Mom squeezes Colton before going over to Dad. He wraps his arms around her and kisses her forehead. “Ná bí buartha, a stór. Íocfaidh siad as seo.”
Dad and Uncle Duncan were born in Ireland but came to the US in their teens. When they’re angry, the barely noticeable accent comes out. They also revert to speaking Irish.
“I need to learn Irish. I’m pretty sure that was a threat, but it sounded romantic as hell.” Colton says almost to himself. What does he mean that my Dad sounds romantic?
“He said she doesn’t have to worry, he will make them pay,” I growl. If he thinks hearing threats in Irish is romantic, I’ll never speak fucking English again.
Chapter 28
Colton
Ronan’s growl makes me smile. “Well, your Dad is hot.” I tease.
His hand comes up, wrapping around my throat. There’s no real threat behind it. I smile at him.
“Don’t say that again.”
“Why, because it’s your Dad?” I can’t help myself. His jealous side is causing my stomach to do flips.
“Because it’s anyone other than me.”
I press my lips to his before he can finish his sentence. Ronan is mine just as much as he claims me. God, I love this man. I’m questioning my sanity at this point. But how could I not love him?
“Fucking hell. Get a room. Some of us don’t need to see that shit,” Liam says as he enters the office. I only push harder into Ronan. He groans into my mouth, and I swallow the sound. When we finally end the kiss, neither of us pulls away. Everyone in the room is staring at us, mostly with blank faces, except for Alessia, who has a wistful look. I smile at her.
“Conor hasn’t had any luck in locating the fuckers here in town. Finn and Taylor should be here in the next couple of hours.They’re going straight to the compound without guests,” Kieran informs us.
“The compound? You mentioned that before. What is it?” I ask.
“It’s our private little playground. You know, somewhere the neighbors can’t hear the screams.” Liam winks at me when he says it.
“Liam,” Alessia says in a stern tone.
Liam may look like Ronan, but his personality is so different. Ronan carries himself with cold confidence, calculation, and structure. Every time I have met Liam, he has been an instigator, in it for the shock value. If I’m truly going to be a part of this family, I’m going to have to not only find my place among them but also show no fear.
“It’s okay, Alessia. Liam is just trying to test me, I think. But too bad for him that I don’t care if those bastards scream. They deserve it.” I try my best to give Liam a nonchalant stare. “I’m just not sure if Liam is the guy to make that happen. He seems more worried about the shock factor of what he promises to do. Maybe Ronan can give you lessons. How was bingo by the way?”
“What the fuck?” Liam is the one in shock now. A musical laugh comes from the doorway. Declan and Xavier are entering the room. Xavier is laughing to the point of tears.
“That was awesome. Colton, you’re my new bestie. I can’t wait to introduce you to Jess and Blake. Jessie will eat you up with a spoon. She’s the unhinged one in the friend group. She loves to put these guys in their places.”
Friend group. I repeat the words in my head. I’ve never had that. I’ve never had most things that are becoming a reality in my life now that I have Ronan.
“She’s confusing,” Ronan says. “You know that she’s insulting you, but she does it with a smile.”
I can’t help myself, I join Xavier in laughing this time. Ronan is such a literal person, so the fact that he is confused by this, Jess, is no surprise. I can’t wait to meet her.
“Don’t worry, babe, I’ll protect you,” I say.
“I don’t think she would try to hurt me or anyone, for that matter. Besides, she’s like five foot nothing and maybe a hundred pounds. So, unless she has a gun or knife, there’s not much damage she could do.” Looking at his face, I can see that he is dead serious and did not get the humor. I laugh harder.
The tension that had been almost suffocating in the room lightens as Xavier and I laugh to the point of tears. He explains more of the Jess versus the Murphy boys dynamic, and it’s fucking hilarious.
“I’m going to see what Ollie is up to, while you guys do whatever it is you are doing,” Xavier says before kissing Declan and leaving. I really like him and am glad that he wants to be my friend.
We all get back to tracking down the kids and those involved in taking them. Every time I see my father’s name on the documents that I read, I feel sick. I can’t understand why. Yes, both he and Mother are cold people, but to this extent is just mind-blowing. I want to know why. I want to hear it from them, in their own words. I have a feeling that I’m going to need that to get past all of this. I’m going to need the closure.
“Ronan?”
