Alistair Chapter 9

I wasn’t able to wipe the smile off my face even if someone had threatened me if I didn’t. Last night was hands down the absolute best night of my damn life. From the scare of her leaving to this was night and day. I wanted to kick my own ass for waiting all these years to tell her how I felt. We wasted those. She could’ve been my wife, and we’d have a house full of kids by now. I would always regret that I hadn’t said something sooner. She admitted this morning, she felt the same way.

I was grinning for another reason. My tough, confident, take-no-prisoners woman was embarrassed, and I loved seeing this side of her. I was practically dragging her into the main house. She kept trying to get away and run. Finally, I laughed out loud, and when she glared at me, I swept her up in my arms and strolled inside.

“Stair put me down this instant! Don’t you dare,” she hissed at me as she kicked her feet, trying to wiggle loose.

I stopped in the foyer and balanced her in one arm as I captured her face with the other hand. I held her still as I kissed her. It wasn’t a peck on the lips either. It was full-on devouring with tongue. She went limp and returned it after a second or two of resistance. I greedily savored her. I would never get enough of kissing her. I lost track of how many I’d given her since last night. Being free to express my desire and love for her was incredible. What broke the kiss was a loud voice, no it was voices.

“What the hell is this?”

“I’m dreaming. Or is it a nightmare?”

“I knew we should’ve gone after them last night.”

I raised my head to glare at the ones gathered around us. There stood half the family. The assholes who said something were Cian, Declan, and Tiernan. They were frowning, but I knew it was all an act. They wanted to give us a hard time.

“Put me down,” she pleaded in my ear.

Reluctantly, I lowered her feet to the ground, but I didn’t let her move away from me. I kept my arm around her with a hand resting on her hip. I hiked up a brow as I stared back at them. Among them were all three sets of parents. Cormac and Cyndi had smiles on their faces. Patrick, Maeve, Sean, and Brenda were all nodding their heads. I knew they’d all be gathered this morning for a family breakfast. Aidan pushed himself to the front of the crowd.

“Wanna explain why we just saw you mauling our sister?”

“Aidan, don’t,” Aisling warned him.

“I’m your big brother. It’s my right to ensure you’re taken care of. This big ugly Scotsman had his paws and lips on you. That’s grounds for a beat down at a minimum.”

“Hate to warn you, but there was more to it than that,” I taunted him.

We were all adults here except Khloe, and she had no idea what I was talking about. Aisling gasped and elbowed me in the stomach. I leaned down and nipped her ear with the edge of my teeth. She shivered, and I heard her stop a moan. I was finding mo shealladh àlainn loved a degree of pain. Nothing too crazy, but it made her even wilder, and her response was out of this world. I was looking forward to exploring it more.

“That’s it. He’s defiled her. He must suffer the consequences,” Aidan said with a mock growl.

The jackass was having fun with this. I knew none of them truly disliked me being with her from the prior conversations. I’d told her the whole family knew about our feelings and were all for us as a couple, but she still seemed hesitant when I made her come here. Her body stiffened. Enough of this. I wouldn’t allow their teasing to upset her.

“Okay, enough joking around. She thinks you’re serious. Don’t make her reconsider. If she does, I’ll be the one doing the killing.”

His disapproving expression dropped, and a smile replaced it. The others were all openly smiling, too. “I’m just messing around, Ais. I take it you two have good news for us? You’re not leaving and flying off to California, are you?”

As much as I wanted her to tell him no, the answer wasn’t that simple. We’d talked about it this morning after we got up. I waited for her to answer first.

“We do have good news. Actually, it’s wonderful news. Can we sit down so we can share it?” she asked.

Everyone began to disperse, and we found our way back into the family room. Spots were taken. They let me and her have the large, overstuffed chair. I held her on my lap. I wasn’t able to let there be any distance between us. It would take time. My brain hadn’t fully processed and accepted she was mine at last. She was staring at them and seemed not to know what to say, so I got the ball rolling.

