Page 134 of 5+Us Makes Seven

“You’ve always got a plan, Jack! Now, after you leave here give Lucas a call and get things moving. Start tomorrow, alright? Ain’t got time to sit on our asses. Tell him he’ll get overtime, but I know he’d help anyway. In the meantime, that’s enough work talk. You got a big day ahead of you. I’ll get some more beers. Let's chat like old times. Relax. I got some stories you haven’t heard yet.” He smiled as he went to get more beers.

I leaned back, my mind swirling with everything, Eden’s face appearing in my mind.

Don't worry, babe. Soon this will all be over. When you’re safe, I’ll come get you. Then I’ll never have to leave you again.

EIGHTEEN

Eden

Jack left just after the new door had been fixed securely in place. Heavy wood, secure locks. I didn’t think anyone would be kicking my new door down any time soon. Jack had insisted on paying half, despite my protests. It was nice to have someone to help out Honestly, I’d felt relieved at his insistence, my fears of him using me starting to fade.

Unless he’s merely assuaging his own guilt… Damn it, Eden. Stop it. You don’t have to worry anymore.

I’d felt a weight lift off my shoulders once I’d agreed to testify against Conall. Worries and doubts disintegrated as I’d made my decision, a single-minded purpose taking over. The presence of Jack made me feel safe and strong. I got a feeling he had been bolstered by our proximity, by our intimacy…

I was still glowing from the sex we’d had earlier, my mind filled with thoughts of Jack, his firm muscles, and his confident demeanor. He seemed immaculate, cool, calm and invincible.

He better come back in one piece, or I don’t know what I’d do.

Somehow I knew he would win, but I still had my doubts. I’d only known the guy for a week, but he filled me with certainty. He was the sort of man that spread a relaxed assurance in those around him with apparent ease, allaying fears with a gesture or a few words.

I couldn’t help but admit that I was falling for him already.

He’d left with a few brief words, and I guessed he didn’t really know what to say. I thought he was probably as new to this as I was.

Don’t worry, Jack. I’ve never felt this way either. We can find our way together.

He’d said he was going to speak to his boss and organize a way of getting me to a safe place. Somewhere where Conall couldn’t just turn up with a crew of his boys and take revenge for what he deemed was betrayal.

But it was Conall who’d betrayed me. Filled me with false hope and promises and left me. I knew he didn’t care, that the reason he came back was out of a warped sense of ownership. He left like he was owed something, just by merely being the nephew of the O’Rourke brothers.

Well, he was soon to get his due, I knew that much. One way or another, he wouldn’t be able to hurt me anymore. No more attempts to get at me out of spite and jealousy.

I went about the rest of the evening in peace, safe in the knowledge that Conall wouldn’t dare step near my place again. He was a moron, but he wasn’t completely stupid. He knew what he’d done and knew that Jack had the evidence on his phone. He’d probably be getting drunk, bragging to his cronies about what he was going to do to Jack. False promises. Vague threats.

I occasionally took a peep out of the front windows, hoping for a sight of Jack pulling up in his black car. After the third or fourth time of looking, though, I saw a marked police patrol car parked across the road and down the block a little, in clear sight of my front door.

That should keep any idiots away.

I gave a silent thanks to Jack and the few good cops in his circle, cops I didn’t know but were risking a lot to help someone who used to roll with the guy they were closing in on.

At least the good guys still exist. Not everyone is out for money and power.

***

Sunday began in the same way as any other, relaxing and uneventful. I went through my morning routine, shower, breakfast. I got dressed into some comfortable and functional clothes knowing I’d probably have to leave at a moment’s notice at some point later in the day.

After getting dressed and applying a little makeup I packed a small bag with clothes for about a week, not knowing how long I’d be away for. I knew it wouldn’t be long before Jack made a move, and I’d probably overpacked. The cautious side of told me to take my cash, passport and a few of my favorite personal effects.

Just in case.

I was surprised shortly after packing by a loud, quick knock on the door. I grabbed my things and headed downstairs, dumping my bags on the couch before answering it.

I swung the door open to find Lucas standing there in casual clothes. Simple jeans and a plain t-shirt, hands crossed at his lap.

“Hey, Eden. Can I come in?” He stood there, an apologetic look on his face.

“Sure, Lucas. Come in. I just made some coffee.” I ushered him in and closed the door behind him as we headed for the kitchen.