Chapter 23
CHAPTER 23
CALLUM
L eaning back against the wall, I surveyed my kingdom with a sense of pride I hadn’t experienced in years. My bar may as well have been Buckingham Palace—to me, it was just as beautiful. The refurbishment was a goddamned revelation.
The new drinks were a huge hit. It was good we had more coming out of fermentation over the next week because we’d almost sold out of everything we’d stocked for opening night. Atlas would be left disappointed because there’d be no carry-outs for him for a few days.
All night, I’d talked, laughed, entertained, and hosted alongside my wife. Now, I needed a moment to take everything in and contemplate what we’d achieved.
There were thirty minutes left until last orders. Usually, the crowds began to thin out right about now, but the place was still heaving except for John Stone, who had to be poured into one of his club’s SUVs twenty minutes before because he’d over-imbibed on the new ale.
The band had gone down a storm, and everybody was having a grand old time on the dance floor. Even Bowie and Breaker were up there with their women. Dischordium’s set should’ve ended ten minutes ago, but they were having such a blast they’d just carried on playing.
Not that I was complaining.
I fucking loved it.
This was why I did what I did. The love in the room, the crackling energy, the laughter, and the camaraderie all made me feel like a part of something special. Da was the same way, too. My aul fella lived for it—making people happy was his driving force—and I got it; I always did.
It was why the bar meant so much to me. It wasn’t just the memories; it was what the place represented.
Life.
Love.
Connection.
The Shamrock was special because even though I held myself aloof from most people, my bar had always brought those things into my life, first from my family and now my wife. As much as everybody thought I shied away from being close to people because I didn’t want it, they were wrong.
I shied away from connection and from love because I felt them too much.
Sometimes, to my detriment.
Even though my da was a difficult man, his loss had almost broken me. Grief tore at me from the inside out until I was barely keeping it together, and then Maeve came along and helped me begin to heal. At first, dealing with the debt on the bar and, subsequently, our marriage was all that kept me fighting, but somewhere along the way, she made me start living again just by being her.
Maeve O’Shea gave me the same things the bar did.
Life.
Love.
Connection.
And I adored her down to my soul.
Burying Da brought up the memories of my childhood abuse, and my emotions were all over the place. I hated how everything felt so out of control, but Maeve made everything better. She’d never do me wrong; she’d never hurt me.
I knew I needed to talk to her about the reasons I agreed to our marriage, and it wasn’t going to be a pleasant conversation. She’d be angry and probably feel embarrassed, but I’d learned with Maeve that honesty was the best policy. There was nothing we couldn’t get through as long as we had the truth.
We were a team, and everything we’d achieved tonight proved we were a good one.
My eyes rested on my wife, who danced with Tristan and Cruise. I chuckled to myself because all the women around her were gyrating and being sexy while Maeve just bounced around, laughing uncontrollably and enjoying the craic.
I loved that she had no airs or graces. She was just herself and made no apologies for it. My wife probably had one of the brightest minds in the world, and she didn’t give a shite about it. Maeve just wanted to be close to the ones she loved and live a simple life full of family, laughter, and ginger-haired babies who weren’t eejits like their da.
A chuckle escaped my chest because it occurred to me that with my street smarts and Maeve’s book smarts, our wee ones would probably take over the goddamned world.
I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn’t notice Shannon sidle up to lean against the wall beside me. It was only when she laid a hand on my chest that my head whipped around to see her standing in her barely there dress with her bright red lips tipped up.
“Hey, lover,” she drawled.
Immediately, her words reminded me of Saskia, and something dark crawled through my gut.
Shaking her hand off, I cocked a foot up flat to the wall and folded my arms across my chest, muttering, “Wassup?”
She nodded toward Maeve, who was being twirled between Tris and Cruise like a fucking ballerina in a music box. “A keratin treatment, a bit of mascara, and a new dress doesn’t make her Scarlett Johansson. She’s still the boring, plain nerd who only talks about history and books and who can’t walk down the street without making an eejit of herself.”
My laugh came from deep inside my chest, and Shannon looked at me triumphantly, no doubt assuming I agreed with her. The sad fact was, a few months before, she probably would’ve been right, so I couldn’t blame her for thinking I was as big an asshole as she was.
Except now, everything had changed, including me.
Especially me.
