“Einin,” I tell him, and he smiles before he steps aside.
There, standing just behind the enormous man with broad shoulders, is a face I never thought I’d see again. It’s the face of the boy I fell in love with, only he’s older and has stubble on his jawline. But those eyes, the familiar gaze that used to make my teenage heart thrum like hummingbird wings.
It’s Tyrion.
FIVE
TYE
I can’t findmy words.
They’re stuck in my throat somewhere, so I don’t say anything.
When we got the call from the States that the FBI were on a case that was leading them to France, we couldn’t believe our luck. They’ve been tracking a shipment of girls who arrived here a few days ago, and we followed along. Having connections in high places allows you certain privileges. Also, it helps I was able to do some hacking for them that closed a case a year ago.
Agent Ramirez wanted to storm the house first. I didn’t want to wait, but Monster put the command out and I had to obey. I waited outside, my nerves shot to hell, but here I am, finally in front of her.
I didn’t expect her to look the same, but she’s even more beautiful than I remember. She is still the same girl I fell in love with. The same girl who’s held onto my feckin’ heart all this time.
I’ve changed. No longer the scrawny lad she met at school. Before Einin left, I’d been workin’ out, focusin’ on weights and tryin’ta build muscle, but I didn’t have the bulk I do now. I haven’t shaved in a couple of days, and I know I have a few battle scars.
She stares at me for so long, I’m not sure she even recognises me.
It’s as if time has come to a standstill and I’m havin’ an out of body experience. With the commotion around us, I don’t even flinch. I don’t see my brothers movin’ around the enormous room. All I see is her.
The peelers are shoutin’ orders while Monster and the rest of the Royal Bastards work to get the girls out of the house. They know this is monumental for me. I almost lost my shit when I knew I had to wait to see her, to find her. I wasn’t sure what we would come across when we walked in here, but she doesn’t look hurt. I’m prayin’ she isn’t. I’m prayin’ for so much in the moments that pass, I’m not sure God is even listenin’.
“What are you doing here?” Are her first words to me.
For a moment, I think she’s angry, but then I see the tears in her eyes. They make those familiar orbs shimmer. Hazel brown with flecks of olive green.
“I found ye,” I finally mutter while takin’ a few steps towards her. She doesn’t flinch. She doesn’t even blink. Her gaze focused on me. I stop inches from her.
“I stopped prayin’ a long time ago, big man,” she whispers before I pull her into my arms and she falls into my chest. She twines her hands behind my back, and she holds on as if I’m about to disappear. The nickname she gave me all those years ago settles in my chest. It’s like comin’ home. Like walkin’ into ye house after a long day at work, and the warmth holds ye in its familiar grip.
“I didn’t know ye were missin’, wee bird,” I tell her, usin’ her nickname I’d given her on her sixteenth birthday. “When I left Ballycastle at nineteen, I never looked back.”
It’s the truth. Da told me that I only come back if it’s to bury him. I fought him, I argued for months, but he didn’t want to hear anythin’ ’bout it. So, I finally appeased the old man and walked out. I knew he only said what he did because he didn’t want to see me stuck in the small town. I knew he’d always felt trapped there, having taken over the shop from his da, and he wanted a better opportunity for me.
It was the first time in my life I did listen to him. Even though I check in with him every day, I haven’t gone back.
“Tye,” Monster calls to me, breaking the spell that’s so clearly captured both Einin and myself. “Let’s get her home.”
“Aye,” I say with a nod and turn back to her. “We’ll go home. To Belfast.”
“Ye’re part of a motorcycle gang now?” Einin asks with a small smile, lifting her brow.
I take her hand and tangle my fingers with hers.
“They’re family,” I tell her. “Let’s get yer things and head out. I’m knackered.”
We walk up the stairs, and she heads to a bedroom that looks fancy enough. I wonder if they put the girls in rooms like this to make them feel comfortable, so they don’t fight when the violence comes. But then again, I’m not sure what has happened to any of the women we saved today.
I want to ask her, but now isn’t the time. Once we’re home, safely, I’ll sit her down. She needs to talk about what happened. I have to know what she’s been through. I’ve been in contact with a group who call themselves The Fallen. They’d been searchin’ for their sister and twin brothers, who were stolen when they were much younger than Einin was. When I mentioned the agent was comin’ out here, I put them in contact with him.
Hopefully, they have a happy endin’ just like I have. Einin turns once she’s packed her shite and smiles. “I’m ready to go.” Even though her lips are tilted up at the corners, there’s sadness in her eyes.
“I know ye’re not all right, and things have been shite, but you’re safe now. I’m never lettin’ you outta my sight,” I tell her. It’s the truth. I can’t lose her again. Ever. “That day on the beach, when I kissed ye,” I whisper when she nears me, “I meant it. I meant every feckin’ moment.”