Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 126485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 632(@200wpm)___ 506(@250wpm)___ 422(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 632(@200wpm)___ 506(@250wpm)___ 422(@300wpm)
“Because of Lorcan?” Maeve asked, tilting her head and regarding me with a knowing smile.
“Things between us are still complicated. We have a lot to work through. What I did, what he did to make me marry him and that he kept Imogen’s appearance from me…” I shrugged. I glanced over at Imogen. “He’s stuck with me for as long as it takes for Imogen to wake.”
“I doubt he’ll let you go again.” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “From what Seamus told me, Lorcan missed you. I mean, he was angry, very angry, but marriage is very important to him because of what his parents taught him. That’s why he made sure you’re safe.”
“They had a good marriage?”
“They had been with each other almost all their lives and loved each other very much, yes. Maybe ask Lorcan about it. When he talks about his parents, you realize there’s more to him than being the leader of Five-Leaf Clover.”
“But he’s also a criminal.” A murderer, someone who tortured people with a chain for fun. While my time dangling from a chain had been mostly pleasant, I knew most people got a very different experience and didn’t live to tell.
“Yes, also that. Seamus is …” She brought her lips close to my ear. “Lorcan’s best contract killer, but he’s also the man I love. I accept that side of him because I love the other parts, and I pray for his soul every day.” Maeve reached into her purse. “Before I forget, Mrs. Byrne wanted me to give you this when I crossed her path this morning.” She handed me a box of chocolate truffles. “`For nerves of steel and because chocolate makes everything better,’ she said. And Talulla sends her well-wishes to your sister.”
I had to admit that I was touched by their consideration. Despite the short time I’d lived in New York, I’d been able to form friendships I really appreciated. In Dublin life had been so centered around Patrick, work, and household chores that I hadn’t allowed myself to maintain connections from school or build new ones. Maeve gave a resolute nod. “I’ll stop bothering you now.”
I took her hand. “If you don’t mind, stay with me for a little longer.”
Her smile brightened and she made herself comfortable. Maeve filled me in on the latest gossip floating around, even though I didn’t know half the people she mentioned.
Still, I was glad for her company. It kept my mind busy.
Lorcan came over to the hospital later that day. It wasn’t even five o’clock yet, and he usually worked much later so I was surprised. He closed the door, walked over to me and cupped my neck with his palm. I released a contended sigh. The small gesture felt like permission to let go of my fear and worries, of the weight of responsibility, as if he would carry it now.
“Any updates?” he asked though I knew he didn’t expect any.
I shook my head.
“Come on, then. Let’s go home.”
I squeezed Imogen’s hand. “I’ll be back tomorrow.” Then, I got up and took Lorcan’s outstretched hand. He led me out with confident strides, and I followed. The Five-Leaf Clover tattoo peeked out from under his shirt sleeve. I remembered Maeve’s words. Could I accept that part of Lorcan? Hadn’t I already? I shared a bed with him, and even allowed Finn to live under the same roof. Lorcan wasn’t a good man but he was loyal and held certain values many normal people had forgotten, like faithfulness. He’d been kind to Finn, even after I’d betrayed him.
“You’re quiet. That’s never a good thing,” Lorcan commented when we’d been driving in silence for a while.
“A lot going on in my mind. I’m wondering if there’s anything I need to buy before Finn arrives in two days.”
“Groceries so you can cook him a delicious stew or pie.”
I rolled my eyes. “And that’s completely altruistic of you.”
“I love every taste you create.”
He’d worded it in a way that held innuendo. I flushed with heat, and a pleased smile tugged at my lips.
After dinner—I’d made cottage pie, because cooking always relaxed me—Lorcan and I settled on the sofa. He turned on an Irish folk singer whose soft voice had an almost hypnotic effect on me. Lorcan wrapped an arm around me.
Despite my increasing drowsiness, I finally had the courage to ask, “Why did you take me back?” He’d insisted I lived here with him again and pretty much resumed our marriage as if nothing had happened.
Lorcan met my gaze. His dark green eyes still got me. There was an intensity in them that always made me shiver a little. “When I spoke the vows in church, I meant them. Some people say them as if they’re reciting lyrics they heard for the first time. Without really understanding the meaning.”