Page 138 of Forbidden Romeo

I stop short. “Since when?”

“Since Graham,” she says as if that’s enough of an explanation. “Let’s get an apartment in LA as a backup, but after the fight, we move to the safe house. We only call Roisinifwe need to leave.”

“You keep saying ‘if’ like there’s a possibility the world won’t go to shit after the match,” I groan.

“I think you underestimate how many people would take your side if Padraic were to disown you,” Kate explains in a bored tone. This is entirely new information to me.

Ray takes the opportunity to pipe up. “I’ve got at least three men who will follow me wherever I go.”

“And I can double that number,” Kate adds.

Aimee stares at me with an unreadable expression. This is a dangerous conversation; Padraic would consider it treason if it ever got out. There is no way I can risk Aimee’s safety like that. It’s already too dangerous.

“We are not staging a coup,” I say firmly.

“Why not?” Aimee whispers.

I look at her in disbelief. Realizing that it’s not fear or anger in her eyes. It’scalculation.

“You said you wanted peace,” I whisper back.

“What if we could be the people to usher it in?” Aimee says, her mouth stumbling over her words in her excitement. “I could negotiate meetings with my brother; we could work together.”

My jaw practically hits the floor. “This would be your life, Aimee. No more working in the ER. No more anonymity. Every day you’d be risking your life.”

“For peace? I’ll do it.”

I shake my head. No. She’s already given up too much for this world. “Forming an alliance between the Duffys and the Maguires will make us even more of a target.”

“I said I’ll do it,” she snaps. The determination in her eyes would be so fucking sexy if she wasn’t so terrifying. “We keep Roisin out of this. But I’ll message her, prime her to be able to leave at a moment’s notice without giving away the details. Ray, spend the 5 mil on local assets.”

He hesitates. “Jack?”

“She’s going to be my wife; she speaks for me. Do it.”

For just an instant, Aimee’s smile is dazzling. Then she’s all business once more. “We don’t want that much money off-shore. We’ll need it nearby and ready to liquidate. Kate, how many people did you say you could bring?”

“Six,” she says through the speaker.

Aimee nods. “Make that twelve, and I want three drivers waiting for us after the match. We all take separate cars and rendezvous at Jack’s apartment before going to the safe house.”

“Roger that,” Kate chirps.

“How big is it?”

“Spacious.”

“Your twelve, Ray’s three, and the four of us make 19?” Aimee says.

“Easy,” Kate replies with a chuckle. “We could double it and still swing a cat.”

Aimee turns to me. “Is that enough to move your cars from the basement, Jack?”

I stare at her, completely overwhelmed by her being just so… Aimee. It’s breathtaking. “Are you sure about this?” I say quietly so the others can’t hear.

“Yes,” she hisses back.

“Then that makes 22,” I reply louder. “I’ll vet the drivers and make sure they’re outside to pick us up. And yes, that’s enough for the basement. Although I might need to come back for the bikes.”

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