A/N: I'm back! Deepest apologies for the delay in the story. I never abandoned it, I've just had a lot going on and didn't have the bandwidth to write Blythe. I hope you all still care about this story, and I appreciate all the follows and notes of encouragement. Look forward to hearing what you think. I know where things are going, I just don't know how long it will take me to get there. Happy Belated St. Patty's day! Xoxo
"There she is!" Kath exclaimed as Connor, Murphy and Blythe entered the now crowded living room.
Kath pulled Blythe into a hug sandwiched between Murphy and Connor, much to the amusement of her husband. "I don't think she can hear what you are saying…or breathe, dear."
"I said, it feels like its been a million years since I've seen you! Of course, if I were you I'd lock myself away with these two in a heartbeat." Kath grinned as Connor and Murphy both turned suitably red with embarrassment.
Her husband chuckled. "Yeah, I'm right here, Kath."
Kath giggled as she turned around and kissed her husband's cheek. "I know, sweetie...I know."
Blythe blushed as she introduced Connor and Murphy to Kath's husband, Ken. He was kind, easy going, and good natured. One of the things Blythe always admired about him was how he looked at Kath like she hung the moon, twenty years into their marriage.
Ken pulled Blythe aside. "I'm so glad you aren't with Tyler anymore. Kath came home after finding you in the break room at work beside herself. You always have a place in our home, Blythe...just know that." He squeezed her shoulder and smiled.
Wiping a tear away, Blythe whispered her thanks before scooting into the kitchen to check on things.
Connor made sure everyone had a drink as introductions and greetings floated around the now crowded living room.
Peg was pinching Murphy's cheeks as Rocco howled with laughter. Professor Flandus was the last to arrive with his partner, Norman. Doc followed after locking up downstairs. The two men smiled and nodded as they took in the eclectic mix of people in Blythe's living room.
"It looks like you're settling into your new neighborhood well, Blythe. I'm glad you found them." He said as she handed each of the men a glass of wine.
Blythe smiled softly. "They found me, and I don't know what I'd do without them. By the way, I have some new work with the chocolate film to show you if we find a minute later on."
Norman smiled at Blythe. "Thank you for inviting us. I can see why Sean says you are one of his favorite students."
Blythe blushed as Connor came over and put his arm around her, kissing her cheek before extending a hand to the Professor and his partner.
"You must be Professor Flandus and Norman. It's great to finally meet ye. Professor, I want te thank ye for walking the lass to her car the other evening. Ye put me and my brother's mind at ease te be sure. We worry when we can't be there."
"Please, Connor...call me Sean. And not to worry. I'm happy to help keep Blythe safe. We've already had a discussion about options."
Blythe shifted uncomfortably on her feet. She didn't want the evening to be about Tyler.
Norman's brow furrowed with concern.
"If you need anything...do not hesitate to give me a call. Sean explained a bit of what happened. His behavior is concerning, even if he hasn't done anything recently." He said, handing her and Connor his business card. Her eyes scanned over the card, widening at the fact that she had an FBI special agent offering her protection from an ex boyfriend.
"Thank you, Norman. I feel safer already." Blythe squeezed Connor's hand and smiled. "Come on, gents... lots of food to eat!" She said as she attempted to gather the crowd.
Murphy caught her eye from across the room and gave her a wink.
The group assembled their plates along the makeshift buffet and found seats at the table. Blythe had thought of making place cards but decided against it, wanting to keep the evening relaxed.
Everyone sort of sat where she thought they would, leaving a place for her at the head of the table with Connor and Murphy on either side of her. She fought a blush as she realized the group was waiting for her to say something. Two sets of blue eyes looked on her fondly as she cleared her throat.
"I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for coming tonight. Everyone in this room means so much to me. Friends are truly the family you choose. And...I feel so blessed to have found two incredible men who...well, you're both home to me. To family!" Blythe's eyes watered with emotion as she raised her glass.