“As you know, last night, things got intense. I went to see Aisling, and I did as you all have been telling me. I told her how I felt about her. I laid it out for her. To my amazement, she feels the same way. So the answer is yes, we have wonderful news. Aisling has agreed to be mine. I have my anamchara, and so does she.” I had to place a soft kiss on her delectable mouth. She was half-turned to face me as I talked.

“Hey now, none of that. Tell us what your plans are. You’re not thinking of stealing her away to your hideaway, are you?” Shane asked. He was referring to my retreat, which was way out in the swamps, not far away. No one bothered me when I was there.

“We haven’t talked through all the details. Jeez, give us time. We just decided this last night. We wanted to let all of you know, and that’s it. The details are between us,” she told him when she ended our kiss.

“But surely you won’t go far if you do. I’m glad this nonsense about going to California is over,” Aidan added.

She exchanged a worried look with me. I nodded. I wasn’t happy about the next part, but I understood it, and I would support her.

“Well, the California part isn’t off. I’m still going.”

“What!?” was shouted from more than one mouth.

“Let her finish!” I shouted over them. They slowly quieted down, and when they were silent again, she continued.

“I know this probably sounds stupid or unnecessary to you, but it’s not. There was more than one reason I planned to go to California. The biggest was I needed to personally check in to see how everything was going at the winery. We’re on the cusp of rolling out a whole new line of wines. Ones I believe will be award-winning. I have to make sure it goes off without a hitch. This is going to put Maeve’s Cellars on the map in a big way. Yes, I can do a lot remotely, but it’s not the same as being there for the staff and them being able to come to me directly.”

“Alistair, what do you think of this idea?” Declan asked.

“You know who’ll come sniffing around if she goes out there,” Shane muttered.

“How long will you be gone?” Ciaran asked.

They were all good questions, ones I’d already thought of and some I’d asked. The one I was the least happy about was it put her within Brynes’ territory. Even when she informed him she was with me, I had no doubt he’d continue to push himself at her. He wasn’t a man who liked to lose. And Aisling was a huge prize to give up, which was the main reason I had to talk to Darragh. No way in hell I was letting her go to California without me. Plus, there was still the possibility of a threat.

I caught Darragh’s gaze. He had them narrowed on me. I gave him a subtle chin lift. He nodded back. He knew what I was thinking, no doubt, and we’d talk it out once she was done telling the rest of the family. At least I got her to agree not to fly out today. We’d be waiting a couple of days so I was able to get things in order. I’d need to take time off from work, and right now, we had nothing happening. The missions we’d been hit with when she was hurt had all been resolved. Of course, it could change with one email or phone call.

There was still a bunch of talk, and everyone was trying to talk over each other. If you weren’t used to having a family like this, they were very overwhelming. I was always impressed by how Ashlynn, Miranda, and Karizma handled it. None of them came from families remotely like this one. If I hadn’t grown up around them, I’d be in shock.

Finally, after five minutes or so of debate and no end in sight, Darragh yelled for their attention. “Alright, take a breath. You’re not giving them a chance to answer us.” This made them grow quiet. Being the focus of two dozen sets of eyes was intense, no matter who you were.

“I don’t know exactly how long this trip will take. It won’t be the last one. When we get ready to do the official launch, I’ll have to go back and work for a period with them. This trip is the last part before the actual making of the new wines. The later trip will be to roll it out to the masses. This time, it might be anywhere from two weeks to a month. If you want to know what Alistair thinks of it, I’ll let him answer that.” She gestured to me.

We had a pretty in-depth talk about this. She knew why I wasn’t thrilled, but I also knew why she had to do it.

“I don’t want her anywhere that she isn’t behind secure walls with lots of guards like she is here. But I do understand what her work means to her and why this is important. The sooner she goes, the sooner she can resolve the work and get home, so I support her need to go. Her security will be thoroughly vetted and precautions will be put in place before she does. She’s agreed to give me this for my peace of mind.”

“We can talk about her safety in a minute. How the hell can you let her go to Cali, knowing Chris will be at her doorstep the second he hears she’s there? You know he’ll know it. I wouldn’t want my woman to be exposed to someone who wants her. And make no mistake, he does. I don’t think he’ll just back off once he hears about the two of you,” Cian pointed out.

