Chapter 7

Seven

P addy

The thing I appreciated about Tadhg was that he wasn't one for a small talk. Shite he didn't feel he needed to know, he didn't ask about, which is why he was my top choice to drive me to my new gig until I got my car back on the road.

Shouldn't have been too long from now, but I will admit, I was missing my baby. My older brother was always adamant on taking the long way to most places. Something about he didn't like how the streets were paved on Chime Road, or something.

He was strange in that way, textures, certain sounds, or just minor changes in his routine made him throw a bloody fit. I never really questioned it until Pa passed, and when Pa died, everything he suppressed seemed to reveal itself more openly. It was like everyone breathed better now, everyone except me. Tadhg surprised me when he turned down the music dial, but we were approaching the last stop soon, so I was certain he just had questions.

"How long is this stint for?" I shrugged.

"Erhm, not long. But deal is, I have to stay here for the duration of the assignment."

"And that's how long?"

"About six months, give or take." At that, he gave a nod of confirmation, as I prepared for his predictable next words. He wasn't the same kind of leader Pa was.

Oisín used guilt, manipulation and fear to get what he wanted out of you, but Tadhg always had more of a pragmatic approach. But the one thing he excelled at, was hammering in how important it was to stay close to home.

"You know, Pa didn't ever see it, but I always have. You're a tough lad to tie down. Pa never gave you this freedom, but I always sense when you need space. Do the job, and come back to us. I don't ever want you to feel the captivity that I've always felt. It's important to me that you're not only be part of this family, but that you love it. Just remember who you are. Remember all the people back home who care for you, whether you're a bodyguard or an enforcer, you're still part of this family."

Was I a part of this family? These days, I wasn't even too sure. Since my father's confession, I questioned everything about myself. Who I was. Would they all accept me if they knew? Would it change the way they all felt about me? The same way my mum guarded this secret, I felt this heavy weight on my soul.

We approached the Washington home as Tadhg parked and met me outside the car. Embracing me in a tight bear hug, his last words being non-negotiable, no matter how much space he sensed I needed.

"You better not miss a Sunday dinner, otherwise we'll blow your cover, coming in guns blazing to drag you out," he said, being completely serious. I took a deep breath before knocking on the door, and as it peeled open, I was met with Pretty Washington.

She had this natural kind of beauty. Ethereal even. Gentle brown eyes, a cute little nose and lips that looked so precious that all you could think about was how sexy they looked wrapped around your cock. It was always the ones with the sweet faces that had the meanest attitudes, and there was no one feistier than the woman staring back at me.

"I've been expecting you. I had time to drop off Elijah at school, but in a bit, it would be helpful if you could pick him up. Just to start familiarizing yourself with his school and teachers. In the meantime, I wanted to show you where you would be staying during your time here. And don't worry, it's completely separate from where we stay, so you'll have your own privacy."

Suitcases in hand, I followed her to the finished basement, where she explained hosted a two-bedroom flat, a bathroom and even its own mini kitchen.

"I had this finished for my mother, since the plan was to have her live with me, but she decided that she wanted to move back to her home in Barbados. Now, in a time like this, it comes in handy. I had the basement soundproofed since me playing my music can get pretty loud sometimes, and I think that's it. Do you have any questions?" Yeah, my first one was how she got all those curves in that dress.

It was hard not to be mesmerized by the way her hips moved, and while I'd never indulged with a full-figured woman before, she certainly had me curious to try. Bell would be so proud of me.

"Nope, everything looks okay. It's okay if I tidy up a bit, right? I just prefer things a particular way, and I'll rest easier knowing I gave my resting space my own little touch."

"So, my house is not clean enough for you?" She chastised, and I couldn't resist saying something smart to stir up the pot.

"A lass like you has probably never worked a hard day in her life. Someone's got to show you how it's done." Her face transformed into a scowl as she took a deep breath and mumbled something that sounded like devil, not today .

"Huhhh, before I forget I have this pin for you to wear when you're picking up Elijah from his school," she said, as she pulled out a pin that read proud nanny in bold, black lettering.

There was no chance in hell I was wearing that. Not with my custom-tailored waistcoats. I held it in my hand, examining it before handing it back to her, an appalled look adorning her appealing face.

"Yeah, no, I'm not wearing that thing. I'll look ridiculous." Her neck snapped.

"Well, it's either look ridiculous or look unemployed . I got this custom made for anyone lasting long enough to keep this job. Because of what I do for a living, the teachers at a school know anyone not wearing that pin isn't allowed to just walk off with my son. I do have to take extra precautions." I rolled my eyes, snatching it from her hand as she placed her gloved hands on her healthy hips.

" Fine . I'll wear the bloody thing. But once the teachers at his school start seeing my face regularly, I'm not gonna keep wearing it. The last thing I want to look like is a damn Boy Scout," I said, struggling to get the damn thing on until she offered her help after removing of her gloves.

She had soft hands, perfectly manicured and callous free. This close, she smelled like flowers or something earthy like nutmeg or cinnamon. Who knew a woman so cranky could smell so sweet? When she finished pinning it on, she gave me a light pat to my chest, as she offered a quick nod of reassurance.

"My thanks, Mrs. Washington," I said, leaning against the doorway to my room, waiting to see if she had any more instructions for me. For a sassy lady, she tended to look down when you stared at her too long, and I was not one for breaking eye contact.

"Well, now that that's settled, Elijah gets off at two. I need you to bring him straight home, and I'll likely be working, but I work better knowing my son's home and safe. Oh, and one more thing." From her pocket she pulled out car keys, the same keys to the car her husband had promised me.

"Vernon told me to give you these. You'll need something to drive around in until you get your car back."