Page 17 of Menace

“Put away your phones and let’s get to business.”

His entire demeanour had changed.

It was the Boss of the Irish mafia sitting in front of me now. Everything about him was different, even the blue of his eyes seemed to have become darker.

“I spoke to Maniac last night and the refurbishing of the studio is going well. He estimates it will be ready to open in about 8 to 10 weeks. It gives us time to get Harper’s new identity ready. I’m not expecting any problems because her paperwork will be flawless. Pixie is sticking to her original plan to send Zane and Killian out there. We’ll re-evaluate as Harper’s pregnancy progresses and she won’t be flying anywhere during the last two months. It would be too dangerous for both her and the baby. I’d rather she had the baby here where we can control the situation than in Savannah where we have to depend on others.”

It felt like a huge block of granite fell from my shoulders. I hadn’t realised how worried I’d been about having my baby in the US.

“I’d prefer to have the baby here as well.” I said softly. “I don’t want to do this alone.”

The faces around me showed sympathy and concern.

“You won’t be alone, Harp. I’ll be there and I’m sure there’s no damned way they’ll keep Rider out of the room. The brother is going to be right there, holding your hand.” Asa grinned. “I, on the other hand, will be outside in the waiting room. Where I will wait on news.”

Laughter rang out and I joined in.

“There’s something else we need to discuss.” Asa said, he no longer grinning.

There was no sign of the laughter now.

“Harper and the baby will need a bodyguard when they go to Savannah. He will need to get to know her, live in the house with us until they leave. It means he has to be someone we trust, one of our own, but I want a deep background check done on him. I’m not leaving any stones unturned, or taking any chances with her life. I want it done before he’s introduced to Harper. We need to be sure he is who he says he is.”

They were all frowning, obviously thinking about the bodyguard situation. I was about to tell them I didn’t need a bodyguard when Brendan spoke up.

“I’ll go.”

Heads snapped towards him and he raised his hands to stop the protests.

“Hear me out. I’ve got the training and hired out as a bodyguard before joining your crew. I’m new, no one knows I work for you. I go with Harper, make sure she’s settled and stay as long as needed. We can fabricate a story, saying Pixie wants her to have a bodyguard because she’s alone with a baby and hired me through her husband’s company. It makes it easier, and safer, than hiring someone we don’t know.”

“What about reconciling with the family in Ireland?” Rory snapped at him.

Brendan’s face went from relaxed to furious in an instant.

“What about our family, Rory? Fuck them, they should have askedmewhat happened before they took Sinead’s side, believing the fucked up lies she told them. Why do you think I walked away and joined the fucking Irish mafia? I’ll tell you why, it’s because I no longer give a shite about my father’s so-called plans for me. They turned their backs on me when I needed them to believe in me. I’m done with them and their bullshit elitist crap.”

He pointed at Asa then glanced at the men around him.

“That man over there, and all of you, were the only ones who believed me when I said I never fucking touched her. Believed me when I said I’ve never in my life done drugs. Why would I care about a family who takes the word of a slut over mine, Rory?”

Fury burned in his grey-blue eyes.

Rory raised both hands. “Sorry cuz, I was being an ass, testing you to see if you were really ready for this.”

“You’re the only one in the entire O’Connor clan who still speaks to me, the rest are dead to me.” Brendan said as he crossed his arms over his chest. Visibly done with the conversation.

“Okay, I agree with Bren, he’s the best option.” Rory glanced at his cousin as he spoke, worry clear in his eyes.

I slowly raised my hand.

“If I have a say in who goes with me, then I pick Bren. I like him and he’s fun to chat to.” I smiled at the man. “Plus he has virgin skin and I called dibs. I want to be the first to put ink on him so he has to come with me.”

“Jayzuz woman, I told you, I’m no’ gettin’ a tattoo.” Bren growled at me. His Irish accent was suddenly very apparent.

I winked and smiled. “Wait until you see what I’ve designed for you. You’re going to love it.”

Bren hid a smile as he shook his head.

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