“I plan to meet with Chris and explain to him there is no us. His feelings and actions after that are his. He’s not going to change my mind or anything,” she protested.

“Are you letting her go without you?” Tiernan asked in outrage.

“I need to talk this over with Dar. No, ideally, I don’t want her there and me here, but I have a job as well.”

“We’ll figure out the job situation, don’t you worry. The teams know what they’re doing. They can handle any work we get. Remote meetings aren’t perfect, but they get the job done. We’ve done it before when we needed you, and you were on an assignment. I’d rather have you with her to ensure her protection than her out there and something pops off. You both need to be prepared for pushback from Chris. Cian’s right. He won’t just accept it graciously and leave her alone. He isn’t one to give up easily,” Dar warned us.

“He might not be, but I’ve waited an eternity to make Aisling mine. I don’t give up what’s mine, and make no mistake, she is. I’ll fight to the death to keep her,” I stated with a growl.

The mere thought of losing her made me want to go into a blind rage. After all these years of not having her, I foresaw a long stretch of me being at her side until I was able to relax. Her hand rubbed up and down my lower arm. I realized I was gripping her tighter. I eased up my grip.

“Well, if you have to kill him, make sure no one sees you or finds the body. They’ll probably know it was you, but if they can’t prove it, oh well,” Rory added with a shrug.

“I won’t go to that extreme unless he forces me by harming her in some way.”

“You need to stop encouraging him, and you have to stop worrying about Chris. He’ll get over it. It’s not like he loves me or anything. We were going out on casual dates and hanging out, nothing more,” she stressed.

She confessed this morning that they had never slept together. While it relieved the hell out of me, her confession that she had been thinking of a marriage of convenience didn’t make me happy. She’d been so depressed and sure I would never see her as anything more than a sister that she’d been ready to marry without love. If I hadn’t gotten my head out of my ass, the thought of her married to anyone but me made me want to howl and tear things to shreds.

“Okay, enough about Brynes and California. As long as Alistair is with you and we have security in place, go and get it done then come home. We have more important stuff to discuss,” Fallon said.

“What is that?” Ais asked.

“When the hell is the wedding? I don’t see a ring on your finger. Don’t tell me he hasn’t asked you yet. If he hasn’t, then we need to go outside and have a conversation. He defiled you without the agreement to marry you. Oh no, we’ll have none of that.”

This caused the others to mutter in agreement. They were back to teasing but I knew it wasn’t all in fun. They wanted to know how soon I’d make her my wife. If I had my way, it would be today, but I wanted her to have the wedding of her dreams. All women dreamed of their wedding day, didn’t they?

“Oh my Dia , stop. You’re not pushing him into asking me to marry him just to appease you,” she cried.

“ Leanabh , it’s not pushing me, I assure you. I want you as my bhean wife, more than anything except as the mother of my children. It’s happening. The when is for me to know and you to find out. It won’t be here in front of the kangaroo court.”

This set the guys off. They were booing and making threats, which I knew they would. That was why I said it. I loved riling them up. It wasn’t until Seerie stood that everyone settled down. As the matriarch of the family, she was the final authority on family matters, even above Darragh. Everyone got quiet and gave her their undivided attention. She smiled at me and Aisling. Love shone from her face. I knew it wasn’t just love for Ais. Seerie had been a grandmother to me for as long as I could recall. Neither of my grandparents lived to see me born.

“I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see the two of you together at last. It’s been a hard road, but you’ve now found each other. Let nothing or no one divide you. Alistair, I’m so thrilled to make you an official part of the family, even though you’ve been a part of it forever. Know that when you do ask her to marry you, we’re all ready and waiting to help her plan the wedding. Just don’t wait too long. I’m not getting any younger. The rest of you jokers need to get a move on. I want to see all of you married and hopefully get to hold at least one of your children before I join my Conall. Now, who’s ready to eat? I think these two have heard enough for today. You can recommence the teasing and torture tomorrow.”

