Page 9

“Ya plan to send me nephews to New York? I don’t think they are ready for that,” I say to Raymond.

“Nothing has been set in stone,” Jonah grumbles as he narrows his eyes at Raymond.

“Aye, no decisions have been made, but I can tell ya they have been having a think, they have,” Jack says.

“Ach, they can think all they want, they can. Not one of them will step into things they don’t understand; they won’t,” Jonah says tightly.

I begin to think about all I have done to keep our interests in New York afloat. The O’Brien lads have gone a long way in helping me. However, the heavy shit has fallen on my shoulders.

It has always been clear that the McGowans are in control—if you’re Irish, you answer to me. My nephews might have a better temperament for our California business. They are tough, but New York will take a chunk out of the best. The young lads are my family.

I always protect my family. I have learned from my past mistakes. Bastards like Oland O’Brien made sure I got the hard lessons early on.

He made me into the hard man I am now. I’ve known loss and pain. So much so, I’ve never started a family of my own. My nephews are like my sons.

I’d do anything for any of them. Even stepping into what’s sure to be a war. Knowing what I know and understanding what this alliance means, I give my da a nod.

“Aye, I’ll handle it. Give the lads time to learn.”

CHAPTER3

Welcome, Lass

Ronan

I snortas my brothers sit in the SUV taking the piss out of me. I have no idea why it takes the four of us to pick up one lass. My nephew Felix has his bird here in Ireland.

A movie is being filmed from one of the lass’s books. Her friend is flying in to help her out. Felix has been worrying himself about everything as he gets his lass settled in.

I felt bad for the lad and offered to take care of picking the friend up. I didn’t know my three brothers would take it upon themselves to follow me.

“Ach, ya act like we can trust ya to bring the lass back without ya nuck the lass’s nex,” Raymond taunts.

“Her nex will be just fine around me. This is one of Felix’s little friends. She’s half my age. I’ve quit chasing the young ones. They’re too much work, they are,” I reply.

“Aye, ya say that now,” Jonah ribs.

“Yer all too oul to be acting a maggot,” I grumble.

“Ach, ya hear that? The Irish in him comes through. We cheesed him off good, we have,” Jack chuckles.

I roll my eyes then look down at my wristwatch. I let them continue to take the piss out of me as I climb from the driver’s seat and grab the sign I made for the lass.

Felix didn’t have a picture of this cailíní. I’m not sure who I’m looking for or what to expect. All I have is a name. Dean. An odd name for a lass.

She’s probably a little nerdy twig. Now that I’m here, I don’t know what made me offer to come pick this girl up. The airport does a number on me no matter where I am.

I spend enough time in them. I swear, just to keep away from these places, I’ve been considering moving to the States and staying put for once, even before Da and his Alliance request. Living close to Cass has had a ring to it in the last year.

Jack rolls down the back window and leans out of the SUV. I roll my eyes because I can hear his snickering and know he’s not done coddingme. It’s good to be back home, but these three can do a number with the teasing.

“I hope ya spelled her name right at least. Wouldn’t want Kaye’s friend to know yer an eejit.”

“Fuck off,” I growl and swing the sign in my hand at him.

“Would ya look at that? Now that’s a fine thing,” Raymond croons as he rolls down his window.

“Ach, what would yer wife say to that?” I say before looking to see who he’s talking about.