Dire: Emerald Isle MC, #2

By Courtney Lynn Rose

She was his— whether she knew it or not, she always had been.

 

Callahan "Dire" O'Shea

Carrigan Adair is more than just an Emerald Isle MC princess. She's also my absolute best friend . . . and I've been in love with her for years.

 

Nothing has ever happened between us, though, not even so much as a kiss, and I doubt it ever will. The last thing I want to do is take any chance that might ruin my friendship with her. She's my solace, my center. No matter what happens with my life or the club, I know I can come back to Carrigan and everything calms down.

 

I always thought I'd be okay when she finally got into a serious relationship, that I'd be happy for her. But jealousy is something I'm not used to, and it turns me into a force to be reckoned with.

 

When Carrigan is around, she seems happy with her new relationship until the night she comes in with bruises and a busted face. Turns out she's been hiding a hell of a lot from me, and now it's time she fesses up.

 

Her boyfriend may think he's untouchable because his crime family has his back. Yeah, well, he hasn't seen what family can do out of revenge . . . but he's about to.

 

I don't care how hard he tries to run and hide, I'm taking Carrigan back and making her mine, and then I'm taking his life for putting a hand on her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Croí na Tine Publishing
• Release date: Mar 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215474037

Book preview

Content Warning

This book contains content, situations, and themes that may be sensitive for some readers. This may include but is not limited to sexual abuse/harassment/rape, graphic violence/gun violence/weapon violence, criminal activity/organized crime, strong/vulgar language, mental disorders/side effects/therapies/recover-treatment, sexual acts/encounters, & mental/emotional/physical abuse. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

Chapter 1

Dire

I've done some shitty things in my lifetime.

But closing my eyes while fucking a clubwhore and imagining it's my best friend Carrigan instead might be the thing that takes the cake. Thankfully, no one knows I do that but me.

Laying propped against my headboard, I'm waiting my usual three minutes after busting before I tell this chick to make herself scarce. Clubwhores don't sleep in this bed, ever. And they don't sleep at my house, ever. I've always known I would want an ol' lady eventually, and I don't want that woman to have to deal with these bitches throwing in her face who has slept in this bed before her.

Aside from me, Carrigan is the only person who’s slept in here. And every time she does, I spend the night wishing she was my ol' lady. That shit isn't going to happen, though. I don't want to ruin our friendship. Plus, she's my President's sister, and the fact we've known each other all our lives and that my sister is his fiancé does not mean he will be okay with my wanting his sister. I get that makes no sense, but that's the logic I use to explain why I'm too chicken shit to claim Carrigan and make her mine.

Time to go, I finally say, pushing Sapphire off my chest. I've fucked her maybe half a dozen times since she came to the club, and it's only when I'm desperate. Last night, I slept at Carrigan's and woke up this morning with her body wrapped around mine and her head on my chest. So, yeah, I was desperate for release tonight.

Come on, Dire. Don't be like that, she says, sitting up and pouting at me. We could go another round.

Sliding out of bed, I walk my naked ass over and grab jeans from my dresser before turning and heading to the bathroom. Don't be in this room when I get out, Sapphire. I mean it. I got shit to do today.

Whatever, she mumbles, climbing out of bed and scooping her shirt off the floor.

I toss my jeans on the back of the toilet and stand quietly until I hear my bedroom door shut. Sighing, I shake my head and turn the shower on hot enough to steam the bathroom in minutes. I'm working the bar with Carrigan tonight. I came to the clubhouse to fuck before work, hoping that working with Carrigan wouldn't be done with a constant hard-on. It's unlikely, but I'm trying.

Washing my hair and body, I can't help but think about my best friend. She's everything I'm not— soft, sweet, understanding, compassionate. Carrigan is the person who kept me sane for fifteen years while my sister was missing. When we were kids, she was there when my mother died. She was here for me when my father was killed. Every significant moment I can remember is tied to that woman. She's literally what makes me a decent person. Without her, I don't know who I'd turn into.

I'm not ever going to tell her any of that, though. All I want is for Carrigan to be happy. I want her to find someone who can love her like I do. That way, she can get married, have children, and be with a man who can make her number one. Being in a motorcycle club, especially given I'm the Vice President, I'll never be able to fully give her that. This club will always take precedence, and she deserves better than that. I know she understands the club life better than any ol' lady, aside from my sister Faylinn, ever will because she's grown up in it, but I still think she deserves better.

Coming out of the shower, I wrap a towel around my waist while using another to dry my mohawk.

Good thing you grabbed the towel.

I jump a mile out of my skin and yank the towel from my head. Carrigan is sitting on a spare blanket on the edge of the bed. Fuck, she's gorgeous. Her tight black shirt with the Celtic Clover Bar emblem on the left breast hugs her curves like a second skin and stops just below her tits, flowing seamlessly to her bare stomach and down to the fucking damn-near painted-on black jeans she's wearing. I try to tilt my head and check her out without being obvious. On the hips of her jeans are tiny metal holes with a leather string laced through them. It shows the skin from her hip to mid-thigh, and she's not wearing anything under them.

