…and how comfortable Killian and I have become around each other.
This is my life now. A cozy apartment in Sunset Park, classes at community college, therapy three times a week, and a rough-around-the-edges Irishman who adores me and can’t keep his hands off me.
The holidays are coming up, and for the first time in years, I’m actually looking forward to them.
Killian’s already asked if I want to spend Christmas together. Apparently his sister, Maeve’s, flying in, and after all I’ve heard, I couldn’t be more excited to meet her.
The only thing missing is Eva.
If I could find my baby sister and bring her home, then my life would truly be complete. But I still won’t stop searching for her. I’ll find her no matter what it takes.
I pull on a robe and head to the kitchen to start the coffee, Killian sliding his arm around me as we go.
Once my class is over, we meet up to grab lunch at the diner near Killian’s place. It might sound silly, but the diner was one of the first places where me and Killian got to know each other, and like the Rialto movie theater, it’s become a staple for us.
The lunch is filling and satisfying, but once we leave, Killian mentions he wants to stop by the Banshee before we head back to his place.
“You mind?” he asks. “Shouldn’t take long.”
“Actually, it’s probably time for me to visit my old employer and see how he’s doing.”
We step into the loud and warm pub and immediately feel at home.
The place is packed for a weekday afternoon, buttonmen crowded around tables with pints in hand, the air thick with laughter and the smell of beer and fried food. I spot Teagannear the back, finally out of the hospital after several months of intense recovery.
As soon as everyone realizes Killian’s stopped by, the room erupts.
“There he is!” someone shouts.
Suddenly men are raising their glasses and cheering. One guy even stands up to clap Killian on the back as he makes his way through the barroom.
I smile to myself, loving the recognition for a moody man like Killian.
He recently accepted a promotion in the clan. He’s gone from boneman to the Callahan clan’s official Warlord. Ronan made the job offer after he was impressed by not only how Killian did filling in as Clan Chief but how he was able to invade Fedorov’s estate and come out victorious.
I couldn’t be prouder of him.
Tom spots us from behind the bar and waves us over, his weathered face breaking into a genuine smile.
“Well, look at you two,” he says. “You look good together. Think this is the first time I’ve ever seen Killnotscowling.”
Killian scowls in answer, and me and the bar owner laugh.
“What’ve you been up to anyhow?” he asks, wiping down the counter. “You’ve been damn near a ghost these past few weeks.”
“Been busy lately,” Killian grunts. “This one’s fault.”
My jaw drops in offense as Tom shakes his head in amusement.
“That’ll do it. Get you a woman and she monopolizes all your time—for good reason, of course. But no need to worry. Business has been booming even without you.”
Killian glances around the crowded pub. “I can see that.”
I’m glancing around too, taking in the familiar layout with fresh eyes and noticing a couple new faces on the floor. Specifically a server working what would normallybe Bridget’s shift.
“New waitress?” I ask.
Tom nods, following my gaze. “Yeah, hired her about a month ago. Bridget quit not long after you did actually.”
