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Dad never spoke much about his brother. There were times I would ask about his life in Ireland, but he told me he didn’t want to look back at the past. And I respected that. I only knew of Patrick because I found his details in Dad’s papers after he died. And when I reached out to Uncle Patrick, he told me he’d look after me.
“Okay, I’ll do it,” I finally say.
“Here’s a folder. It will give you all the details you need. Read through it on the flight,” she says as she hands me the documents. “If you need anything, my number is in there. And here’s a burner phone. Don’t let anyone get ahold of this. We’ll be able to track you with it, and make sure you’re safe at all times.”
I don’t know why I’m agreeing to this. It may not be the best idea, but it’s something I can do to refocus myself. I ran from Rogan, and if they can keep me safe from him, then perhaps it’s all for the best.
“Thanks.”
That wasn’t the last time I heard from her. And I’ve emailed her everything I could find so far. But now the club has Patrick, and I’m not sure what they plan to do with him. The agency wanted the head of the mob, but like Sully said, Ronan McCallum plans to take over, so maybe they’ll want him instead.
Now I’m going to have to go back to the States and face the club. I’ll have to say goodbye to Sully. And as the realization hits me, I can’t stop the tears from falling again.
THIRTEEN
SULLY
When I open my eyes, I sigh when I realise where I am. The hospital waitin’ room is quiet, with only myself spread across the small leather sofa. I didn’t want ta see her again, so I chose to wait here until she was discharged.
The doctor mentioned he’d given her the go ahead to leave today, rather than last night. But he did tell me ta watch over her as she’ll still be weak from the blood loss. If I could keep her here, I would. But I’ll never force a woman ta do anythin’ she doesn’t want ta.
I’m not angry anymore. When Clover first admitted the truth ta me, I was livid, but as I stand here in the hospital, I realise she’s always been mine. And even though she didn’t tell me the whole truth, she’s still mine.
Her decision to leave is a shock ta me. I don’t want her ta go. But I also know there are things I need ta sort out here. With Bragan in our possession, I’m goin’ta have ta be there fer the brothers and the club.
I love her, and I want nothin’ more than ta have her live with me, wakin’ up with her every mornin’. But perhaps havin’ some space between us may help. It will give us a fresh perspective.
Her flat is quiet when we walk in. I can feel the tension emanatin’ off her as she goes ta the bedroom ta pack her bags. I don’t offer ta help, but I watch her from the open-plan lounge.
She stops fer a moment and looks over at me.
“I didn’t mean for this to happen, Sully.”
I can tell she’s sorry. She regrets hidin’ things from me.
“We all make our own choices,” I tell her.
I don’t offer her any words of forgiveness, even though I’m worried about her and don’t want to let her go. And it makes me wonder if Monster felt like this about Miren when he found out her truth.
Clover nods and continues packin’ as I settle at the kitchen counter. When she finally comes into the room and sets the bag down, we stand in silence. I want ta pull her into my arms. I never expected to feel this pain, but she’s become a part of my life. There’s no way ta get her out of my heart, because she’s burrowed herself right the feck in there.
“I don’t want ye ta do this,” I tell her finally. I need her ta know I’m not happy she’s leavin’. “Goin’ back there,” I continue when she doesn’t respond. “You belong here, Clover.”
Slowly, she lifts her gaze to mine and nods. She knows she belongs ta me. There’s no denyin’ it.
“This is something I have to do,” she says, her voice crackin’ on the words as she blinks back the tears. “Please, just let me go. I want to focus on fixing things back home. And if, after a bit, you’re still in the mindset you want me, you can come and find me.”
This is the first time she’s said that, and it settles my anxiety, somewhat. I still don’t feel as if she should go. But, I will respect her wishes. I know I can’t force her to stay. I’ll give her the space she‘s askin’ fer. It won’t be fer very long, though.
