe.”She may not admit it, but there’s relief in her tone.

“I’ll call you when I get close.” It’s an almost four-hour drive. “Don’t wait up, though. Try and get some sleep.”

She chuckles, but there’s no humor in it. “I’ll try, but I doubt it will happen.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

“Bye. And Aidan?” she pauses. “Thank you.”

I disconnect the call and focus on the road. It’s going to be a long fucking night.

* * *

Three and a half hours later,I find a car park a block from the pub and call Sorcha.

“Hello?”

“I should be at your door in two minutes.” The village is dark and quiet, but it won’t be for long. Fishermen will be rising and heading out on their boats within the hour.

“I’ll let you in.” She disconnects the call and I pocket my phone.

The door of the pub is already opening before I reach it, like she ran down. Sorcha steps out in her pajamas and then she’s sobbing in my arms. I hold her until she’s all cried out, stroking her hair and whispering reassurances the entire time. She takes in a shuddering breath, draws back, and swipes at both eyes.

“Will you come upstairs?” she whispers.

“Whatever you need.”

We head inside and once she’s turned the lock, we climb the stairs. It’s dimly lit and I can’t help my eyes being drawn to her ass.Knock that shit off. This is Sorcha. Still, I’m a guy in his prime who appreciates a beautiful woman, even if she happens to be one of my best friends.

Once inside, I toe off my shoes and leave them at the door. A lamp near the sofa is on and despite the dimness of the room, it’s not hard to miss the dark circles under her eyes or the tightness around them and her lips. I sit on the couch and tug Sorcha down beside me. She curls her legs underneath her and snuggles against my side, resting her head on my shoulder.

“Thank you for coming.”

I wrap my arm tighter around her and kiss the crown of her head. “You’re welcome. Now, close your eyes and get some sleep. We’ll talk in the morning.”

She nods and tucks her hands under her cheek. Eventually, her breath evens out and she relaxes completely into me. Trust is hard to come by in my world. The fact that Sorcha does so without question is something I’ve never taken for granted. Which is why I suspect tomorrow’s going to be a shit show and that afterward, when everything comes out, she may never trust me again.

CHAPTER6

Sorcha

I’m restingon a hard surface. This is definitely not my bed. I open my eyes. Blink. Why am I lying on the sofa? My gaze drops to the legs under my head. I sit upright and crack my skull on something. I wince.

“Motherfucker,” a male voice roars.

I rub the spot where it hurts. Aidan cradles his face in his palms.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” I reach for him, but he gently nudges my hand out of the way with an elbow. “Are you okay?”

He stands up, tips his head back, and pinches his nose. “I’m fine.”

I jump up and stare while he paces. There doesn’t appear to be any blood, but I rush into the kitchen for a towel just in case. When I hurry into the living room again, he’s already lowered his arm. No blood, but his eyes are watering. Everything about last night also comes rushing back to me. I wring the towel nervously.

The sun is barely up, which means we might have gotten three hours of sleep. I glance toward the hallway. The kids will probably be awake soon regardless of the fact it’s Saturday. We’ve always been a family of early risers. I don’t want to have this conversation when it might get interrupted.

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