Page 13 of Aidan

“Aidan and I need to talk so why don’t the three of you go ahead. We’ll be right behind you.” I send them off so we can have at least a small amount of privacy.

Aisling opens her mouth to protest, but Kellen takes her hand. “Come on, nightmare.”

She pouts, but goes with them, leaving me alone with Aidan. When they’re out of earshot, I turn my head toward him. “This is about the only alone time we’re going to have for this conversation. And I’m curious what this proposition is that you said you have for me.”

There’s a wariness on his face, like he’d rather not have this discussion, which makes me nervous. A weight settles over me. Maybe I should just accept that he took care of things and leave it at that.

“What do you know about a man named Dónal Sheehan?” he asks.

I suppose there’s no turning back after this. “Like I told you last night, nothing. The first time I’ve ever heard his name mentioned was when those men said it yesterday.”

Aidan nods like he expected my answer. “Up until a couple months ago, Sheehan was head of the second most powerful family in Dublin. He was involved in things that weren’t completely legal.”

How did Da get tangled up with someone like that? “You said ‘was’.”

“He’s dead.”

“Oh,” I breathe out the word. “That still doesn’t explain how Da knew him.”

“That I don’t know. But what I do know is that Liam Campbell overthrew the organization. If your Da borrowed money from Sheehan like those men claim, then Campbell is the one who took ownership of the loan.”

“How do you know these people?”

Aidan doesn’t say anything. I glance over at him and there’s a pained expression on his face. I stop in the middle of the trail and touch his arm to stay him. “What’s wrong?”

He straightens and finally meets my eyes. “Do you know who the Donnellys are?”

My forehead wrinkles. “I know they’re rumored to be Irish mafia and the most powerful family in Dublin—maybe all of Ireland—but that’s the extent of it. I don’t really keep up with the news and you know everyone around here just gossips about the locals.”

Aidan glances to where Kellen, Carson, and Aisling are still walking and back to me. He runs his hand through his hair, something he only does when he’s nervous.

I lay my hand on his arm again. His muscles are tense beneath my palm. “What is it? You know you can tell me anything.”

“I want you to know I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? For what? Aidan, you’re scaring me.” My heart’s pounding.

“My name isn’t Aidan Broderick.”

I draw back in confusion. “I don’t understand.”

“Broderick was my mother’s maiden name. It’s the name I use when I travel and don’t want people to know who I am. Anonymity is something I don’t often get, so I take advantage of it when I can. I’ve loved the freedom I’ve had being around you. I was worried that if you knew who I was, it would change things between us.”

Every word coming out of his mouth buzzes around my head, but none of them make sense. “I need a minute, please.”

I start walking while I try to process. Aidan’s footsteps echo mine.

“Sorcha.”

“I said I need a minute,” I snap at him, maybe for the first time ever.

My pace increases, and I’m suddenly desperate to get away. Kellen glances over his shoulder. He snags Carson’s arm, who then stops Aisling. Seconds later, I reach them. “We’re going home.”

We turn back in the direction we came, and I usher the three of them past Aidan. The boys’ gaze bounces between me and the man who trails us, keeping his distance.

“Why are we running?” Aisling whines.

Are we? I’m not, but she is trying to keep up with us. I scoop her up and set her on my hip despite the fact she’s almost too big for me to do so. Still, I can’t slow. Kellen and Carson keep up with me until finally, we reach the pub. I’m sweating and my back aches from the extra weight.

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