AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Summer, this is our life,” Ciarán says with a sigh. “We don’t have the luxury of putting everything on hold just because Caden fucked off like he always does.”
“Even if we wanted to,” Cathal adds, his expression softening for a moment. “But like Ciarán said, he can handle himself. He always has.”
“Then why does it feel like there’s something... off?” I mumble, more to myself than to them.
“Because you are a loving, kind, gentle, sweet woman and you care about him,” Ciarán says quietly, and I can see the truth in his eyes. “And that’s not a bad thing, Summer.”
“Maybe,” I concede.
But deep down, I know they’re right—their world is a dangerous one, full of secrets and shadows, and I’m only just beginning to understand the weight of it all. I care about Caden, but I still have so much to learn about this life I’ve chosen with Ciarán and Cathal. Until then, all I can do is hope that Caden will find his way back to us and not in a body bag.
Trying not to think about this terrible feeling I’ve got, I grip the edge of the table, my eyes fixed on Ciarán and Cathal as they continue their conversation, animatedly discussing some loan they’re collecting tonight. My heart races with each passing second. Something about Caden’s absence feels wrong, like a crucial piece of a puzzle has gone missing. And despite all logic, I feel as though he needs me.
Cathal’s phone beeps and he picks it up. “We’re on,” he says and replaces it on the table.
“On what?” I ask, not having a fucking clue what he’s on about.
“We’ve got a safe house lined up,” he replies, his words clipped with urgency. “It’s not a luxury penthouse, but it’s secure. We need to move—now.”
The swiftness in his voice snaps me out of my emotional turmoil. If they’re this serious about relocating, then it must be important. I nod. “Okay, what do I need to pack?”
“Good girl.” Ciarán gives me a small, reassuring smile. “Pack light, only necessities. We can get everything else we need later.”
I hurry to my room, tossing clothes, toiletries, and anything else I deem necessary into a small suitcase. My hands shake slightly as I zip it closed, thoughts of Caden still whirling in my head like a storm.
“You ready?” Cathal asks, coming up behind me and placing his hands on my hips.
“Yeah.” I straighten up and lean back against him. I love how much he has come out of his shell with me. He can’t stop touching me after his initial inability. It makes me smile and I push my ass back to his cock.
He chuckles and kisses the top of my head. “Let’s leave that for christening the new place, okay?”
“Boo to you.” Giving him a pout that makes him groan, I giggle, knowing he is sporting a massive hard-on now.
“Are we ready?” Ciarán asks as he and Cathal carry their packed bags, which causes me to frown.
“How are you already packed?”
“Go bags. It’s part of the life, Tinks.”
“Oh.” Blinking, I figure when we get where we’re going, maybe I should make a go bag. Just in case.
The tension between us has dissipated somewhat, replaced by a shared sense of purpose.
As we make our way out of the penthouse and into the bright morning, fear slices through me. The world we’re part of is dangerous and uncertain, but I know I wouldn’t have it any other way now. This is their life and now it’s mine.
Ciarán leads the way to his car in the underground parking lot and we pile in after a quick bomb check.
Shaking my head at how casual that sounds, I inhale and exhale quickly, accepting it and going with the flow.
Setting off, we travel in silence until we reach an unassuming brick building tucked away in a quiet corner of the city.
“Come on, this way,” Cathal says, as we get out and he leads up a few floors to a normal-looking apartment. He unlocks the door and ushers me inside. The apartment is barely furnished, but it doesn’t bother me as long as I’m with my two guys.
“Time to make this place secure,” Cathal announces, setting down his bag and pulling out an assortment of cameras and alarms. He and Ciarán move with efficiency, installing the devices around the room while I pace, my thoughts returning to Caden.
“Will he know where to find us?” I ask quietly, unable to keep the worry from my voice. “If he comes back, I mean.”
Cathal pauses in his work, glancing at me before exchanging a look with Ciarán. “He’ll find us,” he assures me.