It takes all my strength not to groan, and now my cock is fucking hard again. What's up, CareBear?

Her cheeks tinge red. Can I ride to work with you?

Heading back into the bathroom, I grab my jeans and quickly shrug into them, buttoning the top as I come out. Carrigan's eyes dart down to my hands and then up to my face, the red on her cheeks deepening a little. I know she's attracted to me, just like I am to her. She thinks I don't realize she's flirted with me or how she reacts to me, but I notice. I'm just terrified of losing her.

What happened to your car, babes?

It won't start. Finn is towing it down to the shop tonight and said he’ll fix it first thing in the morning, she says quickly, uncrossing her legs and standing.

I pull my work shirt out of the closet and put it on. Of course, you can. You should let me buy you a new car already. I don't know why you're holding on to that piece of shit. It was used when I bought it for you fifteen years ago. Let's upgrade it.

Carrigan chuckles and shakes her head. I don't want a new car. I just need to be better to the one I have.

Leaning down, I grab my boots from the closet and take them to bed. Carrigan looks from me to the bed and cringes. Sighing, I toss my boots down and pull all the sheets and blankets off the bed, shoving them in the hamper before sitting down and putting my shoes on. How'd you know?

Carrigan shrugs. Kinda hard not to know when Sapphire comes into the common room bragging about having your dick in her mouth.

The anger and irritation in her voice are so fucking evident I have to stop myself from laughing. I know it's wrong, but I love it when she gets jealous. It turns me on. Don't know why she's bragging. Ain't like she's anything special.

Good luck telling her that. The way she's out there talking, you're one step away from making her an ol' lady.

Now, that makes me burst out laughing. Come on, CareBear. You know that's bullshit. The whole club knows that's bullshit.

Carrigan is staring at the floor when I stand up and look at her. Not my business, Dire.

Walking over and stopping in front of her, the temptation to reach down, grab her by the ass, and slam her back into the wall while I kiss the jealousy out of her is strong as hell. Carrigan is almost a foot shorter than me, which makes the kinky fuckery in my imagination run wild with all the ways I could toss her around this room while I fuck her. Shaking the thoughts from my mind, I reach out and tip her chin up.

Don't be like that, I say softly, getting lost in her hazel eyes for a moment. You know me better than anyone, including your brothers.

Carrigan puts her hands on my hips and leans forward, resting her forehead against the lower part of my chest as she sighs. I know. Let’s just go to work and have fun with the drunken patrons.

I run my hands up her arms as she stands straight. Grabbing my wallet and keys off the dresser, we head out of my room, and I lock the door behind me. As we walk down the hall, Carrigan puts her arm around my waist, and I put mine around her shoulder, leaning over to kiss the top of her head. I can't stop myself from holding her. Even if everyone else thinks nothing of it, for me, it means everything because it's the closest I'll ever get to knowing what her being mine would feel like.

Chapter 2

Carrigan

In the last three months since Faylinn came home, life has changed in so many ways. Honestly, it's gotten better. After fifteen years without her, I have my sister back in my life— she may not be blood, but she’s always been my family. My brother is finally with the love of his life, and I've never seen him so damn happy. Plus, my best friend Dire has his sister back. Having Dire, Timber, Grey, and Faylinn together makes me happier than I've ever been. The Adairs and O'Sheas are whole again. Now, if I could get my best friend to stop being an asshole and realize that I am madly in love with him, everything would be absolutely perfect.

Too bad that isn't likely to happen. I've known Dire my entire life, and he's never shown interest in me except for a few times when he was drunk, which doesn’t count. But I'm still pining after him, hoping he’ll see me as more than just the girl he grew up with, which is pathetic. Faylinn says I need to date. Not because I want to, but because she thinks Dire does have feelings for me, and if I provoke his jealousy, it’ll make him realize what's in front of him. I think that's mean, but I know she's probably right. I haven't really dated since high school, and if Dire does like me, that's a surefire way to find out.

Hey, beautiful, a deep voice says from across the bar, causing me to look up. A tall, Hispanic guy with a buzzed head and deep brown eyes gives me a dazzling smile. I set down the glass I’m cleaning on the drying rack and grab a towel to dry my hands as I walk over. You are way too pretty to be working behind this bar.

Tossing my towel down, I lean my palms on the bar's top edge. Well, I own it. Am I too pretty for that?

His eyes widen, and he shakes his head with confidence in his eyes. "Nah, Mami, that just makes you even more beautiful. I like a woman who has ambition."

Smirking, I give him a wink. He's good-looking, and flirting is part of being a bartender. What can I get for ya?

