Page 85 of Illicit Heir

"Ya just punched me when we weren't in the ring. What the fuck is going on?" he repeats.

I don't answer him.

He grabs my shoulder and spins me, taking me by surprise. I slam into the locker. "Answer me!"

I push his chest. "Get off me."

He steps back and holds his hands in the air. "I deserve an answer!"

Killian's always been one of my favorite O'Malleys. We've been friends ever since Bridget met his brother. But how do I explain what I'm feeling right now?

He scowls. "Has to do with that bird in Coolock, doesn't it?"

"No," I lie.

He looks me over. "Sure seems like it."

"It doesn't," I declare.

He stares at me for another minute, and I shove past him. I get to the door and he calls out, "Devin."

I spin. "I don't need a lecture."

He warns, "Don't do anything stupid. Stay out of Coolock. If ya go there, it won't be good for anyone, including her."

I hear his warning, but I don't acknowledge it. I leave the gym and step outside. The cold air hits my bloody, swollen face, adding additional stinging sensations. I get to my car, almost start it, then realize I have to stop being risky.

I get out, take my laser pen, and check for bombs. When I'm satisfied I won't blow up, I slide into the seat and turn on the engine.

I drive toward Coolock and get to the edge of the territory line that used to separate us from the O'Learys. Now, the line no longer exists.

I'm tempted to keep going, but Killian's warning won't go away, and I know he's right. The last thing I want is to make it worse for Lauren.

So I pull over. I sit there for hours, debating about what to do. I finally receive a text.

Alaina: She's safe. They escorted her to her mum's. We'll make sure her property is boxed up and taken there. Now come back to Belfast, Devin.

I don't reply. I almost disobey her and go on to Coolock but decide now is not the time.

Nothing makes sense anymore. I don't understand my pull toward Lauren, but I can't deny it. So I make a new resolution.

Caleb will feel my wrath. After that, I'll figure out how to make this up to Lauren.

15

Lauren

Light streams onto my face. I snuggle into the pillow, but it grows brighter, so I open my eyes.

Where am I?

Mum's guest room comes into focus and my gut drops. The pub.

How could they have done that to the pub?

Monsters!

Is it really no longer ours?

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