I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “So what, I’m just supposed to move in with you all? Live with you, listen to him fucking you from the next room?”
Ciarán held up his hands like he was trying to keep the peace. “Look, I get it. It’s weird. But I already had a guest room set up for you, and I made sure the gym had the right equipment for your rehab. We can make this work.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Why the fuck would you do that?”
He shrugged, completely unfazed. “Because she cares about you.” His voice was annoyingly even, like he wasn’t threatened at all. “And as much as I hate to admit it, I don’t hate you enough to ignore how she feels.”
I scoffed. “Could’ve fucking fooled me. This feels hateful.”
Jordin sighed and touched my arm lightly. “Just… come inside, Oak,” she said softly. “Please.”
I had no choice but to go in. I had plans to get my wife back. Now that I knew they lived together, I would have to work twice as hard to get between them. If I let her stay with him, he would win.
I could still feel the anger bubbling under my skin, but I gritted my teeth and stepped inside. This was not how I expected this to go.
Ciarán ran a hand through his beard and flashed a look at Jordin, who gave a slight nod. “Hey man, I just figured since we’re gonna be living under the same roof, it might as well be comfortable.” He gestured toward the hallway. “Let me show you around.”
Jordin excused herself.
Ciarán walked ahead, motioning for me to follow. “Your room’s down this way. It’s got a big-ass bed, a TV, and—” he paused, “—a lock on the door. Just in case you were worried about me sneaking in at night. I’ve got a feeling you’re reading this wrong. I’m not gay or bi. I don’t want you.”
I shot him a glare. “Funny.” But I was thinking it.
He grinned. “You were thinking it.”
He pushed open a door and stepped aside, letting me enter first.
I hated to admit it, but the room was nice. Big, with dark furniture, a massive bed, and a window overlooking the backyard.
“You’re all set up,” Ciarán said. “Bathroom’s attached. If you need anything, J’s upstairs with me. Tell Alexa to call her.”
I turned to face him fully, gripping my cane. “Why are you being nice to me?”
He tilted his head. “Because, like I said, she cares about you. And whether I like it or not, that means something.” He let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “Besides, it’s kinda funwatching you deal with this. Jordin was fucked up over what you did to her. This is payback.”
I took a slow breath, willing myself not to react. “You really think I’m just gonna accept this?”
Ciarán shrugged. “Doesn’t really matter what you accept, Oak. You’ll find a way to live with it.” He chuckled.
I clenched my jaw so hard I thought my teeth might crack. This motherfucker was really enjoying this.
Jordin walked up behind me, placing a hesitant hand on my back. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I knew you wouldn’t come if I did, but I really want to be here for your recovery. Can we just… try to make this work? At least for now?”
I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.
Ciarán clapped a hand on my shoulder, all fake sympathy. “Look at it this way—you get a front-row seat to watch me take care of your wife.” His smirk widened. “How lucky are you?”
My grip tightened around the cane, knuckles whitening as I imagined the satisfying crack it would make against his skull. I tapped the cane once against the floor, just to keep from driving it straight into his smirking face.
Jordin knocked his hand away from me. “Stop it, Ci.”
This was gonna be hell.
Thirty Five-Jordin
My conscience had a heartbeat, and it was pounding a guilty rhythm. Lying in Ciaran's bed felt like a betrayal playing out in real-time.
his was too much. I was doing too much thinking this would work.
