Page 47 of Forbidden Protector

“Like a hole in the head,” Jack counters. “It’s interesting that you’re still hearing things from him, though.”

He gives me a smug look.Bastard.

The only way Connor was able to land a blow on Jack in the first place was with Padraic’s blessing. It was a temporary alliance I had little faith in, but when it came to Connor’s revenge, I knew there was no way I could stop him.

“I thought you didn’t want to gossip?” I say, knowing Jack will take what he can from that response.

True enough, he bites the inside of his cheek. “Just wondering how quickly he threw Connor aside after the fight.”

Quickly. In fact, I don’t think Connor has even brought it up since. But it’s not something Jack needs to know. Whatever’s going on between me and my partner, I’d like to think I have enough discretion not to embarrass him in front of Jack. At least, not too much.

“I tried to warn you.” I change the subject.

“You did.” Jack bows his head. “I suppose I should say thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet.”

He watches me expectantly as I finish my drink. I can see the cogs in his brain working overtime, attempting to predict my request before it even leaves my mouth.

I clear my throat as I think about how to phrase it.

“Aim–”

“No.” He shuts me down instantly.

“I didn’t even–”

“No.”

“You can’t just–”

“I can,” Jack says firmly. “She’s not something I’m prepared to risk.”

I scan his face for any kind of chink in his seemingly impenetrable facade. Nothing, damn it.

But then, a thought crosses my mind.

“And how does she feel about that?” I reply innocently. I may not know Aimee Maguire well, but her sister had to get her stubbornness from somewhere.

Jack purses his lips.Bingo.“She doesn’t want to see him.”

“I’m not asking for Connor.”

“Then who?”

I pause as I assess my priorities. I told Roisin that I would try to arrange a meeting with her sister. But if that compromises her safety in the process, I’d rather keep my cards closer to my chest.

“Not Connor.”

Jack is already shaking his head. “That’s not enough.”

“It has to be.”

“Arnie, I’m not moving on this.” Jack puts his beer down a little too hard. “You have to give me something.”

“Connor doesn’t know,” I offer, wracking my brain for something, anything else that doesn’t put Roisin at risk. Even mentioning her name in a place like this has me on edge.

“Connor doesn’t know aboutthis!” Jack hisses, gesturing between the two of us.

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