“I could use a cup of tea, if you don’t mind,” I tell him. “There’s also coffee if you want.”

  “Sure thing.” He nods and gets to work filling the electric kettle. He’s been here enough times to know where the teabags and coffee are kept.

  I measure everything out, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto my baking sheet, and just as I put it in the oven, Kellen walks in. He pauses at seeing Aidan standing there.

  His gazes darts between the two of us and comes to rest on me. “Is he here because of those guys from yesterday?”

  My younger brother has always been too smart for his age. I’m not sure if it’s because of the large age difference between us that he’s almost like the oldest child or something else. Whatever it is, there’s a maturity present in him this morning that I’m not sure was there before. Nearly thirteen is still too young to be worried about or dealing with what’s going on.

  “Aidan just missed us so much, he couldn’t stay away.” I laugh, trying to make a joke. You didn’t think his presence here all the way through did you?

  Of course, Kellen side eyes me, clearly not believing my obvious lie.

  “I came back because I have a proposition for your sister,” Aidan speaks up.

  My gaze darts in his direction. A proposition?

  “What kind of proposition?” Kellen echoes my silent question.

  “Something she and I need to discuss first.”

  My brother cocks his head, but he doesn’t press the issue. A few minutes later, Carson stumbles in rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He drops his arm and also stops at the sight of Aidan.

  “Will one of you set the table and the other go wake up your sister, please?” I ask before more questions pop up.

  The boys exchange glances—and their own unspoken language—and then Carson turns around and heads down the hallway he just came from. In the meantime, Kellen gets dishes and glasses from the cabinet, silverware from the drawer, and places them on the table in front of each chair.

  I fill up the kids’ glasses with orange juice and take the cup of tea Aidan passes to me. A few sips temporarily satisfy me and then I grab the jam and cream from the fridge and place them on the table as well. My timer goes off and I bring the sheet from the oven. Carson and Aisling stroll in, the latter’s hair a tangled mess.

  “Everyone sit. We’ll be back in a second.” I take my sister’s hand and guide her to the bathroom.

  Aidan’s voice carries in behind us as he talks to the boys.

  “I thought Aidan went home,” Aisling says as I run the comb through her hair, taking care not to tug each knot.One in particular gives me some trouble and she winces.

  “Sorry, little nightmare. He did, but he missed us so much he came back for another day or two.”

  At six, she hasn’t learned quite yet to detect lies and takes what I say at face value. “I missed him, too.”

  “All done.” I tap her on the shoulder and set the comb on the counter. “Let’s go get some breakfast.”

  We walk into the kitchen and Aisling gives Aidan a hug before taking her seat. I put the scones in a basket and set it in the middle of the table before sitting as well. “Dig in.”

  After the kitchen has all been cleaned up, the five of us head out for a walk along the old Railway Walk trail. It’s overcast, but the temperature is pleasant.

  “Aidan and I need to talk so why don’t the three of you go ahead. We’ll be right behind you.” I send them off so we can have at least a small amount of privacy.

  Aisling opens her mouth to protest, but Kellen takes her hand. “Come on, nightmare.”

  She pouts, but goes with them, leaving me alone with Aidan. When they’re out of earshot, I turn my head toward him. “This is about the only alone time we’re going to have for this conversation. And I’m curious what this proposition is that you said you have for me.”

  There’s a wariness on his face, like he’d rather not have this discussion, which makes me nervous. A weight settles over me. Maybe I should just accept that he took care of things and leave it at that.

  “What do you know about a man named Dónal Sheehan?” he asks.

  I suppose there’s no turning back after this. “Like I told you last night, nothing. The first time I’ve ever heard his name mentioned was when those men said it yesterday.”

  Aidan nods like he expected my answer. “Up until a couple months ago, Sheehan was head of the second most powerful family in Dublin. He was involved in things that weren’t completely legal.”

  How did Da get tangled up with someone like that? “You said ‘was’.”

  “He’s dead.”

