“Because she loved me. Because she tried to defend me. But Da isn’t someone you can battle that often without getting worn down.”
“What if he wears you down?”
“He won’t,” I told him, aware my tone had hardened. “I never bothered fighting for myself, Seamus. I saw no point. I am who I am. I was born for this life. But you weren’t. I’ll fight for you like I never fought for myself, and I don’t give a damn if he and I lock horns every day for the rest of my life—I’ll never let him control you. You’ll do what you want to do. You’ll make mistakes and succeed and you’ll be as normal as you want.” I shrugged. “If you want in the life, then that’s your choice, but somehow, I don’t see that for you.”
He blinked at me. “I want to be president.”
“Why?” I asked, but my lips were twitching because I knew he meant it.
“Why not?”
I laughed. “True. Why not an astronaut?”
“Not interested. The president sees all, hears all, knows all.” Interest gleamed in his eyes. “That’s my kind of game.”
“Hardly a game when you make all the rules.”
“Best way to win.”
I tipped my head at that. “You want to be president, then I’ll help make that happen.”
He pursed his lips. “I’d say that I want to do it fair and square, but everyone knows that you make it to the top by lying and cheating.”
“You’re too cynical for your age,” I said dryly.
“I’m a realist.”
“Your ma’d say you were an idealist.” I smirked a little. “You’re fourteen. You should be thinking about boning the hottest girl in your class.”
“She isn’t as hot as Inessa.”
Even though I knew I had to caution him, I’d admit to loving that answer simply because it meant he was opening up to me.
Fuck, maybe being his friend wasn’t impossible.
“You read up on us...” I cocked a brow at him. “You know what Eoghan does for a living.”
He grinned at that. “Doesn’t that make it more fun?”
I snorted. “Stick to kids your own age, bud. They won’t get you shot, and I’d hate to have to kill my own brother. Da might be a jackass, but I love my brothers.”
“You love your mom too.”
“I do.”
“I’m not sure she deserves it.”
“Maybe not, but I love her all the same. And, like I was saying, I hope you’ll get friendly with her because she’d love to be a part of your life, but if you don’t want to, then you don’t want to.”
“You’re more accommodating than Mom is.”
“What makes you say that?”
He shrugged. “She usually makes me do stuff I don’t want to.”
“That’s what moms do,” I replied wryly.
“I guess.” He heaved a sigh. “Are you and Mom going to get back together?”