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“Are you okay with this, Summer?” Cathal asks, his voice laced with concern. The vulnerability in his question tugs at my heartstrings, reminding me that despite our differences, we both care deeply for her.
She hesitates for a moment, weighing the options and potential consequences. “It’s unconventional,” she admits softly. “But if we’re all willing to make it work, to be honest with each other and prioritize each other’s feelings, we can do this, but slowly.”
“Then let’s give it a try,” I say, determination coursing through my veins, needing this to be sorted one way or the other now. It’s been one of the hardest conversations I’ve ever had, and on the surface, it probably appears as if I’m not overly concerned. When in reality, my stomach is a knot, and my palms are sweating. “We’ll take it one day at a time, learning from each other and adjusting as necessary. Together, we can create something extraordinary - a love that defies convention, yet is built on trust, respect, and love. Can you do that, Thal?”
He blinks, processing everything I’ve said. His expression shifts from uncertainty to resolve. He nods slowly, looking back at Summer with newfound determination in his eyes. And as I watch their connection strengthen, I know that we’ve taken the first step towards forging a unique bond between us, one that will redefine the way we understand love, seeing as we are all fighting blind when it comes to this. Who better than to find our way with each other?
“If at any point one of us feels like this isn’t working or that it’s causing more harm than good, we need to be willing to reevaluate and make changes. You need to be all in Thal, or not at all. I’m offering you this because I know you, and I know this isn’t casual for you, it’s deadly serious. But if you are going to flake on her or hurt her, you can fuck off right now and never look back. I won’t stand for it.”
“I understand,” he murmurs. “I’m in.”
Nodding, grateful that this hellish conversation is over, I go to Summer and embrace her. “Is this what you desired, my love?”
She nods, clinging to me as she sobs softly. “You are a good man, see. I knew it.”
Snorting with mirth, I let her go. “Let’s not get carried away.”
She grins through her tears, and it makes the flyaway thought that I’ve been trying to push back since Thal asked his question even harder to ignore.
So it’s time to go all in, and the thought that I’m defying Dad’s orders kind of makes it worthwhile.
38
CATHAL
Still reeling from the truce we’ve just formed, I throw back the last drops of the whiskey. I don’t know if Summerbell expects me to go to her, but I don’t think I can. Not yet. She said we can take it slowly, which is good. I don’t know how to be around her other than myself, and I’m afraid myself will scare her.
Thinking back to the warehouse, she wasn’t scared then, but maybe she was trying to survive. This is different. Does she really want this, or has Ciarán put her on the spot?
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” I blurt out, my voice cracking slightly. The thought of seeing her with someone else makes my stomach churn, but I push the gut-wrenching emotion aside for now. I’m the outsider. I don’t have the right to feel that way.
Summerbell comes to me, sitting beside me but not touching me. “This is what I want. You and Ciarán are my soulmates. I know it.”
A moment of silence hangs between us, a fragile peace that I never thought possible. Ciarán’s eyes are steady on mine as I look up, his expression serious as he clears his throat.
“Since we’re going to be sharing Summer, why not take it a step further?” he asks, drumming his fingers on his thigh. “I’m offering you the chance to co-lead the gang with me. Even better, we’ll unite our forces and become stronger together.”
I blink in surprise, feeling the weight of his words sink in. This is a massive shift from our previous rivalry, and yet something inside me resonates with the idea. Glancing at Summer’s serene face, I know I would do anything to keep her safe.
“Tell me more about this arrangement,” I say cautiously, leaning forward.
“Equal partnership,” Ciarán begins, his voice firm. “We make decisions together, share the profits, and divide the responsibilities. If one of us falls, the other takes over until they’re back on their feet.”
I nod slowly, processing the information.
“She might have a problem with it.”
Ciarán raises an eyebrow. “Black Widow?”
Nodding, I sigh. “You know the twins are in deep with her, right?”
He grimaces. “Cillian ran over Scott’s patch and gave it to her a few months back. He and Declan are involved pretty heavily with her. But they’re our cousins, so family. Your patch and mine aren’t as big as hers put together. She has no reason to take offense.”
“You hope.”
“I’ll run it past Declan, see if he wants to give her a heads up, but frankly, this is between you and me, and if Ruby Bellingham has an issue with it, she can come and tell me that herself.”
“Fair enough.” I look him straight in the eye. “Okay, I accept your offer, but know my guys hate you.”
