Page 105

Ronan

I loveDanika’s new hair. I wasn’t expecting her to cut off her locs, but this new look suits her. She’s even covered her lashes with dark mascara, so now they’re more pronounced. With the shorter cut, her neck is on full display.

If I had any complaints, it would be the color. The low fade and close curls on top are cute, but I already miss her red locs. However, I understand the reason for the change.

She’s still beautiful and sexy as fuck. I almost forgot how angry I was with her when I saw her in my dress shirt. However, I was still pissed from the message I received when I finally landed.

Tadhg informed me that Danny had left the house and gone to the hospital. I lost it until I called him back and he let me know it was one of her men she was there for. Now listening to her tell me what happened to this Lyric, I’m wondering if she sees this could be a problem or if I’m just being overprotective when it comes to her.

“Do ya want my guys to look into the street cams? If this was a targeted hit, they would be able to get ya more information,” I offer as we sit on the couch talking.

Her silky legs are in my lap and I’ve had my palm on her thigh. I need to feel her. I need to know she’s safe. I was drowning in my past while trying to get back here to her.

“I have someone on it. LaSalle insists on looking into it as well. This fucks up our plans. Lyric needs to sit in at the roundtable for me,” she says.

“Why is that?”

“The letter. Uncle Freddie made it clear that I’m not to reveal myself at this meeting. It should be my right hand.”

“Do ya mind if I read this letter? Do ya still have it?”

She pulls her legs from my lap and stands. I can see through the dress shirt, her nipples are pressed against the fabric. I take her hand as she holds it out.

“Come with me. It’s in my bedroom.”

We walk into her bedroom, and she goes over to a chest of drawers. Reaching into a drawer, she pulls out what looks to be a pair of sweats and a T-shirt, then hands them to me. I give her an amused questioning look.

A mischievous smile comes to her lips. “I might have taken a few of your shirts and a pair or two of your sweats. I don’t sleep well without you anymore. You’re staying, right?”

“Aye, if this is where you want to be.”

“Cool, while you’re changing, I’ll get the letter.”

Her stomach growls as she turns to walk away. I reach for her wrist and stop her. She looks back over her shoulder at me. Once again, I’m hit with how gorgeous this new look is on her.

“When was the last time ya ate something?”

“I had a bagel this morning while at the hospital.”

“Ach, love. What do ya have here? I’ll cook ya something to eat.”

She shrugs. “I haven’t a clue. I’m always at your place. I’ve been eating takeout when I’m home.”

I grunt and release her. I know the area well. I’ll order something for tonight.

If we decide we’ll be staying here, then I’ll make sure the cupboards are stocked. Oisín still has the dogs, so we don’t have to rush on account of them. We have plenty of time to decide where we will call home.

Once our food is ordered, I change into the things she handed me. I had wondered what happened to this T-shirt. It’s one of my favorites.

Still in my dress shirt, Danika climbs onto the bed and pats the space beside her. I go to sit next to her, and she hands me a few worn pieces of paper. I unfold the pages and begin to read.

My beloved Sunshine,

I’m so sorry I have left you. I know it hurts now, but you will find your way again. You always do.

With all I’m about to tell you, you’ll probably wonder why I didn’t stop this from happening if I knew it was coming. I knew, but it all has to happen this way. We all have to play our parts for the greater good.

What’s coming is meant for good. Things will be better for so many. I truly believe this.