"To family!" Everyone replied, clinking glasses.
Blythe loved every minute of dinner, listening to the playful banter of the brothers and Rocco, to blushing when Kath embarrassed her with stories from her first week at work. Doc enlightened everyone on the history of the neighborhood, and Professor Flandus talked about Irish American folk art. Norman assured Peg that the local police were forming a cross agency task force to address the recent uptick in crime across the city.
"Is breá liom tú, mo chailín stór." Connor whispered in her ear.
I love you, my darling girl.
"Ciallóidh tú gach rud dom, mo mhíle grá." Murphy said softly before kissing her cheek.
You mean everything to me, my dearest love.
Blythe's head had no idea what either brother had said, but somehow her heart knew. She held their hands tightly under the table as Norman, Ken and Rocco discussed the last Patriots game. Kath and Peg exchanged a knowing look as Connor and Murphy joined in animatedly, despite no real interest in American football.
Both women popped up to help Blythe with dessert and coffee.
"Ye certainly were blessed with two fine men, darlin." Peg said as she stacked a set of dessert plates.
"That I was, Peg. I don't know that I deserve them both...I mean...sometimes I wonder how can I be enough?" Blythe whispered.
"Before you start te thinkin that ye don't deserve the both a them, just remember, they're more than lucky to have found ye too. Nobody understands their bond the way you do." Peg replied.
"They look at you the way Ken looks at me. Enjoy it, dear. You deserve to be surrounded by love." Kath smiled.
Murphy looked back at the women and winked at Blythe.
"But don't you be spoiling them with dinner like this every night!" Kath added.
"That's right! Keep them on their toes, lass." Peg laughed.
Blythe laughed as they brought dessert and coffee over to the table. Everyone was impressed with Murphy and Blythe's apple picking skills, and laughed at Murphy's sheepish explanation of his supposed fear of heights.
Norman's pager ringing suddenly broke up the conversation.
"I'm so sorry, Blythe. We have to go. That's my boss, Paul. If he's calling on a Sunday night, it must be important. Thank you for a wonderful dinner." He smiled.
"Thank you so much for coming. I hope you won't have to work too late." She said.
Professor Flandus hugged Blythe. "I'm looking forward to seeing your new photographs. If you have time before our regular meeting, stop by my office. I'll be interested to hear what the folks at Polaroid think of your results."
Doc stood as well. "I'll walk ye down lads, if ye need the phone there's one in the bar."
Professor Flandus smiled and bid everyone goodnight before following Norman and Doc downstairs. The party continued to fizzle out as Kath and Ken begged off as well, with work beckoning in the morning.
"I'm off as well. Rocco, be a dear and see me home." Peg said as she hugged Blythe.
Rocco smiled as Blythe handed him a wrapped tray of Lasagna. "You ever change your mind about these two and I'm first in line with a proposal, sweetheart." He laughed.
"Aye! No Movin in on our woman, Roc!" Murphy laughed. "Or no more lasagna fer you!" He stuck his tongue out.
Blythe laughed as Murphy followed them downstairs, ready to see Doc to his car and lock up.
###
"Lucky me, lass. Looks like I have ye all te myself..." Connor grinned as he caught her around the waist.
"Well, at least for the next few minutes..." She bit her lip and grinned.
Blythe shivered as Connor pulled her close, letting his lips drift over her skin. She nuzzled into the curve of his neck, savoring the feeling of his arms wrapped tightly around her.
"Join me on the balcony fer a smoke?" He asked.
"What about the dishes?" She laughed.
Connor's eyes twinkled as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. He ran back to the bedroom and grabbed his coat, pulling it around her with a smile.
"The dishes can wait..."
Blythe moaned softly as Connor kissed her quickly, tugging on her hand. He smiled as he climbed out onto the fire escape and pulled her up. She loved watching him light his cigarette, the flame from the lighter illuminated his skin with a perfect golden glow. She giggled as Connor blew a few smoke rings in her direction.