  “Oh,” I breathe out the word. “That still doesn’t explain how Da knew him.”

  “That I don’t know. But what I do know is that Liam Campbell overthrew the organization. If your Da borrowed money from Sheehan like those men claim, then Campbell is the one who took ownership of the loan.”

  “How do you know these people?”

  Aidan doesn’t say anything. I glance over at him and there’s a pained expression on his face. I stop in the middle of the trail and touch his arm to stay him. “What’s wrong?”

  He straightens and finally meets my eyes. “Do you know who the Donnellys are?”

  My forehead wrinkles. “I know they’re rumored to be Irish mafia and the most powerful family in Dublin—maybe all of Ireland—but that’s the extent of it. I don’t really keep up with the news and you know everyone around here just gossips about the locals.”

  Aidan glances to where Kellen, Carson, and Aisling are still walking and back to me. He runs his hand through his hair, something he only does when he’s nervous.

  I lay my hand on his arm again. His muscles are tense beneath my palm. “What is it? You know you can tell me anything.”

  “I want you to know I’m sorry.”

  “Sorry? For what? Aidan, you’re scaring me.” My heart’s pounding.

  “My name isn’t Aidan Broderick.”

  I draw back in confusion. “I don’t understand.”

  “Broderick was my mother’s maiden name. It’s the name I use when I travel and don’t want people to know who I am. Anonymity is something I don’t often get, so I take advantage of it when I can. I’ve loved the freedom I’ve had being around you. I was worried that if you knew who I was, it would change things between us.”

  Every word coming out of his mouth buzzes around my head, but none of them make sense. “I need a minute, please.”

  I start walking while I try to process. Aidan’s footsteps echo mine.

  “Sorcha.”

  “I said I need a minute,” I snap at him, maybe for the first time ever.

  My pace increases, and I’m suddenly desperate to get away. Kellen glances over his shoulder. He snags Carson’s arm, who then stops Aisling. Seconds later, I reach them. “We’re going home.”

  We turn back in the direction we came, and I usher the three of them past Aidan. The boys’ gaze bounces between me and the man who trails us, keeping his distance.

  “Why are we running?” Aisling whines.

  Are we? I’m not, but she is trying to keep up with us. I scoop her up and set her on my hip despite the fact she’s almost too big for me to do so. Still, I can’t slow. Kellen and Carson keep up with me until finally, we reach the pub. I’m sweating and my back aches from the extra weight.

  “Sorcha, will you stop and talk to me?”

  I fumble with the lock on the door with a trembling hand. “I think it’s best if you don’t come in right now.”

  Finally, I manage to get it open and push the three of them inside. I’m right on their heels and shut the door in Aidan’s lying face. After the stress over the last few weeks of not knowing how I’m going to keep things going and the fear those men caused me yesterday, this new revelation is more than I can handle at the moment.

  “Boys, can you please take your sister upstairs? I’ll be up shortly. I need to be by myself for a little bit, okay?” I hope they won’t ask me any questions.

  As though sensing how on the edge I am, Kellen takes hold of Aisling’s hand. “Come on little nightmare. Let’s go watch a movie. I’ll even let you pick.”

  With only a quick glance back, he guides her toward the kitchen with his brother following.

  “Can we watch the scary one with the weird people?” Her voice trails away as they disappear into the kitchen.

  I cross the length of the pub and pour myself a gin and tonic, not caring that it’s barely nine in the morning. I finish it in less than two minutes and start on a second before I finally collapse into one of the chairs. Aidan’s words rattle around inside my brain again. If his last name isn’t Broderick then what is it? The only other names he mentioned were Dónal Sheehan, Liam Campbell, and the Donnellys. Sweet jesus, is he a Donnelly? What does that mean? Is he a cousin or something? Surely, he can’t be one of the Donnellys.

  Grabbing my phone from my pocket, I do a quick search. There isn’t a lot of information on them. Then again, if they are the mafia, I doubt they want the attention. I search news articles, images, videos, until finally I find a clip from the main news in Dublin. About a month ago, three members of the Donnelly family were arrested for allegedly attempting to break into a Liam Campbell’s home. Each one of them were armed. The video shows three handcuffed men being escorted by several members of the Gardaí into a building.