“I’ll start this ridiculous conversation by saying I really don’t want this ridiculous conversation, Shannon. It’s weird and inappropriate, and I’m honestly not the kinda man who likes laying it all out for a woman. However, your actions have proven you need a little come-to-Jesus moment, so hallelujah, praise the Lord, and call me Jesus ‘cause I’m about to give it to ya.” I nodded toward my wife, who was currently bent double, belly-laughing with Tristan. “See that woman? She’s got more beauty in her cunt hair than you’ve got in your entire body. My Maeve is everything you’re not. Gorgeous, sweet, and kind. The only person she puts last is her fuckin’ self, and hand to God, if you approach me again, thinking you can talk shit about the woman I love, I’ll put your bony ass out myself. Get it?”
During my speech, Shannon’s eyes grew wider. Then I watched as my words hit their target, and her face blanked.
“I see Little Miss Perfect has gotten to you too?” she clipped out.
“If by getting to me means, have I fallen in love with my wife? Then the answer is most definitely yes.”
“You’ve fallen in love with your wife?” she asked, as if she needed to double-check.
My mouth hitched. “Yep.”
“The same wife you were made to marry, or else you’d lose your bar? The same wife for whom my dad paid you fifty grand for? That wife?” She let out a brittle laugh. “Aren’t you a fucking peach, though maybe even I could love Maeve for fifty thousand bucks.”
My body froze, all except the smile that died on my face. The dark feeling Shannon’s presence had instilled inside my gut intensified, and suddenly, I felt sick as a dog. “How do you know?”
“I watch and listen,” she retorted. “I knew the wedding was weird; it was so fucking obvious to everybody except Maeve. For someone so smart she really hasn’t got an ounce of common sense to speak of. It’s sad really. I thought you and I were cut from the same cloth, Callum, but no, you’re as gullible as all the other men in my family, falling for Maeve’s sweet girl act. I thought better of you.”
“I never thought better of you,” I bit back. “Always knew you were a jealous, insecure little girl with daddy issues.”
“There’s nobody with bigger daddy issues than you.” She laughed bitterly, but I knew I’d hit a nerve by the petulant downturn of her mouth.
I was aware of the difficulties I had with my childhood and the feelings Da’s death evoked. The difference was, I was working through my shit, whereas Shannon hadn’t scratched the surface of hers.
Slowly, I shook my head at her while wondering how a human being could be so vile. “So, I guess you’re gonna tell Maeve everything.”
“Well,” she purred, raising a hand to straighten my collar. “I guess that depends.”
Ducking my head, I pulled away from her. I’d noticed Liam approach not long after Shannon, and he’d overheard everything she’d said. He caught my eye and shook his head disdainfully.
“Not in this lifetime,” I cut out. “Tell Maeve what you like. I’d rather lose everything than touch a scrubber like you.”
“Callum—” she began but was cut off by Liam barking, “Shannon!”
“I think your sister’s had too much to drink,” I called over. “She keeps trying it on with me, but she knows I’m a married man.”
“So I see,” he bit off.
Shannon’s eyes narrowed on me spitefully before she spun around to face her brother.
“Get your ass back to Maureen’s,” Liam ordered. “I caught your conversation, and you’re out of fuckin’ order. Da won’t be happy you’re getting involved in business that doesn’t concern you.”
“I’m not leaving—” she protested, but he skewered her with a look I’d seen before, the one that made her close her mouth and lower her gaze submissively.
Liam’s jaw tightened, and he said through clenched teeth, “Get your ass back to Maureen’s and get to bed. Sean’s outside waiting in the car. He’ll drive ya.”
“Should’ve known you’d take his side,” she snapped, her angry stare slashing toward me. “You think you’re untouchable, Callum O’Shea. You think you can do what you want and treat women like slags, then forget about ‘em and move on to the next shiny thing. Well, actions have consequences, and I’m gonna make sure you face yours.”
“Even if it hurts Maeve?” I demanded.
Her mouth twisted into a nasty smile, and she leaned toward me. “ Especially if it hurts Maeve.” She tossed her hair, turned on her heel, and stormed through the bar.
Liam’s stare followed Shannon. “See what happens when you get off with the wrong sister, asshole? The instant you touched her, you marked your own card.”
“How long have you known about that?” I demanded.
“You think we’re not aware of what happens under our own roof? Jesus, Cal, everybody knows. You’re lucky Da’s given up on her. He’s at the stage where he ignores her antics and hopes it’ll all go away. The problem is, it just makes her crave his attention more. You’re not the first man she’s done this with, but now, because of Maeve, you’re the one she’ll try to take down.” Liam’s mouth thinned, and he shook his head. “The sooner he gets her married off to the Russians, the better. They won’t put up with her shit.”