"Dinner was fantastic. A perfect housewarming." She mused.
Connor nodded thoughtfully. "I can't believe we fit everyone so well. You were a magnificent hostess."
Blythe waved off the praise dismissively. "We all did it, together, Connor."
His eyes narrowed. "Why do ye do that, lass? You are the reason we all had such a lovely meal. Yes, Murph and I helped a little, but why can't ye see how special ye are? And not just te me and Murph..."
"I...I don't know, Connor. I've spent so long not being appreciated, it's going to take some time for me to get used to it I guess..." She whispered as she looked off into the distance.
The street was incredibly quiet, with the faint murmurs of Murphy saying his goodbyes to their guests below.
He regarded her as he sucked in a large dose of nicotine.
"Blythe..." He whispered as he exhaled.
Connor tossed the last of his cigarette down onto the street before pulling her into his arms. His hands were under the coat, seeking her warmth as his mouth nipped and licked at her neck, jaw and earlobes. She shivered as his fingertips traced the bare skin on her back. Her nipples hardened against thin fabric of her dress, rubbing against the hard plane of Connor's chest.
"Connor!" She gasped.
"Feel me, lass." He whispered. Blythe gasped as he pressed his arousal into the heel of her hand. "I'm powerless against yer charms."
Blythe chuckled as she felt how hard he was. "I wouldn't say powerless, Mr. MacManus...you're packing some heavy equipment down there." She mumbled as she nibbled at his jaw.
Connor's groaned deeply as Blythe slowly unzipped the fly of his pants, her hand brushing against him.
"Connor MacManus! You mean to tell me you went commando to our fancy dinner party?" She exclaimed.
He chuckled low as his hand crept up her dress. "Ye said to be comfortable." He mumbled.
"Besides, fortune favors the prepared, lass." He grinned mischievously.
Blythe giggled as he pushed her gently back against the wrought iron staircase, kissing and nibbling as he caged her in, his breath quickening as he stroked her through the dampening lace between her legs.
"Are you two fuckin' on the fire escape?" Murphy popped his head through the window. "It's freezing out there!"
Connor turned his head toward his brother, eyes wild..."We were doing just fine..."
Blythe chuckled into Connor's chest. "Actually, I think we should go inside. This iron is digging into my ass."
Murphy shook his head at Connor as he held out a hand so Blythe could climb back through the window. He smacked the back of Connor's head as he came through the window, laughing as Connor stumbled onto the floor.
"Time to warm ye up, love!" Murphy smiled as he rubbed his nose against hers.
Connor stepped behind Blythe and nuzzled the back of her neck. "Mmm now where were we?"
Blythe closed her eyes and grinned brilliantly. "We were about to do the dishes."
Murphy started giggling. "You should see his face!"
Connor tightened his grip around her waist. "The dishes can wait, lass." He growled low.
Blythe leaned back into his chest, sighing as she felt his lips skirt across the shell of her ear.
Murphy smiled as he leaned forward and stole a quick kiss. "I agree with me dear brother. The dishes can wait. But we need ye now, love." His voice trailed to a whisper as he pulled her down the hall toward the bedroom.
###
In the hours since the dinner party had started, Tyler had made excellent use of his time. He heard muffled laughter and conversation coming from a slightly ajar upstairs window. He assumed they were in a banquet room above the bar.
He had circled the block a few times, getting a lay of the land. It looked like the bar took up the whole of the ancient brick building, with an alley on one side and a small side street on the other. The cold weather had meant almost total isolation, and no questions from noisy neighbors as he skulked in the shadows chain smoking.
Tyler inhaled deeply from his cigarette. His blood boiled as he watched Blythe climb out onto the fire escape with one of them. She was laughing and kissing him without a care in the world. She giggled as he wrapped his coat around both of them, tucking her head against his chest.