  In the lead is a familiar auburn-haired, tattooed, and pierced Aidan.

  CHAPTER 7

  Aidan

  That did not go as planned. I don’t blame Sorcha for being pissed, but I’m a little disappointed she shut me out completely before giving me a chance to explain myself. What is there to explain? You’ve been lying to her for five years.

  I walk back to my car, grab my bag, and head to the bed and breakfast I’d checked out of only yesterday to secure another room. I’m not sure how long I’ll be in town. I should probably touch base with someone at home as well. I pull my phone from my pocket and call Cian. He might be the only one besides Da up this early and the longer I avoid talking to Da the better.

  “Why are you calling me at this hour?” he grumbles and then whispers something unintelligible, most likely to Nessa.

  “Stop bitching. It’s not that early.”

  “It is when you’re in bed with a beautiful woman. Since you’ve already ruined the mood, what do you want?”

  “I’m just letting you know I’m going to be out of town for a few more days.”

  “I didn’t realize you were gone.”

  Of course he didn’t.“Well, I am. I’ll be back either tomorrow or Monday in case Da asks.”

  “Why are you calling me instead of him, then?” Cian complains. “Unless you don’t want him questioning where you are.”

  I pause for a second. “It’s complicated.”

  “Which means there’s a woman involved.”

  “There is no woman.” Jesus. I shouldn’t have said anything.

  Cian barks out a laugh. “You’re a shite liar, you know that, right?”

  I’m almost offended. I happen to be an excellent liar. I’ve been doing it for years. “Look, I’m just letting you know I’ll be back in a couple days.”

  “Thanks for ruining a perfectly good morning by calling for something I don’t care about. Tell this non-existent woman I said you’re an arsehole.” He ends the call.

  Fuck. I shouldn’t have bothered. Cian is always waiting for a chance to bust my balls, so I suspect I’ll be getting a call from Da soon. The bed and breakfast comes into view. Once I’m checked back in and settled in my room, I lie down. I’m going to need all my energy to convince Sorcha of my proposition. One I hadn’t been able to broach since she kicked me out of the pub. It doesn’t bode well for her accepting my offer, either. I’ll have to do what I can to convince her then.

  It’s a dick move, showing up when she has customers, but regardless of her being pissed, she’s still by herself and needs my help. Even if she won’t ask for it. I walk through the door behind a couple regulars. They take a seat at one of the few empty tables and I head behind the bar. Sorcha glances up, scowls, and ignores me. This might be the first time I’ve witnessed her truly angry. She’s kind of adorable.

  She skips right past me with the pint of beer and delivers it to a table. I glance down and find a ticket for another order. Grabbing a glass, I set it under the tap and start filling it. She returns, pauses, and sighs in resignation. Like we’d done two nights ago, we form a rhythm and work together seamlessly, although Sorcha only speaks to me when she has to. I’ll take it. After the last customer leaves, we go through the closing ritual until the pub has been cleaned and ready for tomorrow.

  Taking my chances, I come to stand next to her. “Will you hear me out now?”

  She’s silent for a few seconds. “Let me check on the kids and I’ll be back down.”

  I sit at one of the booths and wait, drumming my fingers on the tabletop. Nearly ten minutes later, Sorcha walks in from the kitchen and slides onto the seat across from me.

  “Alright, talk,” she demands, not wasting time. “And let’s start by telling me your name.”

  Fair request. “My name is Aidan Donnelly. My father is Carrick Donnelly and I have two brothers and a recently discovered half-sister.” I take a breath. “Nothing else I’ve told you about myself has been a lie.”

  Sorcha raises both eyebrows. “So you’re really a security guard, then?”

  If I could blush, I’d be doing it. “Technically, that’s not a lie. Sometimes I guard things.”

  “Like what?”

