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Dating him has been easy. He plans some of the sweetest dates and I love our late-night banter. I like that he seems to make time for me.

His phone rings enough to tell me his business is a busy one. I’m thinking he might be in the hospitality business. With his charm, I can see that being a fit.

I giggle to myself each time my author brain says he’s just like me. Living a double life with a crew who follow his orders and keep his business running. Ruthless and as dangerous as I am.

My phone rings, pulling me out of my thoughts. I’ve been waiting on a call from Lyric. Apparently, Bujar has come back to New York and is out of hiding.

“Hello, what’s the word?”

“We’re all set. Casanova and Brando were all over it. They ate that bullshit right up,” Lyric responds.

“Good,” I purr.

It’s time we have a face-to-face so I can make good on my word. I had Lyric promise those two knuckleheads a spot in my organization as long as they get Bujar to the location in Brooklyn I set up for a meet. Since Bujar’s brother follows him like a little puppy. I have no doubt he will be there with him.

“Did you set up what I asked for?”

“Everything is in place. I’d hate to be them.”

“Don’t ever give me a reason to make it so.”

“Not planning on it.”

“See you tonight.”

“Later, boss,” Lyric says and ends the call.

I sigh and look at the time. I thought about using Ronan as an alibi, but he had to cancel. That’s for the best because I’m not pushing this off for another day and I would hate to drag him in the middle of my shit.

Right as I’m thinking of him, he sends me a text.

Ronan:I’ll be late tonight, but I still want to see you. I can come to you after my meeting.

I bite my lip and think this over. I’ll be out late handling business as well, but do I want to chance him and Mom crossing paths? I rub my temples in thought.

Maybe this will get her off my back. The woman has been talking about booking a trip to Vegas for the two of us as if she can find me a husband on the Strip. I’ve thought of inviting Ronan along a time or two, but I’m happy just to be able to spend time with Mom.

I’ll let her try to find me a husband while we’re there, as long as I get to watch her have fun and live her life. I shake my head. There is no way I’m placing those two in a room together.

Me:Sorry, babe. I can’t tonight. How about breakfast? I’ll be at your door first thing in the morning.

Ronan:If that means I get you to myself for the day ... Deal.

Me:See you in the morning.

* * *

Ronan

I’mpissed I had to cancel my date with Dean, but the moment Tadhg called to let me know Bujar is back on the grid, I knew I had to handle this situation now. No one threatens my woman and lives to make good on that threat.

Tadhg found out about some meeting Bujar plans to attend tonight. It’s in Brooklyn at some old chop shop. I plan to be there.

I guarantee he’s not leaving that place alive. Because I had to track him down, a conversation isn’t an option any longer. Since I’ll have to go the night without my woman in my arms, I’m going to make it painful.

I’ve been balls deep inside Dean nearly every night since the auction. Not having my fill tonight is going to aggravate me until I have her in my arms again. I find myself anxious when she’s away from me and I still haven’t figured out why. Or should I say I refuse to think about why?

Waking with her lush body pressed to mine has awakened something in me I never thought I’d feel again. I’m becoming more and more possessive of her with each passing day. I enjoy the softer side of her that I don’t believe she shares with anyone else.