Page 46 of Dylan
“That’s me big lad.”
“I thought I heard ye voice,” Mom says, causing me to turn for the study’s door.
She’s standing there with her hands on her hips, looking like a female version of my Uncle Joe. She’s five nine and has the same golden eyes as my uncles and their father. Her dark hair spills down her back to her butt and has a natural wave to it.
Athena Kara Black-O’Brien is one gorgeous woman. I can see why my da fell for her. We used to tease Uncle Joe and tell him he was supposed to be a girl with his pretty face that looked just like Ma’s. To be honest, we all take after Ma and her good looks.
I move to tug her into a hug. She wraps her arms around me and holds me tight. I can’t help thinking about how Ciara is so much shorter and smaller than me.
“Ye stink of sweat, but yer still handsome as ever. Come let me feed ya.”
“I can’t. Not today. I need to talk to Da for a bit, then I have to head out.”
“He has a date,” Da chuckles from behind me.
My cheeks heat. I never said it was a date, but I guess he’s right. I do plan to spend some time with Ciara. I’m a bit nervous.
There’s still something Ciara should know about me. I’ve been warring with how or if I should tell her at all. Maybe I shouldn’t.
“Well, if that means ye plan to make me grands I can actually spoil, have at it.”
My heart pangs. Ma hasn’t been happy about not getting to spend time with Shauna. She understands why, but she’s still not happy.
Once Logan is out, we’ll all be able to move more freely. Ireland will come with less caution. Brooklyn may be the Irishlord, but he has to watch his back for now. Thank God for the McGowans.
They have really stepped up in the wake of Cole’s transition to fill my grandda’s position. Once this alliance fully forms, a lot will change. I may not be in the know of all the details, but I know enough to know things will be a lot different.
“Hold on, Ma. I did want to ask you for something,” I say as I remember why I wanted to see her while I’m here.
“What is it, love?”
“Do you remember those photo albums?” I ask as I look into her eyes.
Recognition fills her eyes, and they soften. “Ye mean the ones we made when we moved here.”
“Aye, do you think I can get those?”
She reaches to cup my face. “Aye, I’ll go get them while ye chat with yer da. Is everything all right, love?”
“Yeah, everything is great. I’m just looking for something for someone. I think I’ll find it in those.”
She pats my cheek. “Yer a good lad, ye are. Go on, I’ll get them out for ye. Ye will have them before ye go.”
“Thanks, Ma. I love you,” I say and dip my head to kiss her cheek.
“Love ye more.”
CHAPTER 19
My Place
Ciara
I’ve been feelingawkward about coming here since my run-in with Cadlha at the gym. I’m not here to get into some drama over a guy I barely know. I would have rather gone home and figured out my next move.
I don’t think Roaring Irish gym is for me. I’m going to find another way to get into the tournament. Last night was a one-off.
I can’t risk getting hurt or ending up in the middle of a raid if those underground fights get busted. I have Ciarán to think about. While I can make fast money in those fights, they’re not the answer or my endgame.
