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I’ve had so much to think about during the ride home. So much can happen in the blink of an eye—it’s the story of my life. I still haven’t answered any calls, but how can I?

I’m trying desperately to hold on to Doctor Colton’s optimism. She’s a medical professional and from the research I’ve done on her, she’s one of the best in her field. If she weren’t, I would have found someone else who is.

“You have to give her time to do her job, Danika,” I murmur to myself as I drag my body to my bedroom to strip off my clothes and pass out.

Once naked and standing in my bedroom, I can’t force myself to climb into my bed without a shower. The sheets look so clean and pristine. I drag my butt into the bathroom and turn on the shower.

The hot spray and steam are just what the doctor ordered. Even my brain seems to unfog as I stand under the steaming water. I begin to pull it together and make plans to get things in order.

Once I have a clear plan in mind, I step out of the shower and head for my bedroom to rub some lotion on my skin and put on a pair of pajamas to sleep in. I set an alarm and place my phone on do not disturb, only accepting calls from the hospital’s numbers.

I think I fall out before I place the phone down and my head hits the pillow.

* * *

Ronan

“I broughtyer little traitor friends to see ya,” Oisín says as I come out of my bedroom to find something to eat.

I decided on my penthouse condo in uptown Manhattan to settle down in. The views here are spectacular, and it takes me away from my business in the other boroughs. I’ve owned the place for years, but I haven’t spent much time here.

I squat and hold out my hands for Bullet and Blitz.Thetwo cani corsi—or as Americans call the breed cane corso—are my dogs, but Oisín cares for them and their sister while I’m away.

“Ach, ya only call them traitors because they know who their father is. Isn’t that right, boys? Where’s KD?” I coo to her brothers.

Theybark excitedly and go from licking my palms to pouncing on me.They weigh over a hundred pounds each and are just shy of six feet tall on their hind legs, knocking me right on my ass as they tackle me together. I chuckle and give them the snuggles and rubs they’re looking for.

The big babies aren’t always so affectionate, so I soak it in when they want to be playful. I can feel that they have missed me. My dogs are one of the things I’ll be happy to stay put for.

“She wasn’t in the mood to see ya,” Oisín mutters.

“Aye, sounds about right. I seem to be having that effect on the lasses these days.”

“Sandy not answering yer calls?”

“Haven’t tried her. Not interested.”

“Saw that coming. Ya want her out of the apartment?”

“Put it in her name. Let it be a parting gift,” I reply with a frown.

I had grown tired of the situation a while ago, but I’m never here, so I’ve allowed her to linger. I like the apartment she’s been staying in, but it’s not worth the hassle to put her out. What I know for sure is that we’re done.

I may not know what Dean is thinking, but I do know we’re not finished. I have a lot more time for Dean. I’m not ready to jump to conclusions and I don’t want any misunderstanding between an occasional fuck buddy and the woman I want.

Sandy has to go now. There’s no telling how my woman will react to finding out about her. I’m not in for that kind of drama.

“Arrange a gift and some flowers for me. Ya know what the card should say. It’s goodbye indefinitely.”

Oisín pulls a face and releases a low whistle. “Ach, I think I would have preferred ya ask me to make KD come see ya. Ya do know she’s been showing up at the lair on the chance ya’ve been lying to her.”

I snort. The lairs are my underground fighting rings. They facilitate a lot of my other businesses. Many deals are brokered underground.

Sandy knows I spend most of my time at the Fighting Irish when I am in town. That shit has to stop, she’s putting her dumb ass right in the middle of the flames.

“Ban her from all properties other than the apartment. If she acts out, take the apartment back and remind her of herself,” I say with finality.

“Got it. Speaking of the lairs. Your nephew has been coming by again.”