Page 31 of Guarding Salvation

“You think I’m right to trust them? I have no idea who they are or what they do, except that it’s off the books and they’re deadly. I’ve been around killers my whole life, enough to recognise one. All of them, even Bram, are dangerous killers.”

“I don’t know them, but I know Jack and the men here. If they trust them, then so do I. They’re good people and being a killer doesn’t necessarily make you evil. It makes you complex and flawed but not bad.”

Aoife grinned. “You’re going all shrink on me?”

Peyton shrugged and then winced. “Ouch.”

The door opened and Bram and the man who’d met them at the gate walked inside. He was hot, with dark hair and gorgeous blue eyes, older than Bram and her but sexy in a way that made women from five to one hundred and five swoon. He was also wearing a wedding ring.

“Peyton, I’m glad to see you awake. How are you feeling?”

“Like I was beaten by three mafia goons.”

Bram frowned and Aoife felt him move in closer to her back, his hand resting on her hip and drawing the raised eyebrow of her friend, who she knew would want answers. She wished she had them to give her, but in the space of two weeks they’d gone from strangers to lovers, and now there seemed to be more, but she had no idea how to define it or even if she wanted to.

She and Bram were nothing to each other, so why did it feel like when he was in a room she had to be close to him, and why for a man who was being professional, did he always seem to find a reason to have his hands on her in some way? She didn’t mind, hell she wanted it, felt it the same way but it was confusing as hell.

Aoife had no clue if Bram being close to her would jeopardise his job, but she did know she was beginning to care about him and being close to her was bad for people’s health. She’d almost lost her only friend today and she didn’t know if she could allow her feelings for Bram to continue. Perhaps pulling back from him and putting this relationship back on a professional footing was best for all of them and if he couldn’t, then she’d have to.

“Well, Bram and his friends will take care of that, and they have our full support. If you’d like to stay with Astrid and me while you recover, then you’re more than welcome. I’ve also had a call from Smithy and Lizzie with an offer for you to stay with them.”

“That’s very sweet, but if it’s okay, I’d like to stay close to Aoife for a bit.” Peyton looked at Bram and Aoife turned to look up at him.

“Of course. It’s already been cleared for you to come back with us.”

Jack clapped his hands. “Right, then that’s settled. I’ll love you and leave you. Astrid and I have a gender reveal scan later today and she’s freaking out.”

“Ah, congratulations, boss man,” Bram said with a grin and shook his hand.

Aoife wondered why he was calling him boss man. Was this man in charge or was Bás? She had no clue, and her head was beginning to pound from all the stress of the day.

“Thanks, I think it might be my hardest assignment yet.”

Jack left with a wave and Aoife stood as Bram and Peyton assessed each other. She knew there were doubts about whether or not Peyton had been the leak, but she knew that wasn’t the case, she’d always known that. She could also see that her friend was going to be interrogating her the first chance she got about the way she and Bram were so cosy.

“Do you need anything collected from your home before he heads out?”

“Yes, a few clothes and essentials would be good and maybe my laptop? I need to let my clients know I’ll be out of commission for a few weeks.”

“I can arrange that. We’ll need to blindfold you when you get close to our facility. Jack says that won’t be a problem for you.”

“No, I understand but please tell me you have Wi-Fi and a warm bed where we’re going because I need a bed, and a metal foldout isn’t going to cut it right now.”

Aoife saw Bram smile and noticed he had a dimple in his left cheek, making him look younger and innocent when she knew he was definitely not innocent. Quickly shutting down thoughts of him naked, she looked back to her friend, who was looking peaky now that the pain relief was wearing off a bit.

“That we can do.”

“Fine, I’m ready when you are.”

“It’s going to be an hour or so before we can leave.”

Aoife saw her friend stifle a yawn and knew she must be exhausted after everything. Laying a hand on her arm she squeezed gently. “Get some rest. We’ll come and get you when it’s time to leave.”

“Thank you, honey.”

“Love you, Pey.”

“Love you too, flower.”