He was momentarily distracted when the door to McGinty's opened, bringing boisterous laughter and good-byes as the darker haired brother walked everyone out, including an older man. The bartender, if he had to guess.
"Get back inside and do some dishes, Murphy!" An older woman with red hair cackled as she walked down the street with a taller figure.
"Goodnight! Goodnight... goodnight... goodnight!" Murphy chuckled as he shut the older man's car door and waved to the departing guests. Tyler watched as Murphy lit a cigarette and leaned against the door of the bar, smiling as he enjoyed the night air.
Tyler ducked back into the shadows, concerned about being discovered. From his vantage point, he could see Blythe occupied on the fire escape in addition to the other brother smoking in front of the bar. He wondered how it worked between the three of them. If they were all fucking.
Blythe was always so reserved and uptight with him, especially when it came to sex. It had taken him an eternity to close the deal with her. It had deeply pleased him, knowing he had been her first. She belonged to him.
He grinned to himself as he remembered the private party his frat brothers had thrown him after he had taken Blythe's virginity. The outgoing President had taken him aside and offered him his congratulations. "You know Tyler, it's all about control. A girl like Blythe is perfect for a man with ambition. Be a gentleman to the outside world, and you can have whatever you want in private."
Tyler clenched his jaw. He had gotten sloppy with Lacey, taking what was in front of him because she was there. He had wanted her first, but it was obvious to him that she pursued him only because she couldn't have him. Lacey had tormented him for weeks, catching his eye around the apartment when Blythe wasn't around, begging him to hook her up with cocaine.
"Connor!" Blythe's voice was breathy and full of need.
His eyes shifted back to the fire escape, narrowing as he watched her stroke 'Connor' through his pants. She was never that forward with him. He kicked the wall as he watched the couple make out on the balcony, oblivious to being seen by anyone who cared to look. It didn't matter to him that the street was empty.
"They've turned my girl into a goddamned slut." He cursed under his breath.
Yet he couldn't look away. He could see Blythe's smile from across the street, illuminated as she turned towards the open window when the other brother showed up. He watched as she clambered back into the apartment, followed by the lighter haired brother.
It would take more than a few punches to scare off these two, he thought. Perhaps he could convince Blythe she would only be safe under the frat's protection? He had heard the woman in the diner talking about an uptick in muggings and assaults in the area.
From his vantage point, he could no longer see what Blythe and her new friends were up to, but he could venture a guess. If they were doing dishes, it would be ages before they headed back to whatever shitty apartment they called home. He would send a pledge to trail Blythe tomorrow.
Tyler threw the butt of his cigarette and stuffed his hands in his pockets. It was fucking cold and he needed a drink.
A blue glowing light from the back window of the bar building caught his gaze as he walked toward where he had stashed his car.
Blythe's twinkle lights. He thought. She lives above the bar!
His face twisted into a predatory grin. Blythe would be his, and those Irish fucks wouldn't know what hit them. He decided to walk a few more blocks over and grab a celebratory drink.
McMahon's was two blocks away from the docks and a decidedly seedier bar than McGinty's. The air was filled with stale cigarette smoke and the floors were tacky with spilled beer.
Tyler stuck out like a sore thumb, ordering a top shelf whiskey as he slid onto a bar stool with a ripped cushion.
"What the fuck are you doin in here, rich boy?" The man next to him rasped. He had a long fresh scar across his face. Tyler knew this man was dangerous, but his friendship could be easily bought with a round or two of drinks.
"You get lost on yer way to the whorehouse?" He laughed.
Tyler chuckled. "I'm having lady problems. Ended up wandering here."
The man laughed bitterly. "You certainly fucking wandered far from whatever Beacon Hill brownstone your daddy bought you. Lady problems? A guy like you, with everything? Now me? I've got problems. I was about to close the deal with this real sweet little peach, and these two Irish assholes show up, and cut my face in the middle of the day for talking to a woman. I bet you hit on a woman and their panties drop."
