Damien (Slater Brothers #5)(16)

“You fought Kane?” I opened my eyes, and facepalmed myself.

“He was tryin’ to break up the fight, but I thought he was jumpin’ me, and one thing led to another, and his cheek is a little bruised. It’s nothin’ ... really.”

I groaned and let my head fall back.

“This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

Dante laughed. “Tell me about it.”

“I feel like everyone is judgin’ me.”

“Fuck them,” Dante said firmly. “You’re a grown woman; you don’t need permission to have a private life.”

“Easier said than done when it’s the older brother of me best friend who I was sleepin’ with.”

“Look, it’s done. We’ve had sex, but we’re not goin’ to anymore ... or are we? I just need clarification on the no sex part.”

I smiled. “You’re such a pig.”

“That’s not a no on the sex.”

“No more sex, Date.” I chuckled, using his well-known nickname earned from his womanising ways.

“Okay, okay,” he placated. “Don’t get so down about this, okay? It’s not the end of the world, sweetheart.”

“I know.” I sighed. “It just feels like it.”

“D’ye want me to come by? You sound down, and I hate when you’re sad.”

“Nah, I’m fine,” I said, sucking it up. “I’m goin’ back to sleep. I have a feelin’ Bronagh is goin’ to come and kick me arse tomorrow. I’ve been duckin’ ’er for days now, and I know she’s reached ’er limit.”

“Shite, good luck dealin’ with that young one. That’s a storm I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”

I laughed. “Thanks, Date.”

“I love ya, gorgeous. Just because we’re square now doesn’t mean I don’t have your back, d’ye hear?”

“Yeah.” I smiled. “I hear you, and I love ya, too.”

I did love Dante; I just wasn’t in love with him, and I knew I never would be.

“If you ever need me, or me cock, I’m ’ere for you. Besties for life.”

I laughed. “Good night, you nutter.”

I hung up on a snickering Dante and felt a tonne lighter knowing that at least he and I were in a good place. Now, if I could get on the same page with everyone else in my life, things would be hunky-dory. I threw my arm over my face and groaned, knowing in mere hours, at least one of my friends would finally succeed in getting past security in my apartment building and would be banging down my door.

God only knew how I was going to weather hurricane Bronagh.

Jesus, help me.





“Alannah good-for-nothin’ Ryan?”

I flicked my eyes towards the door of my apartment and remained unmoving. I knew who it was, and I knew she knew I could hear her. Being pregnant amplified all her senses like a crazy mama bear even though she was only a few weeks into her second pregnancy. I held my breath and hoped she couldn’t smell my fear.

“You might as feckin’ well open up ’cause I’m not leavin’ and you can’t make me.”

I needed to remain strong. “Go away, Bronagh.”

“Not on your life, ye’spanner,” she replied swiftly.

I remained seated.

“Fine.” She sighed dramatically. “Leave your pregnant best friend out in the corridor where any Tom, Dick, or Harry could get a piece of ’er.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the corners of my lips from twitching.

“The landlord only has four tenants in the entire buildin’,” I called out. “Me and Aideen are two of them, and the other two are elderly couples on the lower floors. I’m the only person on this entire floor. The landlord isn’t in a rush to fill the apartments while most of them are still bein’ furnished, so no one is around to hear you, let alone harass you.”

My attention returned to the door when a thud sounded followed by the door rattling a little, which told me Bronagh gave it a little kick, and that action made me smile. She never had much patience, and it was beginning to show.

“Can you let me use the jacks at least?” she asked, her tone hopeful. “I won’t even look at you. I’ll go to the jacks, then I’ll come back out ’ere, close the door behind me, and we can start this argument all over again. Promise.”

At that, I laughed.

“You’re a pain in me arse, Murphy,” I grouched as I got up and walked over to the door, unlocked it, and opened it wide.

Bronagh instantly rushed by me and fled down the hallway.

“I wasn’t jokin’ about needin’ the jacks!”

With a smile still on my face, I closed the door, and walked back over to my settee. I sat down, tucked my feet under my behind, and waited for hurricane Bronagh to roll on in. Two minutes later, she returned and went off on me like clockwork.

“You’re a selfish bitch,” she said as she sat across from me. “D’ye know that?”

“I’m not makin’ you any tea for that remark.”

Bronagh snorted. “Drinkin’ tea isn’t on me to-do list, but roastin’ your arse is.”

I decided to play dumb.