I scraped a hand down my face. “I don’t understand what Maeve did to her that was so bad.”
“There’s more to every story than people know,” Liam advised me. “Every family has its skeletons. You know this.”
“But what’s it got to do with Maeve?” I demanded. “Shannon’s found out about our marriage deal, and she’s threatening to tell her everything.”
A dark expression crossed his face. “I know. Look, Da won’t be happy. He’ll make Shannon keep her mouth shut, but he’s already left. I won’t get to speak to him until tomorrow. Keep Maeve away from Shannon until I can smooth it over.”
I heaved a frustrated breath at the shitshow my life was turning into. I hated all this cloak-and-dagger shit, even though I knew I’d brought it on myself. “I’m telling Maeve everything first thing tomorrow, but I want her to enjoy tonight. She’s worked hard for this. I wanna give her something good before I admit what a thoughtless dick I’ve been.”
Liam studied me thoughtfully, then his eyes slid over to where Maeve was still dancing. “It’s probably a good idea to come clean. I’ll warn Da there may be some fallout, but I know Maeve will appreciate it more coming from you. She hates dishonesty.”
“Yeah,” I muttered wryly. “I got that.”
There was a lull in the music, and Carbine’s raspy voice came over the microphone. “It’s been a blast, but it’s time for us to wind everything down. This’ll be our last one for the night. Hope you enjoy.”
Liam’s hand rested on my shoulder, and he jerked his chin toward the dance floor, his lips twitching with humor. “You better go see to your wife. Seems she’s got an admirer.”
My head whipped around, and my fingers twitched when I saw Carl fucking Tucker on the dance floor talking to Maeve. Tristan was there, trying to pull her away, but Carl had hold of her elbow and he was motioning for her to dance.
I don’t remember moving toward them; all I could feel was the heat enveloping my chest at the thought of anyone but me touching my woman. Carl Tucker was a fucknut and a wannabe. He worked as a manager at his family’s factory and rubbed shoulders with the hoity-toity assholes who hung at the country club.
The fucker fancied himself as a ladies’ man and had already been married and divorced twice over. He had a son who was turning out to be as big an asshole as him, but then the wee lad had a shite role model.
“Yo!” I barked on my approach. “Get your hands off.”
Carl’s head twisted toward me. “I was here first, asshole.”
My eyes narrowed. “That’s my wife!”
His head reared back. “That’s your wife ? When the fuck did you get married?”
I snarled.
He dropped Maeve’s elbow like it burned and held his hands up. “Sorry, dude. Didn’t know that was your wife.” He smirked. “She’s hot as all fuck, too good for you. She’s all class, and you’re not even a member of the country club.”
A squeak escaped Maeve’s throat. “W-well,” she stuttered. “I’m not really a country club kind of pers—Oh!”
My hand reached out, tagged her waist, and hauled her to my side. “Be very fuckin’ careful, Tucker.”
Carl’s cocky stare darted between us, then the fucker had the audacity to grin. “Calm down, Cal. I just wanted a dance.” The bastard winked at her, and then did a kissy face directed at my wife!
I had to forcibly stop myself from losing my shit. Cruise must’ve seen I was barely holding it together because he pressed a hand to my chest to push me away. “Stand down, brother. It’s not worth it.”
“Gonna rip his fucking hands off,” I threatened.
Carl must’ve had some kinda death wish because he threw back his head and laughed, and then he had the gall to turn back toward Maeve.
Within seconds, I had the back of his collar in my hand, and I was marching him toward the door. The tinkle of glass breaking sounded as I bumped into a table, and a couple of girls who were dancing squealed as they jumped out of the way.
“W-what the fuck you doing?” Carl cried.
“You wanna try and wind me up, dumb fuck?” I spat. “I’ll kick your ass out.”
Donovan, who was standing at the exit chatting up some girl, lifted his eyes over her shoulder and clocked me coming. A wide grin spread across his face, and he reached back and opened the door just in time for me to throw Carl fucking Tucker through it.
Dusting my hands off, I walked outside after him and leaned forward, watching as he scrambled to stay on his feet. “No fucker touches my wife. Don’t come back. You’re not welcome in my bar.”
Tucker swayed but managed to stay upright before swinging around to face me. “The country club’s better than this shithole anyway.”
“Course it is!” Donny called out. “I’m sure you’ll be riveted by their charity black-tie galas, fucknut. I told you earlier what would happen if you kept getting handsy with the women in here. If I’d have seen it, I’d have beaten your ass.”
