Page 52 of Obsessed Alphas: Volume Two

“I need cool shots to paint, and they have so many beautiful places.” As I expected.

“Easy. I took a bunch of photos around town, both in London and on my way to Dublin. I’m sure there’s more to take, but I’ll send them via email in a few. How are you?” I brush my hair, putting her on speakerphone while I try to get prettied up.

“Good, I’m looking forward to going back to school.”

“Nerd.”

“You got me there. Besides, I’m a part of the homecoming committee this year and I’m looking forward to planning it.” I remember those days were the best part of school since I hated school so much. There are a thousand things I’d rather do than geometry or physics.

“When do you guys start planning?” I ask, putting on my moisturizer.

“We’re already messaging each other. School starts in a week. When are you coming back?”

“I’m supposed to come back in two weeks, but I’m enjoying my time here, so it’s hard to say.”

“I miss you, you big jerk. If you get married, make sure you come back and visit us, or better yet, convince Papa to take us to Ireland.”

“I’m not getting married. Just because he’s gorgeous and dreamy, it’s nothing but fun.”

“Liar. You know you really are a bad liar. Pick up your skills, Gloria. You’re a mafia princess. I’m shaking my head at you just so you know.”

“Yeah, I expect that from you anyway. I need to get some food, so I’m going to talk to you later.”

“Hey don’t forget the images or I’ll harass you.”

“I won’t.” I end the call and pull up my email to shoot over a dozen photos. I get a text back saying, I love you.

CHAPTER THREE

CORMACK

As I drive to the church, I hope she enjoyed the roses I had Shamus pick up before I left. Of course, I didn’t let him into the room, but I took them and then wrote her a note. Leaving her had nearly broken my will because she should always be at my side, but this isn’t the right moment. My men will be scoping out the dangers and looking for enemies who feel emboldened by my father’s death. It’s likely nothing will happen, but there’s no guarantee and I can’t risk Gloria’s safety.

When I pull into the churchyard and to the spots reserved for family, I see a small gathering. It will soon be filled with mourners and acquaintances. My brother is the first person I spot because he’s tall and lanky. Although now the head of the Delaney Family, he looks like he fucking slept in his suit.

I don’t exit the back of my vehicle yet, telling my driver to stay put while I process this moment. My father has meant so much to me, so saying goodbye is harder than I can express, but I must remain strong. When the crowd out front disperses, I step out of my vehicle.

John scowls at me because it’s his job to assess the risks before I get out, but I’ve already done that. I’ve lived my life deciding and evaluating the lurking predators, and know who the real threat is.

“It’s fine. Stay outside for now. Watch who arrives. I’ll keep an eye on the vultures inside.”

“I think you should have added more men to the team.”

“They’re working at the estate, securing it for my arrival there.” He understands that my biggest enemy is the one closest to me, Peter. My brother and I don’t quite see eye-to-eye and now he possesses most of the Delaney Family assets and properties. Not that I’m bothered by it or broke. I’m wealthy from my own endeavors and the parts I do retain. Still, as the old adage says, keep your enemies closer.

I enter the church foyer and pull out my notes for my eulogy. I run through the lines as I prepare the words that I will share with the crowd that is gathering at Kilkenny where my father will be laid to rest. My heart’s heavy. The weight of his loss is compounded by the fact that he never got to meet Gloria.

“Are you well, Cormack?” I turn my head and give Siobhan a nod.

“Yes, dear Siobhan.” My sister-in-law looks up at me with profound sympathy.

My father and I were close, whereas my brother and he had constant rows, so the loss meant nothing to him and everything to me.

In fact, he gains everything by my father’s death, so he’s probably having parties left and right. “Where is my brother?”

“With Father Flanagan.” I’m sure he’s going to pay him off to write something nice for Peter to say. He’s always been lazy, greedy, and angling for a bigger presence. He’s the typical spoiled son with too much money and no fucking sense. Not to mention he’s an asshole to boot, especially when it comes to his wife.

“Are you well?” I ask, pressing my hand to hers, giving it a squeeze. She’s a good woman and too good for my brother.