Is he talking about Blythe? Tyler wondered. She wouldn't go anywhere near a guy like this. They must have rescued her from some sort of situation. Maybe he could use this man to his advantage. If Blythe felt unsafe in this neighborhood, he could sweep in and play the savior.
Tyler signaled for another drink and pointed at the man's glass. The bartender refilled his glass and the scarred man's.
"Thanks, rich boy." The scarred man downed the glass of whiskey in one large gulp.
"Two against one doesn't sound like a fair fight. Why haven't you gotten a crew together and gone after these guys?" Tyler egged him on.
The scarred man scoffed as he signaled to the bartender. Tyler nodded as the bartender wandered back again with the bottle of whiskey.
"Go after these guys? You really aren't from this neighborhood are you, rich boy? I was rolled by the MacManus brothers. These guys are practically superheroes in this part of town. All the women swoon. A couple of do good hero types that can do no wrong. Helping little old ladies across the street and shite. Nobody fucks with them."
Tyler took a long slow sip from his glass. "Well. It's a damned good thing I'm not from this neighborhood."
The scarred man narrowed his eyes. "You buy me another drink, rich boy, and I'll tell ye if yer plan has merit."
Poor men are so easily bought. He thought. Time to release a crime wave on South Boston that will keep those Irish fucks occupied while I take back Blythe.
###
"Connor!" Blythe gasped as his lips drifted across her bare stomach. Her dress had been pulled over her head before they had made it into her bedroom. Connor and Murphy's clothing formed a trail from the living room to the bedroom. They picked her up and gently tossed her on the bed before arranging themselves around her.
Murphy chuckled as he held Blythe from behind. His arms were wrapped around her chest, with his thumbs absently circling her nipples.
"Murphy...please." She whimpered as she felt his teeth scrape against her neck.
"Patience, love...patience." His breath was hot against the shell of her ear.
Connor loved the way her brow furrowed slightly as the sensations of pleasure overwhelmed her mind.
"I told ye lass, this was way better than doin the dishes. Besides, I don't think we had nearly enough dessert." Connor grinned up at her as his fingers traced lazy patterns along her hips.
Her laughter turned into a low moan as his thumb drifted down between her folds. Desire echoed through her as he teased her clit with slow strokes of his fingertips. Her eyes were heavy lidded as she ran her fingers though his spiked hair.
Murphy's lips were on her neck, gently nipping at her soft skin.
"Ye taste so sweet, love." Murphy whispered as his tongue darted across an earlobe. Blythe shifted in his lap, gasping as his hardened length teased her entrance from behind.
Connor nodded and hummed in agreement as his mouth consumed her lower half, his tongue sweeping across her hardened bud with urgency. Blythe's hips flexed, arching into his touch.
Blythe gasped as Connor devoured her, the first orgasm exploding suddenly across his tongue.
His eyes were almost black as he grinned up at her, leaning back before licking her arousal from his fingers. Before she could catch her breath, Murphy grunted as he shifted behind her, filling her with one stroke.
"Murphy!" She gasped. His arms came around her in a bear hug, muscles flexing as he bounced her in his lap.
"Ye feel so good...so hot and tight for me. Come for me, love..." He buried his face in the crook of her shoulder. The angle allowed him to take her deep, and he knew he wouldn't last much longer.
"Yes! Murphy! Right there!" She cried.
Connor was stroking his length as he watched Blythe come apart in his brother's arms. A fine layer of sweat made her skin glow in the pale blue cast from the twinkle lights. She was uninhibited and gorgeous as she bit her lower lip, tumbling over the edge into another orgasm.
Murphy whimpered and then grunted deeply as he came hard. She twisted in his grasp, kissing him hard as they both struggled to catch their breath. Blythe giggled as he gave her a playful smack on the ass when she climbed off of him and towards Connor. She dipped her head and licked the head of Connor's weeping cock, giggling as he groaned low.
