Page 76 of Redeem Me

‘For fucks sake,’ Killian’s baritone voice cuts through the air like a knife.

‘Is there a problem between you and Avery that I’m unaware of?’ James hunches over the table towards Killian, ‘Because she’s my future-wife’s best friend and I refuse to letanything spoil our big day. God knows we’ve waited long enough for it.’

‘The only problem between me and Avery is that she’s reckless, loud and incapable of staying out of trouble. Have you seen the British tabloids? My own personal favourite headline was “Wardrobe Whoops–Avery gives Paris Fashion Week an “Eye-full.”

‘Oh, I get it!’ Rian snaps his fingers. ‘Eye-full, instead of Eiffel.’

‘How are we even related?’ Killian mutters grimly. ‘The point is, do you really want all her drama at your wedding? Avery is a PR nightmare.’

‘She’s Scarlett’s best friend and that’s the end of it,’ James’s tone is final.

Killian’s mouth opens, then closes again. He’s already said more tonight than he’s said all month.

Something about Avery really grinds his balls.

Interesting.

‘This used to be such a great venue to meet,’ Rian changes the subject, glancing around wistfully.

Killian scoffs. ‘Speaking of family meetings, we need to arrange one. I have news.’

My head whips up. ‘News?’ It occurs to me that I forgot to call him this week for an update on the O’Connor situation. It’s the first week since Isabella died that I haven’t hounded him for a report.

‘Potentially.’ He looks pointedly at Dermot. He might be my best friend, but he isn’t family.

‘Danny Bourke’s latest neurological assessment showed increased brain activity,’ Killian says solemnly. ‘The doctors think he’s showing signs of waking.’

A shot of adrenaline bursts through my body. I’ve waited years to find out what happened the night Isabella died. I flex my fingers to hide the tremor. ‘But he’s still in a coma?’

‘They reckon they’ve seen him flexing his fingers, like he’s trying to reach out. One of the nurses treating him swears he can hear her.’

‘What about the money trail? Any news?’ I blurt out.

‘I’m working on it.’ Killian looks pointedly at Dermot again. Dermot’s gaze is fixed on the brunette, but I don’t doubt his ears are firmly tuned in. My friend didn’t make it as a self-made millionaire because he was caught napping. Still, I trust him to keep his mouth shut if anything unfortunate should happen to the O’Connors.

I take a huge mouthful of whiskey, revelling in the burn as it coats my throat.

This is it.

I’m so close to getting what I want – enough proof to legitimately execute my revenge. To bleed the souls of those who’ve bled mine. I’m about to find out exactly how sweet revenge truly tastes.

Chapter Thirty-Three

IVY

The summer is drawing to a close and with only a couple of weeks until the kids go back to school, it’s time to go shopping for their last few bits. Orla is about to start her second year at Dublin’s most prestigious girls’ school, St. Jude’s. Owen is about to start at St. Michael’s. Uniforms were ordered a long time ago, but the kids need books and stationery. Fortunately, Caelon’s given me his credit card and I intend to use it.

‘Will you pick them up some new shoes, too?’ Caelon hands me a coffee just the way I like, then leans against the kitchen counter, pulling me against him, hip to hip. He’s topless, sweaty and sexy as fuck after his two morning workouts - first in the home gym and the other in the bedroom with me. These days, I no longer lurk in the doorway of his gym to leer. I do it openly, perching on a bench as he presses weights.

‘Of course.’ I eye him over the rim of my cup, resting my free hand on his pecs. He’s leaving for Portugal later and my stomach aches at the thought of him being away. We haven’t slept separately since he returned from Monaco. I’vebecome accustomed to having his hot body in the bed beside me.

‘Get yourself something, too.’ He points to the credit card on the window ledge.

‘I don’t need anything,’ I say, tracing my finger over his slick skin.

‘You must want something. Buy some jewellery. Or shoes. Dresses. Whatever you want. ’ He tucks a wispy strand of hair behind my ear.

‘I already have everything I want.’ I dig my teeth into my lower lip. It’s almost true. I live with love and laughter, but I’m not sure I’ll ever get the full package; the husband, the kids.

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