Page 7 of Illicit Heir

He continues assessing the pub and then nods. "Aye, I see." Then he leans into my ear. His hot breath tickles my neck. He murmurs, "I promise ya, we won't get into any fights. All we want is a pint. Maybe a few shots of whiskey too. What do ya say, lass?"

My butterflies take off. He smells like sin and sex. And it's been way too long since I've had anything exciting happening in that area of my life. I clear my throat and lift my chin. "Ya said you're on a lads' weekend?"

His lips twitch. "Aye. Golfing and hitting the town."

I eye him over, blurting out, "Ya don't look like a golfer."

He puts his palm over his heart, as if I insulted him, and winces. "Am I not fancy enough for the golf course?"

I shake my head, confessing, "No, ya aren't."

He smirks and leans closer again. "So why do I get the feeling that ya prefer me this way?"

Heat travels to my cheeks, and butterflies explode in my stomach.

He adds, "I'm Devin, by the way. What's your name, lass?"

I stay quiet, debating whether I should tell him. His intense gaze never leaves mine.

"I say give him one drink," Jessica calls out.

I spin and glare at her. It's not her place to make the call. I'm in charge when my mum's not here, and she's always inserting her opinion where it doesn't belong.

A man who could pass as Devin's younger brother steps forward, declaring, "Huge tips for all ya lasses. Plus, we'll be buying rounds for ya as well."

Two more lads hang in the background, chuckling.

"Let them in, Lauren," Jessica states again.

"Ya need to learn your place," I reprimand.

She beams and holds her hands in the air, claiming, "They're harmless."

I almost ask her how she knows that because she doesn't. She's naive and stupid. These men could be anyone.

"Aye. We're harmless. We won't be getting into any trouble here. We just want some drinks. Plus, looks like ya can use the money to recoup some of your losses," the one who looks like he could be Devin's brother states.

My gut dives, thinking about the hole we're in that only got deeper tonight.

"See, they're harmless," Jessica claims.

I give her another dirty glare but also cave, knowing I shouldn't turn money away right now. I step back, stating, "Fine. Ya get two rounds. I'm charging ya double. Then you're out of here."

"How many shots of whiskey does that include?" Devin asks, arrogance filling his expression again.

"Ya can buy the bottle and take it with ya on the road," I answer, deciding I should take whatever I can get from his wallet.

He chuckles. "I don't know if there will be anything left. After all, aren't ya drinking it with me?" He gives me another look that sends fire all through my blood. I don't know why I find this man so attractive, but I can't deny it.

I also get the feeling he's dangerous. Yet I'm always around dangerous men. It's what happens when you're Tommy Ahern's niece and part of the O'Leary clan.

And that makes me suddenly remember my caution. I quiz, "Who's your allegiance to?"

He freezes. "My allegiance?"

I cross my arms, the hairs on my neck rising. "Yea, your allegiance. If you're coming into my pub, I need to know who your loyalties are with."

His scrunches his forehead. "Lass, is this a trick question?"

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