I turned my back on him to walk back inside, and my head jerked up at Donny’s shout for me to watch my back. I heard a grunt, felt a punch land, and a dull ache radiated from my kidney.
Whirling around, my temper erupted. I shot my fist into Carl’s smarmy face and watched him go down, landing hard on his back. I followed him to the ground, landing on his chest, and smashed my fist across his jaw.
Hands grabbed at my shoulders from behind and hauled me up. “That fucker’ll report you to the law, Cal,” Donny murmured in my ear. “Calm your shit and get inside.”
“He sucker punched me,” I spat.
“And you still kicked his ass.” My brother hooted.
“Either rip his heart out or come inside,” Atlas’s voice boomed from the door. “It’s too fuckin’ cold to stand out in the street.”
Carl Tucker staggered to his feet. He raised his hand and swiped at his lip. “Fuck you,” he spat.
Simmering anger scalded my insides, and I cut out, “Don’t ever touch my wife again.”
A soft hand slid up my chest. “Come inside, honey,” Maeve urged in her sweet voice. “I want the last dance with my husband.”
Her presence made my chest settle until gradually, the rage began to subside. I took Maeve’s hand in mine and pulled open the door before sliding my arm across her shoulders to guide her into the bar. “Get in the warmth, baby.” I touched my mouth to the top of her hair, trying to calm my shit.
Luckily, the party was still going strong. Atlas, Bowie, Pagan, Bootneck, and a few other of the guys who came out to watch me beat Tucker’s ass soon dispersed, and before I knew what was happening, Maeve had maneuvered me toward the bar, smiling as Adam handed us both a fresh drink. I saw Pagan grab Aislynn’s hand, tug her against his body, and start swaying.
“What’s going on there?” I asked, jerking my chin at them.
Maeve twisted her neck. “They’re both single, so there’s no harm in it.” Her eyes met mine, and she brought my bruised knuckles to her mouth, kissing them softly. “Are you okay?”
I leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. “Yep.”
“I had no intention of dancing with him,” she assured me.
My chin dipped, and I stared into her cosmic eyes. “Nobody touches you except me, wife.”
“Good,” she breathed, her eyes flicking between mine. “’Cause I don’t want anyone but me touching you either. It’s not only you who gets jealous, you know.”
My lips caught her neck, and I nipped gently. “You drive me mad, Maeve. Your smile, your laugh, that dress, everything about you makes me crazy. I can’t wait to take you upstairs and peel that sexy little fucker off you until you’re stood in your heels and nothing else. I’m gonna make you moan all night.” I felt the shiver run through her body and smiled into her skin.
“I wanna take you in my mouth,” she whispered.
My cock reared up, and I groaned into her neck. Maeve never talked dirty—she was too shy. Other women had said stuff way more graphic to me but the fact my wife said that shit when it was clearly so far out of her comfort zone made it all the sexier.
“I can feel how hard you are,” she breathed. “It’s beautiful.”
My eyes closed, and I willed my dick to calm the fuck down.
“I’ve never given a blowjob before,” she told me softly, her fingers tracing my jawline with a featherlight touch. “Will you teach me?”
Every drop of blood in my body seemed to rush to my cock, and I let out a quiet curse.
Maeve pulled back to look into my eyes again. “Don’t you want that?”
“Baby,” I replied, my tone husky with need. “I’ll let you practice sucking my cock all fucking week if you want.”
“Awesome.” She shot me a cheeky wink. “Thanks for that.”
A bubble of laughter rose through my chest. Only my cute wife would thank me for allowing her to blow me for hours. She was a fucking nut, and I loved her so much my heart was consumed with it.
The night had been perfect—except for Shannon and Carl fucking Tucker—but even they couldn’t cast a cloud on our success. The Shamrock was going to make it; I could feel it in my bones, and Maeve would be by my side all the way, the same way I’d be by hers.
My throat clogged with emotion, and I sent up a word of thanks to my da. He’d gotten my ass into gear even from beyond the grave by bringing me Maeve and giving me no choice but to sit up and see everything she was and everything she could be to me. I couldn’t imagine any of this without her; I didn’t want to either, because the thought of her not being part of my life made me physically ache.
Tomorrow, I’d sit her down and tell her everything, but Maeve deserved one night. She’d worked so hard in making the Shamrock such a success. Plus, I knew what I had to say would upset her, hurt her even, and I wanted to avoid it for as long as I could.
She deserved so much more, but I was going to make everything up to her.
Losing Maeve wasn’t an option.