"You are insatiable tonight, aren't ye lass?" Connor grinned, his dimples showing as he pulled her into his arms. "Good thing there are two of us..." He teased.
Blythe giggled as Murphy began snoring softly, as if on cue.
She smiled against Connor's neck as he kissed her slowly, his fingertips dancing across her dampened skin.
"You two certainly bring out the passion in me, Mr. MacManus." She whispered as he pushed her back down on the bed, his hands tracing along her torso as he hovered over her.
Connor's eyes twinkled with unspoken emotion. "Ye certainly bring out the best in us, lass."
Blythe reached up and cradled his face, surprised by the intense turn of emotion.
He dipped his head and captured her lips as he slowly sank into her heat, never breaking eye contact as he drew his length out and pushed back in again.
"Connor..." She whispered.
His biceps flexed as he hovered above her, memorizing her features as they made love.
"Eyes on me, lass." He whispered, his jaw flexing.
Her orgasm started in gentle waves, the low fluttering in her belly increasing in intensity as Connor continued to stare into her soul.
"Blythe..." He gasped as he came, collapsing on top of her. She peppered him with kisses as he rolled over, pulling her into his arms. Murphy turned over in his sleep and curled around her from behind, his arm circling her waist. She smiled as she played with Connor's small patch of chest hair, her eyelids growing heavy.
"Tá tú ag an coimeádaí ar mo chroí." Connor whispered as they drifted off to sleep.
You are the keeper of my heart.
###
The next morning, Blythe woke up cold and alone in bed. It was definitely Monday. She vaguely remembered the boys mentioning being on an early shift together. She pulled the covers around her, smiling as she inhaled the scent of her men on the sheets. The thought of being alone with the rest of the dishes made her want to snuggle in and hit the snooze button a few more times. A loud buzzing shook her from her blush inducing memories of last night.
She gasped as she looked at the time on her alarm clock, scrambling to hop into the shower. A few minutes later, she pulled on a dress and tights as she pulled her bag together for work,
"Where the hell did I leave my keys?" She cursed as she rushed into the living room.
Blythe stopped cold when she saw that Connor and Murphy had put the apartment back together first thing this morning. All the dishes were clean and put away, and the folding tables and chairs were nowhere to be seen.
There was a note next to an apple and a granola bar.
You look like an angel when you sleep. Hated to leave you this morning, can't wait to see you tonight. Take the car, it might snow again. Meet us at the diner after work. Peg is cooking tonight. ;-) Love to our love/lass-
M & C
Blythe clutched the note to her heart before folding it into her pocket as she ran downstairs and rushed out the front door to the bar. Doc wasn't in yet as she double checked the locks.
When she made her way over to the hatchback, there was a single red rose on the driver's side of the windshield.
I am the luckiest woman in Boston. She thought.
Kath gave her a knowing smile as they grabbed lunch in the cafeteria. She had been about fifteen minutes late this morning, but her boss had been understanding since Blythe was usually ten minutes early. The photographs she brought in shot on chocolate were a huge success and she couldn't wait to share the good news with Professor Flandus and Connor and Murphy.
"Late night?" Kath teased.
Blythe blushed as her mind flashed to the feeling of Murphy's arms around her as he made her come apart.
"You have no idea, Kath."
Her friend giggled. "Oh I can imagine, the way those two were looking at you all through dinner. In case you didn't know it, they're hopelessly in love with you."
Blythe beamed. "I'm in love with them too, Kath. Last night really did feel like family...and Connor and Murphy make me feel...complete in a way I never thought was possible. It scares me to be so happy. What if it doesn't last?"
