Darren lynch

Kian

I wasn't expecting to see Darren Lynch sitting in our kitchen when I got home.

The sight of him—a sharp contrast to the house around him—made me stop in the doorway. The place was a mess, like always. Empty cans stacked on the counter, dishes piled in the sink, a faint stink of stale beer hanging in the air. But Darren? He looked like he didn't belong anywhere near this place.

Dressed in a crisp button-down, sleeves rolled up neatly, he sat at the kitchen table across from Ma. Papers were spread out between them, neat and organized, the complete opposite of everything else in this house. His wedding ring caught the light when he moved his hand, tapping his fingers against the wood as he spoke in a low, even voice.

Ma was nodding along, eyes red-rimmed, her hands clenched together so tight her knuckles had gone white.

I cleared my throat. "What's going on?"

Ma's head snapped up, her eyes widening like she'd forgotten I even lived here.

"Kian," she breathed, trying for a smile. It didn't quite reach her eyes.

Darren turned slightly, regarding me with that unreadable expression I'd only ever seen from him. Unlike Joey, who made it obvious he didn't trust me, Darren didn't give anything away. He was too composed, too professional. I couldn't tell if he hated me or just didn't care enough to have an opinion.

"I was just going over the court details with your mother," he said, voice even.

I glanced at the papers on the table. Custody forms, statements, legal documents. My stomach twisted.

"So it's happening, then?" I asked, stepping further into the room.

Ma exhaled shakily, nodding. "They think we have a real shot."

Darren folded his hands together. "The case is strong. Your mother's done everything right. There's still a lot to get through, but if everything stays on track, we could have a hearing scheduled soon."

A hearing. That meant we were actually going to fight for Emi. That Ma had a chance to get her back.

It should've been good news. It was good news.

But all I could think about was Shane.

I forced myself to nod. "That's... good."

Darren studied me for a beat, then looked back at Ma. "I'll file the paperwork by the end of the week. We'll need to prepare for any counterarguments, but for now, focus on staying on top of everything we discussed."

Ma nodded, wringing her hands together. "Thank you, Darren. Really."

His expression softened, just a little. "I told you, I'll do everything I can."

I wondered if that promise extended to me.

Because getting Emi back was one thing. Keeping her safe, keeping Ma safe—that was something else entirely.

And I wasn't sure a courtroom was enough to fix that.

I was halfway to my room when Darren's voice stopped me.

"Kian, a word?"

I turned slowly, heart thudding, finding him standing just outside the kitchen doorway. Ma was still at the table, running a hand over her face, looking drained. Darren, on the other hand, was as composed as ever.

I hesitated for half a second, then nodded and followed him out onto the front step.

The air was cold, a sharp bite against my bruises, but I kept my arms loose at my sides, refusing to show any weakness.

Darren shoved his hands in his pockets, glancing up the road before looking back at me. "I don't trust your father."

I let out a short, humorless laugh. "Yeah? Welcome to the club."

His expression didn't change. "I need to know something, and I need you to be honest with me."

I tensed but didn't say anything.

Darren stepped a little closer, lowering his voice. "Is he still hurting your mother?"

My jaw clenched.

I should've expected that question. I should've seen it coming the second I walked in and saw him sitting at the table.

But it still caught me off guard.

I swallowed hard, shrugging. "Not when he's sober."

Darren's nostrils flared slightly, the only crack in his composure. "And when he's not?"

I didn't answer.

I didn't have to.

Darren exhaled through his nose, glancing away like he was reeling himself back in.

"That's what I thought."

I shifted on my feet, suddenly wanting a cigarette. "Is that all, or—"

"No." He looked at me again, sharp and assessing. "What about you?"

My stomach twisted. "What about me?"

"I know what it looks like when someone's been on the receiving end of a few hard hits," he said flatly. "And you're not very good at hiding it."

I clenched my teeth so hard my jaw ached.

"I can handle it."

