Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
“What happened to him?”
“I have no idea. He chose his life and the consequences that came with it. Whatever happened, I am sure, saved several other women’s lives. I went home and saw Sully. He didn’t berate me or say I told you so. He just made sure I was safe and okay.” She took a sip of tea. “I read in the papers about a kidnapping ring in Paris that was discovered and arrested, but all of them died in an accident. I assumed the man was one of them.”
“And that didn’t bother you? Sully condones murder, so you do too?”
She set down her tea and met my gaze. “Neither of us condones the murder of innocent people. But let me ask you a question, Autumn. If Sully’s life were in danger and you could eliminate the threat or walk away with your high moral code intact, which would you choose?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Sully.”
“And he is choosing you. He chose me when I was threatened. He knew those men who were following me would never be convicted or stopped. He enlisted help to save me and other innocent women. They chose to end it.”
“Isn’t that playing God?”
She shrugged. “Some would say so. Others are grateful for the intervention they can provide.”
I was torn.
“Sully said he killed someone once.”
“Did he tell you about it?”
“No. We didn’t have much time to talk.”
“He was younger and in a gang. There was a standoff, and innocent people were going to get killed. When the leader of the other gang decided it would be fun to kill a family and make an example of them, Sully killed him. He was hurt badly but recovered. That was when he decided to change his life. He left Dublin and came here. Went to uni, worked, put himself through law school. Left the gang life behind him, much like Niall.”
“But he still…” I trailed off.
“He does what he does to keep the people he loves safe,” she stated firmly. Then she softened her voice and leaned over, clasping my hand. “He loves you, Autumn. For the first time ever, I see him opening up. He’s head over heels. And I know you love him. I’ve seen you together. The connection is incredible. Don’t throw that away because he’s not black-and-white.”
“I have to think.”
She nodded, looking unhappy. “I know it’s a shock. But he’s still Sully. He would do anything to protect you.” She hesitated. “Probably cut all ties to all of it, including Finn and Niall, if you asked him.”
“I wouldn’t ask him to cut off his family.”
“But he would, I think. Surely that must show you his devotion. His true self.”
Somehow, her words left me even more confused.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
AUTUMN
The next day, I was tired. I had barely slept all night, tossing and turning. Overthinking, then stopping myself. Listing in my head all the wonderful traits Sully had. They could fill an entire page of a notebook if I wrote them out.
The negative column was small—but important.
I knew I had to concentrate. Focus on the task at hand. I opened a file, staring at the words, not really seeing them.
Sully had left me alone most of the night, until I was lying on the sofa, trying to sleep. Somehow lying in his bed feeling this way had seemed wrong. My phone had buzzed with an incoming call. I’d answered after hesitating a moment.
His voice was low, concerned.
“How are you, mo fhiadh beag?”
I shut my eyes as he spoke, his endearment making me want to weep.
“Fine. Settled in your hotel all right?”
“I’m here,” he replied grimly. I heard the tinkle of ice in a glass, and I had to smile.
“Into the whiskey?”
“I need it.” He paused. “I need you.”
“Sully—”
He cut me off. “I’m speaking the truth. I should have told you before now. I promised you honesty then hid a part of my life away from you. A part you deserved to know. I regret that deeply.” He sighed. “I was so worried about losing you, I didn’t think it through. One way or another, I risked it happening.” There was a beat of silence. “Have I, Autumn? Have I lost you?”
A sob tore from my throat, and he groaned. “No, love, not when I can’t comfort you. Your weeping tears me apart.”
“I’m sorry. I’m so conflicted. I just don’t know.”
“I’ll take conflicted. It means there’s a chance. We’ll talk everything through. I’ll answer any questions honestly.”
“Bonnie sort of told me off a little. Said to get off my high moral ground.”
“I’ll talk to her,” he snapped.
That made me laugh. “No. She was trying to explain something, and she was right.”
“About?”
“She asked if I had to kill someone to save you, if I would.”
“And?” he asked, almost whispering.
“I said I would. In a heartbeat.”
“I wish I were there right now to kiss you. Hold you.”