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    I answered Shannon''s questions, leaving out some of the more violent moments of living with my father. Drew continued to hug me to his chest, and Patrick took my hand, linking our fingers together. Shannon''s expression turned from shock to anger when I told her about first meeting my mother and Clint. Shannon reached across from Patrick, cing her hand on top of mine.


    "My dear sweet girl, you have been through so much; I am happy these boys came into your life. They will treat you right and keep you safe. I can tell how much they care about you already, and if you ever need someone to talk to or help set those boys straight. You speak to me. We will be your family now, too, if you''re ok with it." "Thank you, Shannon; you don''t know what that means to me." I squeeze her hand and rub at my eyes, hoping to stop the tears before they fall. As I pulled myself together, the guys and Patrick''s dads joined us in the family room. The guys noticed my red eyes and crowded around me, wanting to know if I was ok. Conner hade over, picking Shannon up off the couch and setting her down in Liam''sp, With Michael andn on either side of them. Conner went back into the kitchen and returned with two small sses with a small amount of brown liquid in both. Handing one to me, he then brought the other over to Shannon.


    "Dad, Emmy''s on pain meds; you shouldn''t be giving her whisky." Patrick said, reaching for my ss. Before he could take it from me, I quickly swallowed the shot of whisky. My eyes began to water, and my throat suddenly felt like it was on fire. I swallowed and coughed, trying to catch my breath. Drew helpfully patted my back as the other guys tried their best not tough.


    Is that really what whisky is supposed to taste like?" I asked, still coughing. Patrick snorted, and Conner gave him a dirty look before taking the ss from me.


    "Yes, my dear. That is some of the best Irish whisky there is. It''s meant to be sipped slowly so you can enjoy the vor, not swallowed in one go." Conner said with a smile.


    "I will remember that if I ever want to try it again, I assured him. Could I get some water, please?" I asked Conner as I wiped tears from my eyes again. Conner returned with a ss of ice water, and I gratefully sipped at it. We stayed quite a while visiting andughing at stories Patrick''s parents told about the boys when they were younger after trying to hide my third yawn. Patrick stood and pulled me to my feet.


    19


    Ok, guys, we should go before Emmy falls asleep." Patrick said, and everyone stood and headed toward the front door. After another fifteen minutes, where we all said our goodbyes, I pulled Shannon aside and hugged her. I thanked her again for everything she had done for me tonight. Promising we would be back soon for another dinner.


    Patrick led me to his car, where the rest of the guys were waiting. They each kissed me, promising to see me at home. Patrick helped me into the car, pulling the seatbelt across myp and clicking it into ce. He went to the driver''s side of the car and followed the guys down the driveway,


    It only took about ten minutes to get home. I had no idea we lived that close to Patrick''s family. We pulled up the driveway, parking by the front door. Patrick came to my side, helping me out and leading me into the house. The guys were waiting for us in the living room; I covered up another jaw-cracking yawn. I told them I was ready for bed and gave each of them a lengthy kiss. When I got to Patrick, I looked at him questioningly,


    Do you want to stay tonight?" I asked him. I knew he stayed here most of the time, but I didn''t know what he had nned for tonight.


    Of course I will, if that''s what you want. Did you want me to stay with you? If not, I have my room." Patrick said. Smiling and still blushing, I took his hand and led him toward my room. I called goodnight over my shoulder to the rest of the guys. A chorus of goodnights followed us into my room. Patrick closed the door behind us, pulled me toward him, and kissed me. I moaned as our kiss deepened. He ran his hands down my back, stopping at the hem of my shirt. He broke off the kiss long enough to ask if I wanted him to help me undress, and at my nod, his lips crashed back onto mine, and I lifted my arms; he quickly pulled my shirt off, then took a step back, making sure the wrap around my ribs was ok. He pulled his shirt off, tossing it toward theundry hamper. "Tell me if we need to slow down or stop, love. I don''t want to scare or hurt you, but I can''t stand not touching your beautiful body." Patrick said, waiting for my approval. When I nodded yes, he stepped toward me again, reaching behind me; he unsped my bra and 1/2


    carefully pulled it off of me-groaning when he saw me naked from the waist up for the first time.


    "You''re beautiful, love." Patrick murmured, dropping to his knees and reaching for my pants. I held onto his shoulders as he helped me out of them. He left my panties on, then leaned forward, cupping my breasts in his hands; he gently sucked a nipple into his mouth, causing me to moan. As he moved between my breasts, sucking on my nipples, he ran his hand down past my waist. Stopping at my panties, he gently ran a find over my slit, groaning at how wet I was. He quickly pulled my panties down, and I stepped out of them, spreading my legs further apart so he would touch anywhere he wanted. After running his finger down my wet slit again, he suddenly stood, picking me up andying me gently on the bed. He spread my legs so he couldy between them, then climbing onto the bed with me, he began cing light kisses on my inner thighs, working his way toward my soaking core. Chapter