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TEN
CLOVER
I didn’t tell him the truth. I should have, but I realized that if Sully ever found out about my family, the part he has no clue about, he’d hate me forever. The truth’s been kept under wraps, and for now, I’m safe, but I’ve a feeling that won’t last much longer.
There are so many things I haven’t been able to confess to Sully. If he knew, he would lose his mind. I’m only just getting to know him properly, and I don’t want him to go on a rampage for me.
I don’t need a hero.
I’m strong enough to protect myself. But somehow, deep down, I know he won’t listen to me and still defend me in any way he can.
I’m wiping down the bar when the door swings open, and my stomach drops as three men in suits walk in. I didn’t expect them because they shouldn’t be here. But I know who sent them, so there’s no use in hiding anything from these men. They’re experts in their line of work, and if I try to do anything untoward, they’ll kill me.
Many times over the years, I’ve been close to death. I’ve had to survive somehow. There wasn’t any other choice. If I’d given up too easily, I wouldn’t be around right now. Fighting is in my DNA.
“What can I do for you?” I ask the three men who have now found a permanent space by the bar.
I can’t deny I’m scared. My heart is thudding against my chest painfully, a reminder that I’m never truly safe. It doesn’t matter what country I live in, there’ll always be people out to get me.
“Yer uncle wanted us to check in on ye,” one of them says. He appears to be the one in charge and the spokesperson for the trio. He’s in a dark suit and looks like he could easily crush me with one hand. “We have a problem. He doesn’t like the company ye’re keepin’.”
“He doesn’t have a say in shit,” I tell them, realizing I’m running my mouth, and they could kill me. “I mean, I’m doing what he wants. He wants the pub to run properly, and I’m doing that. I’ve had no issues, so I don’t see what the problem is. My friends are my business.”
Even as I say it, I realize I could end up dead behind the bar. If I did, I know Sully would find me, and he’d seek revenge. But then again, he’s already after the man in question.
“Stop hangin’ out with the Royal Bastards. The biker with the long hair will be taken care of if you can’t control yerself,” the one in charge tells me. There’s no room for debate in his voice, and I realize not only am I being watched, they’re watching Sully too.
His words cause mine to fail. I don’t know what to tell them. I can’t stand the thought of never seeing Sully again, but I don’t want to put him in any danger. I’m at a fucking crossroads, and I need to make a choice.
If I went to Sully and told him the truth, he could one of two things. He could hate me and tell me to leave. Or, he could tell me it doesn’t matter and not to put myself in danger. That would mean he would probably lock me up and never allow me to see the light of day again. Not until he’s dealt with these oafs.
“Stay away from the club,” the one in charge demands once more.
There’s an underlying threat he’s not voicing, and I don’t want to find out what he’d do to me if I refuse his request, so I nod.
“Fine.” The lie tastes like a poison on my tongue—a toxin that will slowly kill me. And I don’t know how to stop it eating away at my body.
There’s a stare down between us. One I don’t want, but I can’t avoid. He studies me with a shrewd gaze for a moment before nodding in finality, and the three men leave the pub.
If they’re watching me, I cannot be seen at the club, and I definitely can’t be with Sully. The thought causes my chest to tighten with panic. It’s only been a short time, but I can’t imagine my life without him. And now I’m going to have to say goodbye. I can’t allow him to get into a fight with my uncle. He’s dangerous, I know he is, and if I put Sully at any risk, I’ll never forgive myself.
Perhaps it’s easier if I leave. I can pack my bags and take my chances back at the Kovenant. They’re my people, and I know they’ll keep me safe. Also, when Rogan arrives here, he’ll learn I’m gone, and he’ll have no reason to stay in Belfast. It will be easier to do it that way.