Darren's eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite place.

"That's what your mother said about herself, too."

My chest tightened.

I didn't want to talk about this.

Not with him. Not with anyone.

"You gonna put that in the court statement?" I asked bitterly. "Because if you tell a judge, we'll lose Emi for good."

Darren's jaw tensed. "I'm not going to do anything that puts your sister at risk."

I scoffed, shaking my head. "Then drop it."

He exhaled sharply. "Fine."

I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me again.

"One more thing."

I glanced back, irritated. "What?"

His gaze was unreadable. "Mallory."

Something in my chest twisted.

I schooled my face into a blank expression. "What about her?"

Darren studied me for a long moment. Then, finally, he just shook his head.

"Nothing," he muttered, stepping past me. "Just... be careful, Kian."

He didn't need to say more.

I knew exactly what he meant.

Darren left after that and Ma barely acknowledged his departure, too caught up in her own thoughts, and I didn't stick around to watch her spiral. I couldn't.

I needed air.

Needed space.

Needed to not think about what Darren had said.

I grabbed my jacket and headed out, not sure where I was going until I found myself walking toward town.

The garage was closed, but that didn't stop me from hovering outside for a second. The lights were off, the shutters pulled down. Joey was probably home with his family, where a normal father should be on a Saturday night.

My stomach twisted at the thought.

With nowhere else to go, I walked aimlessly for a while, hands shoved deep in my pockets, hood pulled up. The streets weren't busy, but there were enough people out that I wasn't completely alone. I caught sight of a few lads from school heading toward the off-license, already laughing and loud. A couple of Tommen girls walked past, throwing me looks, but I ignored them.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

I pulled it out, expecting Dean or one of the other lads, but my stomach flipped when I saw the name on the screen.

Mallory.

I hesitated for a second before opening the message.

Lynchy: You alive?

A smirk tugged at my lips.

Me: Barely. You worried about me, princess?

The dots appeared instantly.

Lynchy: Hardly. Just making sure you didn't get yourself killed being an eejit.

Me: Touched, really.

Lynchy: Shut up. What are you doing?

I glanced around at the quiet street.

Me: Walking.

Lynchy: Where?

Me: Dunno. Just needed to clear my head.

She didn't reply right away, and for a second, I thought she was done with the conversation. Then—

Lynchy: Want company?

I blinked at my screen.

I hadn't expected that.

I chewed on the inside of my cheek, debating it. I knew I shouldn't. Knew I should just tell her no and keep walking, keep pretending things were normal.

But fuck.

I wanted to see her.

Me: Where are you?

Lynchy: At home. But I can sneak out.

I let out a short laugh, shaking my head.

Me: Reckon your da would kill me if he found out?

Lynchy: Absolutely.

I grinned.

Me: Text me when you're out.

Kian

I leaned against the side of a closed shop, phone in hand, waiting. A few minutes later, my screen lit up.

Mallory: I'm out. Where are you?

I sent her my location, pushing off the wall and walking toward the quieter side of town. A few minutes later, I spotted her.

Mallory Lynch, sneaking out in the middle of the night just to see me.

She had her hood up, blonde hair spilling out in waves, and her hands were shoved into the pockets of her jacket. When she saw me, she rolled her eyes.

"You look like a drug dealer, standing there like that."

I smirked. "Good thing I am one, then."

She scoffed but kept walking until she was right in front of me. "So? You gonna tell me why you're wandering around like some lost puppy?"

I shrugged, keeping my expression light. "Needed air."

Mallory eyed me like she knew there was more to it but wasn't sure if she should push. She didn't, though. Instead, she sighed and nodded toward the street. "Come on, let's walk."

I fell into step beside her, hands in my pockets. It was quiet, the town mostly asleep, the only sounds coming from the occasional car in the distance.

After a few minutes, I exhaled sharply. "Your uncle was at mine tonight."

She didn't react the way I expected. No surprise, no confusion. Just a small nod, like she already knew.