This earned her a bunch of laughs. She smiled bigger. This was how we were freed to enjoy a loud, boisterous family breakfast. As we sat around eating and talking, I couldn’t help but picture what it would be like in a year or two. My hope was we’d have our firstborn at the table. Along with a ring and a wedding, I would be working to get her to ditch her birth control. I’d waited long enough to see her round with my baby.

My eyes landed on the newest member of the O’Sheeran clan. A month ago, not long after Aisling’s wreck, Ashlynn and Darragh welcomed their son, Ronan, to the family. I wanted that. The happiness on Dar’s face was evident. He loved Ashlynn and his son like no other. I wanted strong sons and at least one feisty daughter who hopefully would be the carbon copy of her mother. The sons were not to carry on the Graeme name so much as to protect their sister or sisters and mother.

???

The flight from home to California was a smooth one. Maybe the fact it was only us and a few guards or that Aisling and I spent most of it in the bedroom was the reason. At first, she refused to go in there with the guards out in the main cabin. I assured her they knew we had sex and they couldn’t hear us. The family ensured the bedroom was soundproofed. They were all professional when we came out later and didn’t indicate they even knew we were gone, but it was kinda sweet to see her blush at first. She was tense, but when they didn’t say anything or give us funny looks, she relaxed.

On this trip, we had Creed with us, of course, and two of the men the family called foot soldiers. It was a term from the old days. Reggie and Dario were both well trained, and I trusted them to watch over her. I’d worked with both of them extensively. The family tried to say now that I was with Aisling, I needed a bodyguard, too. I told them there was no need. First, no one knew of my new connection to her and secondly, I was more than capable of protecting myself. They reluctantly agreed but stated once we were engaged I would have to get used to the idea. I was all for bodyguards for her and our future children, but didn’t see the need for me. We’d have to debate it later.

Thank God, we weren’t picked up at the Ontario airport by a limo. The winery manager had gotten a couple of staff members to come with two SUVs they used at the winery. It would do until I got the ones I had lined up delivered to her house. They would be more heavy-duty than these, but I appreciated the thought.

The two men driving them were a bit nervous when Dario and Reggie said they would drive. Both had been taught to watch for tails and were trained in offensive and defensive driving. They were both skilled men who I would love to add to the Hounds, but Dar threatened me if I stole them, so I had to leave them to work with the family. Maybe one day, I’d get him to change his mind.

The drive to Temecula was quick—barely an hour at this time of day. We timed it to avoid the rush hour at the end of the workday. We would be dropped off at the O’Sheeran house, which was outside the actual town. It sat in the country and was a large piece of land with a lake. It was at the intersection of Anza Road and De Portola Road, while the winery itself was on the De Portola Wine Trail not far away.

As with any of their homes, it was behind a high wall, and not just anyone could come and go. There weren’t any staff who were here at all times, like in some rich families. They had people they used when necessary, but most of the time, if anyone was here, it was to relax, and they did things for themselves.

Due to what happened the last time she was here and the fact we had no idea if it was related to a threat against Brynes or her, Darragh and I had arranged for there to be some of the Aegis people at the house at all times. If I felt they needed to accompany us elsewhere, they would do so. As much as the family had their own security people, there were times more were needed, and Aegis was the go-to for them. Most were ex-military and highly trained men and women. They were patrolling the grounds, and two were at the gate when we came rolling through it. They didn’t hide what they were either. Their guns were visible.

The winery employee in our car turned a bit pale when he saw them. I wondered if he was new. Those who had been around the family usually didn’t react too much to guards. He had done the same when he saw Creed, Dario, and Reggie. As soon as we came to a stop, I got out and rounded the car to open her door. The three Aegis people came toward me. I’d been sent their dossiers and knew all of their history. I just needed to meet them in person. They waited quietly as I assisted Aisling out. When her feet hit the ground, she smiled at all of them.

“Hello, you must be the poor souls my family and Alistair hijacked into being bored to death watching over me. I’m sorry.”

They didn’t crack a smile. The one I knew was Marco responded. “Ms. O’Sheeran, we’re happy to be here to help with your protection.”

