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Two days before Christmas and I’m sitting in a coffee shop down the street from the lawyer’s office. I’ve spent all morning going through everything with him again, and I’m not sure how, but he’s secured me a video call Christmas morning and Andrea and George have agreed to accept the presents I bought for her. I wish I could be with her, but I’ll have to settle for the call for now. The lawyer seems to think this is good progress, and I guess all I can do is trust him.
I’m lost in thought, doodling on a napkin, when someone pulls the chair out next to me. Looking up, I see Alex taking a seat at the table with me and Bella at the counter ordering drinks.
Her blond hair is tied up in a high pony, she’s wearing a red shirt that she’s only buttoned to her cleavage, exposing the top half of her chest, black skin-tight jeans, and black patent Louboutins. Damn she’s beautiful.
“Connor called and told me about the meeting with the lawyer. We’re sorry we didn’t get here sooner.” She places her hand over mine, giving it a squeeze and offering me a warm smile.
Her dark hair is styled in loose waves, framing her face, she has a brown smoky eyeshadow, making her blue eyes really pop and drawing me in. She’s wearing a white tee and a black blazer––she always looks so put together.
They both ooze confidence, and while they are always nice and friendly, going out of their way to make me feel welcome, I often feel like I don’t quite fit in with them.
Bella pulls out a chair and takes a seat opposite me. “I ordered you another coffee, Liv. We’re sorry we didn’t make it on time for the meeting, but Connor only called Alex this morning.”
“Wait, what?” I look to Alex, confused. I’m not sure why Connor would know about the meeting.
“Halliwell is on retainer for the family, he’s under instruction to ensure the guys are aware of everything… not just with you, with everything.
He should have called Ronan to tell him about the meeting, but him and Killian are still dealing with some family issues, so he called Connor.”
“Thank you,” we acknowledge as the barista places our drinks on the table.
Alex’s phone rings, and she grins as she answers, “Hey, baby.”
I tune out her conversation as Bella draws my attention. “Why don’t you join us for a few drinks at the club tonight?”
I’m not exactly in the mood to be around people, and I take a drink of my coffee to try and give me a minute to think of an excuse, but before I have a chance to respond, Bella continues.
“I know you might not feel like it but being around people will be good for you. Look, Connor and Finn will be back, but Killian and Ronan won’t be. And I happen to know you have the next few nights off.” She grins at me and winks before taking a drink of her coffee.
“How do you know I have the next few nights off? Wait, you know what, never mind. I don’t want to know how you know. I appreciate the offer, but I’m just going to stay home. You’re right, I’m not in the mood to be around people. Thank you though.”
“You should come, Liv. Connor just said his Ma and Niamh are back from Ireland, so they’ll be there.” Placing her phone on the table, she watches me for a beat. I’m not sure what it is about her, but I always seem to want to agree to anything she asks. Maybe it’s her British accent?
I give myself a mental shake before I agree to something I don’t want to do. “I’m good, girls, but thanks anyway.”
Thankfully, they don’t push it, letting the subject drop, and we fall into relaxed conversations about Alex’s work and Bella’s business, and for the next hour, I get a brief respite from the pain of knowing I won’t get to see my baby girl on Christmas morning.
Chapter 27
Killian
I’ve watched him lose himself for the last three days. I’ve stood back and let his demon take over.
My brothers and I agreed that the only way we’re ever going to be able to help Ronan is to learn about him and his demon, to try and understand him.
We asked him what drives him, what drives his demon, what drives the need for blood, the need for complete control, but he couldn’t tell us––he doesn’t understand it himself.
He just said he’s always felt different, he felt like there was something wrong with him.
Growing up, he never hurt anyone unnecessarily, but he always made a point of seeking out trouble, getting into scraps when we were kids. Da put him in the local gym, had him learn boxing to try and help him learn some discipline and control, but it was never enough. That’s how he ended up doing UFC. Hell, that’s how we all started training in UFC.
I’ve a few fights under my belt, but it was Connor who took it up professionally. He had the drive and determination for it, but the rest of us just used it as a way to blow off steam.
Ronan though, he’s good at it, better than Connor, but whenever he was in the ring––even just sparring––he used to tap out, even when he had the upper hand. None of us ever understood why, not until recently. He’s explained he’d lose himself mid fight, his demon would force its way to the surface, and once things started to go dark, he knew he wouldn’t be in control anymore, so he’d tap out.
Rory used to say to us, “Leave him be, boys… tapping out is his thing,” and then he’d laugh and change the subject.
Ronan said he’d never explained it to Rory––he’d figured it was just the twin thing.