Corona and a shot of Patrón, he says, and I turn around to grab the tequila. After pouring the shot, I set a small plate with a lemon wedge and a salt shaker next to it before grabbing his beer. Maybe I can get your number, too?

Yeah, that's not gonna happen, Dire says as he moves past me, running his hand along my lower back as he passes.

"Mind your business, Casanova, I yell over my shoulder before turning back to the guy at the bar. Ignore him."

Ex? the guy asks before taking the shot and chasing it with his beer as he slides onto the empty barstool in front of me.

Shaking my head, I chuckle. Best friend.

Ah, he says, nodding and glancing at Dire at the other end of the bar. So, how about that number?

I bite my lip and glance at Dire, too. He's making a mixed drink while the blonde on the other side of the bar practically eye fucks him. Why the hell not?

To my surprise, he holds his hand out over the bar. After a moment, I shake it. Miguel Santos.

Carrigan Adair, I say, bringing my hand back to my side of the bar.

Miguel pulls his cell phone out and messes with it for a moment before holding it out to me. You got any plans Wednesday night, Carrigan Adair?

Taking his phone, I put in my name and cell number. It's my day off. I hit the save button and hand it back to him.

He taps the screen a few times, and a second later, my phone vibrates in my pocket. Pulling it out, I enter my passcode and tap the new message notification.

910-585-2855: You should let me take you to dinner ;)

I look up from my phone to Miguel smirking at me. He stands and walks back across the bar with another wink to join a group of men and women by one of the pool tables. I save his number in my phone before replying to his message.

I'll text you Wednesday morning with my address and when to pick me up.

After putting my phone back in my pocket, I get back to work. Dire and I are pretty slammed with patrons for the rest of the night, and I'm exhausted when we get the last person out the door at two-fifteen. As much as I want to sit at the bar and have a drink of my own, I start breaking everything down and cleaning while Dire wipes down all the tables and puts the chairs up. Within an hour, we're done, and I can hardly keep my eyes open.

He gets on his bike out in the parking lot, and once I have my helmet on, I get on behind him. To my surprise, he reaches back and taps the outside of my thigh. Put your legs up around me and scoot closer. You're exhausted.

I do as he says and then turn my head to rest it on his back. I'm pretty sure I doze off on the ride back home, and I jump a little when he shuts the bike off. The worst part of owning and working at the bar is the hours. I'm a morning person and can rarely sleep in, so I only average four or five hours of sleep on the nights I work. Getting off the bike, I take my helmet off and put it on the seat.

Do you wanna stay here tonight?

Dire doesn't respond but takes his helmet off and stands. I turn and take a few steps toward my house when I'm swept off my feet. Dire takes my keys from my hand and cradles me to his chest as he opens my door. Stepping inside, he doesn't put me down as he locks the door and tosses my keys on the table. He does this whenever I'm exhausted and usually deposits me on the couch, where we typically sleep when he stays here.

Tonight, he tosses my keys on the table just inside the door and then carries me through the living room and all the way up the stairs to my bedroom. Setting me on the edge of my bed, he kneels in front of me and starts taking off my shoes.

I can do that, I whine, swatting at his hands.

He pins me with narrowed eyes, and I stop fussing. Once my shoes are off, he picks them up and puts them in my closet, bringing out one of my oversized t-shirts, which is actually one of his old shirts that I stole. Kicking off his own shoes, he goes over and opens the bottom drawer on the left—his drawer—and pulls out a pair of basketball shorts. Without a word, he leaves the room, and a second later, the bathroom door shuts.

I get up to change into the t-shirt and put on a pair of boy shorts. Sleeping next to him without anything under this shirt may cause me to do something stupid and embarrassing. I don't think I could handle that kind of rejection. Standing in front of the nightstand, I set my alarm clock for eleven, even though I know I'll be up way before then. I have to be at work at noon tomorrow. As I'm plugging in my phone, strong arms encase my waist from behind, and a shiver runs up my spine.

Do you want the TV on? His voice is low, and it makes my pussy wet almost instantly. I don't know if my body will ever stop reacting to Dire's voice.

I shake my head. Not tonight. I'm exhausted.

He kisses the top of my head, and I freeze as he turns, his hands running lightly across my ass. After he pulls down the covers, he waits for me to get in and slide over. I lay on my side with my back to him, and once the light is off, he moves around a little, pulling the covers up, and then his arm snakes around my waist and pulls my body back against his. I sigh and close my eyes, enjoying being this close to him.

I know it doesn't mean anything, but that doesn't stop me from fantasizing that it does. God, what I wouldn't give for this to mean that he loves me the way I love him.

I just wish I knew what I was lacking.

Chapter 3

Dire

I don't wake up to Carrigan's alarm. It's the vibrating of her phone on the nightstand. Reaching over, I pick it up and try not to move too much. She's asleep with her head on my chest,