  I’m toeing an extremely thin here. “I don’t want to lie to you, but I also can’t share family business.”

  To my surprise Sorcha appears to accept my answer. “Why do you hide your identity? I’d think you would want people to know who you are. I’m sure they’re afraid of your family’s name. You could certainly use that to your advantage.”

  “That’s not always a good thing. Plus, we have enemies. Sometimes, it’s just easier.”

  “It’s been five years. Once you knew you could trust me, why continue to keep the secret?” There’s hurt in her voice.

  “Because I didn’t know how you’d react. Like you said, it’s been five years. Was I just supposed to blurt it out? How well do you think that would have gone over?” I don’t let her answer. “Probably about as well as it’s going now.”

  “That wasn’t for you to decide. How do you expect me to believe anything that comes out of your mouth now?” Sorcha sags in her seat.

  Neither of us say anything for a minute, because I don’t have an answer for her.

  “I really am sorry I lied.” Apologizing and trying to figure out how to make it up to her are the only things I can do.

  “You can be sorry all you want, but it doesn’t change the fact you did it.”

  I sigh. “You’re right, I did.”

  Silence settles between us again. It’s tense and uncomfortable. Something we’ve never been with each other. Not even when our friendship first began. We’ve always somehow fit together with no awkwardness.

  “You said those guys won’t bother me again and to trust you. Let’s say I’m sorely lacking in the trust department at the moment. So, how do I know they’re gone for good? Or that someone else won’t show up trying to collect money that Da owed them?” Sorcha challenges me, which I can both appreciate, but also hate that I’ve made her feel like this.

  “I told you how Liam Campbell took over Dónal Sheehan’s organization.” She nods. “Liam also happens to be Imogen’s…whatever he is. Either way, they’re together. I reminded him how unhappy she’d be if he and I were forced to go up against each other if he didn’t call his men off.”

  “And what happens if they aren’t together anymore?” she prods. “Am I going to be back in the same position because you no longer have something to hold over his head?”

  Things are going to go to shite more than they already are. I can tell. I rub the back of my neck.

  “What aren’t you telling me, Aidan?”

  “I’ve taken on the debt your Da owed Sheehan, and it will be paid by the end of the day tomorrow. You and the kids will be under the protection of my entire family.”

  “Does your family even know about me?”

  “Not at the moment. But they will. Especially once we’re married.”

  “I’m sorry, when we’re what?”

  “I told Liam you were my fiancée. He’s a ruthless prick and unless I gave him a good reason to back off, he won’t. He’d find some way to get around the threat of Imogen being pissed. That’s just how he is. He’s already making me prove we’re engaged. There’s always a price that has to be paid.”

  Sorcha jerks back. “So I’m the one who has to pay this price by marrying you? I’m the one who’s getting punished for my Da’s actions?”

  Ouch. “I’m sorry you see marrying me as a punishment.”

  She throws her hands up. “How else would you see it? What happens if you fall in love with someone else? Or I do? What do I tell the boys and Aisling? I didn’t ask for any of this.”

  Before I can reply, she jumps up and goes to the bar. I don’t follow her while she pours a shot and tosses it back. Then another. Finally, I move across the room.

  “What are you doing?”

  Sorcha glares. “I’m getting pissed. What does it look like I’m doing?”

  She throws back a third shot.

  I reach across, pluck the shot glass out of her hands, and set it on top of the bar. “That’s not going to help or change things and you know it.”

  “Maybe I’ll go to sleep and when I wake up, this will have been nothing but a dream. A nightmare, actually.”

  “You know, if you keep on, I’ll start thinking you don’t like me or something.” I walk around to her side of the bar, smiling and trying to infuse humor into the situation.

  Sorcha blinks those big blue eyes of hers and then they soften. “I know this isn’t entirely your fault, and I shouldn’t take it all out on you. But Da isn’t here and you are so you’re the one who gets the brunt of my anger. Not that it’s entirely undeserved considering you’ve been lying to me for five fucking years.”