Kath grabbed her hand across the table. "Honey, you can't think like that. The world is a dangerous and random place. Embrace your happiness. You deserve it. Hell, those two even won over Ken...and that's amazing considering what he said on the car ride over-he wanted to go into major protection mode when I told him you were dating two dashingly handsome Irishmen at the same time. I thought he was going to challenge them to a duel or something when we got to McGinty's, and they end up talking about the Patriots and drinking!"
They both giggled at the thought of Ken challenging Connor and Murphy to a duel over her honor.
"Thanks, Kath. Well, we'd better get back to work." She smiled as they cleared their plates. The cafeteria was mostly empty.
Kath smiled. "Only a few more hours to go. Besides, I have a hot date tonight. Ken is making dinner!"
Blythe smiled. "Lucky woman. Of course... you are always welcome to join us at Peg's tonight if it doesn't turn out well..."
Kath cackled down the hallway. "I'm going to tell Ken you said that, honey!"
###
Connor and Murphy were smoking outside the diner when Blythe pulled up in the hatchback. It was cold, with the blue haze of twilight hanging onto the last bits of light in the sky. It was lucky that the snow in the forecast never materialized.
Murphy scooped her up into his arms and twirled around in a circle. Blythe giggled into his neck and kissed along his jaw.
"Did you miss me, love?" His eyes glittered with happiness as he set her down.
Blythe pretended to think about it. "Well, I definitely missed Connor..."
Murphy grabbed her around the waist and tickled her sides until she was helpless in his arms.
"Ok, I definitely missed you, Murphy...ah! Both! I missed you both!" Her voice was breathless from laughing so hard.
"Smart answer, lass." Connor chuckled as he leaned over and kissed her temple. "Now who's hungry?"
Blythe linked her arms around both of them as they walked into the diner. "Definitely me!"
Peg gave them their favorite back booth, winking as she walked away to put in their orders.
Connor played with the garnet on her ear, his blue eyes sparkling as she told them about her day.
"By the way, gents... I can't thank you enough for doing the dishes this morning. It was a lovely surprise, even if I was sad to wake up alone."
Murphy stroked her knee under the table. Connor smirked as he kissed her temple.
"Happy to help, love...did ye eat yer breakfast?" He smiled.
"Aye, lass. 'Tis the most important meal o' the day." Connor added.
Peg returned with their food, laughing as Murphy made a face at the steamed broccoli Blythe had ordered.
"Yes, gents. I ate my breakfast. You two take such good care of me. You spoil me even. The rose on the car was a nice touch. What did you guys do, wake up at 5 this morning?" She laughed as she lifted a forkful of food.
Connor's jaw tightened as he exchanged a look with Murphy behind Blythe's back. Murphy shook his head slightly at his brother. It definitely wasn't either of them. And no way Rocco would have done it.
They had barely gotten themselves out the door on time this morning. Who left a flower on the car? And how did they know Blythe had been driving it?
"We'd love to take credit for the flower, lass. But it wasn't either of us." Connor said. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder as he saw the blood drain from her face.
Tyler? No...it couldn't be. How would he know where she was? She thought.
Blythe cleared her throat and put on a brave face. The boys already worried too much as it was.
"Perhaps it wasn't for me, Connor. It is your car after all...maybe you have a secret admirer?" Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
Connor tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Well, lass, if she isn't you then I'm not interested."
Murphy stroked a thumb across her hand. "We only have eyes foe you, love. Even if you make us eat vegetables."
That made Blythe chuckle.
"You two always know what to say to make me feel better." She laughed.
"Aye. And we have a few ideas on how to make you feel better as well." Connor winked.
The mood was slightly lifted as they paid their bill and said their goodbyes to Peg. Connor drove the car down the street and made sure to park it in a different spot than yesterday.
None of them said a word, but they all looked around suspiciously at the shadows as they made their way into the bar.
Connor and Murphy exchanged another look as Blythe walked ahead and chatted with Doc.
"It could be nothing, but we should keep alert." Connor said softly.
Murphy put a hand on his brother's shoulder as he lit a cigarette.
"Aye."