She shook her head. “Okay, we need to talk, but let’s not stand out here and do it. Let me get these two off so they can get back to their real jobs, and then we’ll talk. Excuse me,” she said before walking over to talk to the two from the winery. I stayed with the Aegis crew. While she took care of the others, I introduced myself.

“Hello, I’m Alistair Graeme. I’m the one who will be overseeing Aisling’s protection while she’s here. Anything, and I mean anything, that sets off your alarms, no matter how small, I want to know about it. You’ve been briefed on what happened last time she was here in Cali. We will not have a repeat.”

“Yes, we’ve been briefed and know who you are, Mr. Graeme. I’m Marco,” he went first again. I wondered if he was their leader by default or had been assigned that way. I shook his outstretched hand.

“I’m Ezekiel, but everyone calls me Zeke,” the next guy said as we shook hands. The last one was a woman. She nodded as she shook my hand. Her grip was fierce.

“Hello, I’m Remi, sir.”

“No need to call me sir or Mr. Graeme. Alistair is fine.”

“All done, let’s go inside, shall we?” Ais said as she rejoined us. I wrapped my arm around her.

I saw the looks the Aegis crew exchanged before they blanked their faces. Her bodyguards fell in step. I knew when we got inside, they’d disperse to check out the area even though the Aegis people would’ve already done it. It was just the way they were.

I was right. As soon as we got inside and into the family room, which Creed and Dario cleared first, the two of them left. I knew Reggie would remain outside the door. “Can I get you something to drink first?” Aisling asked.

They all shook their heads no. I was seated next to her on the small loveseat. They were on the couch and one of the chairs. They sat back straight as if at attention.

“So let’s get to know each other a little bit. I’m Aisling O’Sheeran, as you know. I don’t stand on ceremony. Call me Aisling. I’ll try my best not to cause you too much work, but I will be busy, and that means a lot of time at the winery, Maeve’s Cellars, and other meetings and even social engagements. I’d love to keep those to a minimum, but I have to do a lot of marketing at those kinds of functions, so there will be some, I’m afraid. Now, tell me your name and something about yourself.”

I saw they were surprised by her warmth and lack of snobbery. The family only pulled that with those who earned it or royally pissed them off. Again, Marco went first. In addition to sharing his name, he told her where he was from. The other two quickly did the same. It would take some work to get them to open up, but she’d make it happen. She knew who they were. I’d shared their files with her.

The next topic she brought up was one I planned to do myself. “You might be wondering why Alistair had his arm around me. Well, I can tell you, you’ll see more than that.”

Three sets of eyes flickered over at me. I took over.

“Yes, you will. It’s not common knowledge yet, but Aisling and I are together. If anyone asks you questions, refer them to us, and we’ll handle them. No, we’re not hiding it. We’d just like to stave off the media frenzy that’ll come with it. Any time an O’Sheeran settles down, it’s big news. You shouldn’t have to deal with it more than your job requires. In addition, you need to be on the lookout for there to be backlash from another prominent member of the elite.” I glanced at her. She sighed.

“You all know who Christopher Brynes is, right?” I asked. All three nodded yes. “Brynes has been pursuing more than friendship with Aisling. He doesn’t know about us yet, and when he finds out, I doubt he’ll take it well. I expect he’ll keep trying to see her and press his suit. Under no circumstance is she to be left alone with him. If he gets too persistent, I’ll handle him. All I want you to do is to protect her from him or anyone else. The last time she was here, someone targeted them in his car, and she was almost killed. We don’t know if the culprits were after her or him, but we remain alert since no one was caught.”

“We were briefed on the incident. We’re ready,” Marco said.

“Good. For now, that’s all we have. Make yourselves comfortable. I’ll take you to meet Dario, Creed, and Reggie officially. They can show you where you’ll be sleeping and where everything is here at the house. If you need anything, you should already have my number. Call or text any time, night or day. I’ll be with her at night, so other than roving patrols, you’ll be able to get sleep.”

We spent a few more minutes talking about logistics then we took them to meet the others. I was eager to see how they stacked up with our guys. I planned for them to join us in our workouts and training sessions. After all, a guy needed to stay in shape. I knew Aisling would be joining some of them, too. They were in for a shock.