Page 42 of Sins of Innocence

"If anyone believes that shit, I'll set them straight."

Sadie gives a watery little giggle. "You aren't supposed to swear in front of kids, but I'm twelve. So, it's okay. Just don't say words like that in front of Joy and Neeve or mom will wash your mouth out with soap."

"Thanks for the heads up."

She nods. "Will you really stand up for me to the school and the parents."

"I will."

"Because you're my mom's boyfriend?"

"Because one day soon, you'll be my daughter."

"That marriage of convenience thing."

"I'm marrying your mom because I want her for my wife and I want you, Neeve and Joy to be my family too." That's a long assed explanation. Áine would be proud of me.

"Really?"

I nod.

"I'm glad mom was dating you in secret. She needs someone watching out for her."

"You all do."

"Maybe." Sadie sighs. "Will you give me a hug?"

I freeze at the request. She wants me to hug her? Me? Sadie's face twists with doubt and I get it together, stiffly opening my arms to her. She throws herself against my chest and I hold her tight, trying to make her feel the safety I promised her.

I will protect this girl, her sisters and their mom with my last breath. Hell, I'll protect their feisty gran too.

They're all my family now.

Chapter nine

The Plan, the Crew & the Bestie

WRAITH

Even though it's after eleven, Mick picks up on the second ring. "Yeah?"

"The timing doesn't work." I don't think my boss will mind the delay as long as how I handle things keeps Kenneth in the dark about how much we know.

"Explain."

"Her mom won't believe it."

"I assume you have a workaround."

"Vegas."

"You want to elope to Las Vegas?" Mick muses. "That's not a bad idea. It gets you out of town. But what about the girls?"

"We're taking her mom and the girls this Friday. We'll get married spontaneously while we're there." It's easier to talk to Mick because he's my boss and I've been trained to give all necessary details on a mission.

Maybe I need to apply that training to my relationship with Áine. Not sure she'd like thinking of our life as a mission though. Women are funny like that.

Even if this marriage is a strategy to protect her, she'll want to see it as something more. And after that kiss earlier? That won't be so hard to do.