Page 128 of Broken Blood Ties

“Listen, Summer … I-I need to handle some business that may or may not backfire. I’ve asked Allie to take ye and Aoife to me cottage in north Maine. Just for a wee bit while I get this shite sorted out.”

The breath leaves me, and I shake my head. “What’s going on? What could backfire?”

He sighs. “Riku has taken upon himself to show up at me office demanding who I put in fights, how I handle the fights. He’s not making any show of force, yet, but I don’t like this feelin’, Summer.” He looks at me, his expression defeated, shameful, before he continues. “Sometimes, it’s the smaller jabs that win the fight and I don’t want to lose. I need to take a stand. Like ye so wisely said a several weeks ago.”

Kieran traces my hairline from my forehead down to where he tucks my hair behind my ears. Emotion, usually so carefully concealed, shows on his face. He’s worried. And I hate that he’s feeling like the Mob is in jeopardy.

“I know we’ve just begun, but ye’re my world, Summer. I knew it from that first voicemail ye left on me phone, which is still on me phone, by the way. I listen to it whenever I need a good kick in the arse.”

A laugh spills out of me as I fight back the panic sprouting in my chest. “I can stay, Kieran. Let me help.”

He shakes his head, leaning down to kiss my nose. “I could never forgive meself if somethin’ happened to ya. The cottage is secure, and I’ll send two guards with ye.”

I back away, pulling out of his warm embrace.No, no.“I’m not leaving.”

His brow furrows, and my attention draws to the sharp tic feathering his jawline.

“I can’t protect ye. Riku has more men than we do; enough to exterminate us.”

I scoff. “Then I’m definitely not leaving.”

He grabs hold of my shoulders, gently shaking me. “Don’t ye hear me? I can’t protect ya! I need to protect ya … Please, let me send ye with Aoife.”

“I’m not running.” I push his hands down from my shoulders and step into him, challenging him. “You’re not alone, Kieran.”

Frustration explodes in his expression, but there’s a tremor in his next words. “This is dangerous, Summer. Oh, don’t look at me like that. It’s not about ye being a burden or causing problems, this is merely about keeping ye safe.”

I shake my head. “I’m in this with you, remember?” I raise my left hand, showing him the ring he placed there. “I’m in it all the way, Kieran.”

He steps forward, teeth clenched. “Damnit! Ye’re the most stubborn wee thing I’ve ever met.”

I smirk. “You love me for it.”

And just like that, the rage on his face softens like I’ve given him a good slap. “Ye’re going to be the death of me.”

“But at least you won’t die alone.”

* * *

Aoife cries down the steps while dragging her kid-sized mermaid backpack behind her an hour and a half later. The wine Kieran poured me a few minutes ago in the kitchen sours in my stomach as I listen to her.

“But Summer is supposed to go!” She sobs.

Allie stands in the front door while the two guards driving them to Maine load the trunk of the car. Dusk bleeds into the hazy sky. Shades of lavender streaked with deep gold settle over the horizon, behind the homes across the street. The faint rustle of leaves ceases to stir as though the balmy breeze holds its breath in anticipation of the night to come.

Kieran kneels before her, lifting a hand to her wet cheek. “Summer and I will come as soon as we finish a few things here first, okay?”

She sniffs and then tosses her arms around his neck, burying her scrunched face in his shoulder. When she pulls away, Kieran stands to speak with Allie, and I take Aoife’s hand to lead her out to the car.

“Why can’t you come, Summer?” Aoife looks up at me, squeezing my hand ever so slightly in emphasis with her quivering chin.

“I’m going to help your dad, okay. Then we’ll come out to the cottage, and you can show me all around. Does that sound like fun?” My stomach turns with guilt. I hate having upset her.

Aoife offers me a solemn “Okay,” before we make it to the car. I load her up in her seat making sure her bag of travel goodies is close to her, and tuck Mr. Cuddles under her arm while running my hand through her soft hair.

“Have fun with Allie, sweet girl. We’ll see you soon. I love you.” I bop her on the nose as Allie slides into the backseat with her. Allie smiles at me with a single nod, and I back away allowing space for Kieran to poke his head in one last time.

Those two words, little love, slice through my composure as he tells her he’ll see her soon, and I wipe at the sluggish tear crawling down my cheek. How must it feel to know your own flesh and blood is safer away from you at the moment? I can’t help but think it’s an entirely different level of parenting—to know when you’re not the best option but provide the best for them even if it kills you.

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