Page 75 of The Apprentice

“Aodhan,” Daire snapped. “Sloan knows you’re here.”

Aodhan shrugged. “How is that my problem?”

“He wants you to come see him tomorrow.”

Aodhan barked out a laugh.

Daire crossed his arms and glowered at his brother.

“And you think I’m going to listen to him? Funny.” He shook his head. “Sloan’s not my boss, and I’m not doing jack shit. Why should I?”

I swallowed and opened my mouth, ready to argue, but Daire beat me to it.

“Because I asked you to.” Daire didn’t need to raise his voice to get his point across. He was always firm yet calm—a quiet strength. He clenched his jaw. “Because I’m your brother, and I’ve doneeverythingI can to protect you. I have put my life onthe line for you more times than I can count. I’m asking you to doonething for me, Aodhan. One thing.”

Aodhan stared at him with a frown for a long moment before something shifted in his eyes. The teasing was gone and a steeliness overtook his expression. He nodded. “What time?”

Daire straightened, clearly surprised, before clearing his throat. “We’ll go together. We’ll leave here at eight.”

Aodhan stood. “Will do. Eight sharp.” He pointed between us. “Going on a date?”

“We are, actually,” I said, raising my chin to dare him to say anything rude.

He laughed. “About fucking time. Have fun, kids.” He winked as he sashayed his way past us and up the steps.

I watched him go until he’d disappeared, then sighed. “At least he agreed to see Sloan, right?”

Daire’s eyebrows furrowed and he pursed his lips. “Yeah, he did, but that’s not like him to agree so fast. I thought I’d have to knock his ass out and drag him there.”

“You think he’s up to no good?” I asked, unease slithering through me.

“I don’t know.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Maybe he decided to do something for me for once. God knows, I’ve risked a lot for him in the past.”

“So, it was about time he gave back to you.” I shifted closer to him and curled my arms around his neck.

He smiled and leaned in for a soft, sweet kiss. “Come on, boy, let me take you out for the night.”

He guided me out of the penthouse and to the elevator. I couldn’t keep my hands off him but had to when an older couple walked in. They gave me a pointed stare after they caught me with my lips on Daire’s.

I nearly raced out of the doors when we reached the garage, and Daire laughed, letting me drag him out and toward his SUV.

“Oooh, Daddy. This car’s as manly as you are,” I teased, earning a laugh from Daire.

He paused beside me and stroked a line down my back thoughtfully. “It’s time you get your license, Fifi.”

“Me?” I scrunched my nose. “I have people to drive me around.”

He tapped me on the nose, and my mouth dropped open. “You can’t rely on others all the time, Fionn. You should’ve gone for your license when you were eighteen, at least, so this is me putting my foot down. You’re going to get it.”

I hesitated. “I... don’t know how to, Daddy Daire.” Heat spread across my cheeks and I groaned. “I never asked Uncle to teach me. He’s always so busy.”

“Then, I will.” He caressed my cheek. “Because there may come a time when you need to know, boy, and I won’t have that be the reason something happens to you.” He kissed my forehead. “You’ll be a good boy and do what I say. Now in you go.”

Warmth spread over my cheeks and I did as he’d instructed, eager to please him by following orders. We both got into his spotless SUV.

“So, where are we going?” I asked.

Daire leaned over and grabbed my hand, linking our fingers together. I enjoyed the feel of his strong, rough hold. “You’ll see.” He sent me a wink.