Page 123 of Dirty Eoin

“Spit it out, Rod.”

I just say it how it is. We’ve known each other a long time, so there’s no need for either of us to be coy with one another.

He leans back in his chair as he surveys me. “Speaking of good moves, rumor has it that Eoin and Molly have parted company.” He smirks, raising an eyebrow. “Rumor also has it that you are now Mrs. Eoin O’Connell and that you and he already share a son.”

I take a sip from the hundred-dollar glass of sparkling water as he surveys me over the top of his own glass.

“You know I never feed the rumor mills, Rod. I’m surprised you’re paying them any mind given how often you’ve been the subject of gossip and speculation, typically with a pretty female in tow.”

“True.” He chuckles.

“Brunette, I might add.” I smile.

“But of course.” He laughs out loud at my reminding him of the fact that he turned down the opportunity to enter into an arranged marriage with Jessie as he doesn’t like blonde hair.

How to answer. Truthfully and from where things stand is probably best.

“The rumors are true, Rod, but as you know, I never let my personal life impact on my professional one, so you have my assurance that it will not in any way affect our business relationship.”

“Congratulations, Jaine. Tell me, have you been practicing that response?”

He laughs out loud again, and this time, I join him.

The Hudson Dusters’ HQ, Manhattan, New York

My stiletto heels click on the marble flooring as I make my way past the reception quartet. The color of the day?

Fuchsia.

They keep their wary eyes trained on me as I walk past. No words are spoken, and they don’t try to stop me either.

Number one slowly picks up her phone. She’s trying to be discrete, but it’s difficult to do wearing inch-long fake pink nails.

Is she letting her boss know that I’m on my way up?

I press the call button for the elevator.

Nothing’s visually changed in the building, but the atmosphere feels different somehow. But then I’ve been gone for some time. A lot could have changed in my absence.

I’m currently playing catch up in all areas of my life. I haven’t only stayed out of Eoin’s way, but my taking some unplanned time out has meant I haven’t really spoken with Dyl or Jessie either.

I’ve seen Sarah most as she comes to pick up the kids, but all she ever talks about is babies these days, more so now she’s finally pregnant with number two. She’s not remotely interested in the inner workings of the Duster organization. Not that she ever was. She seldom attends their meetings, hence never has any insider gossip to share.

Rightly or wrongly, I’ve taken my finger off the Duster pulse. Regardless, it was a necessity. Dealing with grief and mental health issues should always take priority.

When I reach Eoin’s office, I’m surprised to find that Candice the rottweiler isn’t sitting outside. Her desk phone’s ringing out. No doubt it’s receptionist number one trying to pre-warn her that Jaine Jones has turned up unannounced.

Where is she? Is Eoin fucking her over the desk? Has he simply slipped back into his old ways?

Figures.

Preparing myself to catch them in the act, I open the door without knocking. The sight I’m met with is worse than I anticipated.

Much worse.

My heart sinks in my chest at the visual.

Eoin’s standing at the window. He’s up close and personal with a woman, but it’s not Candice.

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