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"No, but you aren't as bad as your reputation says you are."
I bark out a laugh. "Oh lady, you have no fuckin' idea who we truly are."
She nods. "That may be true, but the way you've all been looking out for the dancers shows that you actually care. Many don't."
"Working for the Fury Vipers puts you under our protection," I state simply. It's fucked up if we allow anything to happen to anyone under our protection.
"What about Ailbhe? That looked like a lot more than her just working for you."
"That's a fucked up situation all round. I have no idea what's going to happen."
"She's going through a lot," she tells me. "Her brother, Ruairi, is home, and from what I can gather, things at home aren't all they seem."
My gut tightens at her words. The response in itself is telling. Ailbhe has gotten herself deep under my skin. I'm feeling things I shouldn't be. I'm beyond fucked up, and a woman like Ailbhe... she's sweet, smart, and gorgeous. My baggage would drown her, just as it is me. My past is who I am. It's marked me in more ways than one.
Ailbhe deserves someone who's able to give her everything, and that someone ain't me. But the thought of her with someone else makes me want to find them and tear their heads off their bodies.
I run my hands through my hair. Christ, I'm losing my damn mind. What the fuck is wrong with me?
* * *
The club is closed and the dancers are leaving. The moment they step outside the club, they're making a mad dash for their vehicles. It's raining, something that happens often here, and the dancers are getting soaked as they rush toward their cars.
"Goodnight, Tamara," I hear Ailbhe say. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Ailbhe has a tight-knit group of girls she's close to. Both of whom seem to know about her hatred of me. I get that I fucked up with her, and I don't know if there's a way to get her to forgive me.
The girls step outside, both of them grinning at one another. "Night, Al, see you tomorrow. Tell that hunk of a brother of yours that I can't wait to meet him."
I hear Ailbhe retch. "Never going to happen. Ruairi is a gobshite, Tam. You're better than that."
Tamara dramatically sighs. "Why can't I find a decent guy?"
Ailbhe glances at me, her eyes gazing over me from top to bottom. "Don't ask me. I can't either."
I grit my teeth. I fucking hate the thought of her being with anyone else. If I find out that she's been with anyone, I'll probably kill them. I'm that fucking unhinged when it comes to her.
Tamara giggles. "Gotta go. Talk to you later."
"What do you want, Preacher?" Ailbhe asks once Tamara's in her car. "And don't lie to me, okay? I know you're standing out here for a reason. Usually, you'll be gone by now. So what gives?"
I grin. "Keepin' tabs on me, babe?"
She rolls her eyes. "You didn't answer my question."
"I wanted to talk to you."
She sighs. "Really?" she asks, as though it's the last thing she wants.
"Yeah, really. What's with the attitude?"
She laughs. "Seriously?" she asks incredulously. "You truly have no idea, do you?"
I cross my arms over my chest and watch her. I don't give a fuck that we're both getting wet from the rain. I want answers.
"You fucked me and then was a complete bastard. I get it. It's who you are. And I was fine with that, especially as you left me alone. Then you're suddenly sniffing around me, kissing me, and then you disappear. You're giving me whiplash."
"I told you, babe, I'm completely fucked up. I can't function anymore. I'm beyond wrecked. Tell me, do you think you could handle me?"