"Darren?" she asked, voice careful.

"Yeah." I watched her closely, but her expression didn't change.

"For what?"

I hesitated, kicking a loose stone on the pavement. "He's my ma's lawyer."

Another nod. Still not surprised.

I frowned. "You already knew."

Mallory pressed her lips together, then sighed. "Yeah."

I stopped walking. "What the fuck, Mal?"

She turned to face me, arms crossed. "I wasn't trying to keep it from you. I only found out the other night. I just... I didn't know if you'd want me to bring it up."

I ran a hand through my hair, the weight of it all pressing down on me. "Jesus."

Mallory shifted closer, dropping her arms. "Are you okay?"

I let out a breath, looking away. "Something like that."

She was quiet for a second before nudging my arm with hers. "Come on."

"Where are we going?"

She grinned, stepping backward. "You'll see."

And fuck if I wasn't going to follow her anywhere.

I followed Mallory through the quiet streets, hands shoved deep in my pockets. She hadn't told me where we were going, just grinned like she had some big plan.

We passed the main part of town, heading toward the outskirts. After a few minutes, I recognized where we were going.

"The skate park?" I asked, raising a brow.

She shot me a smug look. "AJ used to bring me here when we were younger. Back when we actually got along."

I smirked. "Didn't peg you for a skater."

"I'm not," she admitted, stepping onto the pavement that led toward the ramps and rails. "AJ was, though. Used to show off like he was the second coming of Tony Hawk or some shit."

I chuckled. "Sounds about right."

The park was empty, dimly lit by a few streetlights, the occasional piece of graffiti-covered wood creaking in the breeze. It wasn't much, but it was a decent spot to kill time.

Mallory walked over to one of the ramps, hopping up and sitting down, legs swinging over the edge. I hesitated for a second before joining her.

She glanced at me, head tilting. "You ever been here?"

"A few times," I admitted. "Not recently."

"Why not?"

I shrugged, leaning back on my hands. "Shit changes. People stop hanging out, you get caught up in other things."

"Like dealing?" she said, half-teasing, half-serious.

I smirked but didn't answer.

Mallory let out a breath, looking up at the sky. "I used to think this place was the coolest thing ever when I was younger. AJ would let me tag along, even though his friends probably hated having me around."

"Probably," I teased.

She shoved my arm, laughing. "Asshole."

I just grinned, watching her. She looked different here, more relaxed. No expectations, no family watching her every move.

"You miss it?" I asked.

She hesitated, then nodded. "Sometimes. I mean, we're still close, but it's not the same. I guess that's what happens when you grow up."

I didn't say anything, but I got it. Shit never stayed the same. People drifted, life got in the way, and you were left trying to figure out where you fit.

For a while, we just sat there, the quiet settling around us.

Then Mallory turned to me, a small smile playing on her lips. "You ever skated?"

I let out a dry laugh. "Not well."

"AJ tried to teach me once. I fell on my ass immediately."

I smirked. "Sounds about right."

She rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Instead, she shifted closer, nudging her knee against mine. "You doing okay?"

I hesitated, then shrugged. "Something like that."

She didn't push, just gave me that look—the one that said she saw right through me but wasn't going to force me to talk.

And somehow, that made me want to.

Mallory's head slowly leaned against my shoulder, her hair brushing lightly against my neck. The warmth of her body, so close to mine, settled over me like a blanket. I wasn't sure how we ended up like this, sitting on a worn-out skate ramp at the park in the middle of the night, but I didn't want to move.

I instinctively wrapped my arm around her, pulling her a little closer, letting her settle against me. I felt her breath, steady and soft, and her presence wrapped around me like a comfort I didn't know I needed.

For a long moment, neither of us spoke. It was like the world had faded away, and there was only the two of us, just sitting in the silence, letting it carry us.

I couldn't help myself. Slowly, I tilted my head down, kissing the top of her head, breathing her in. It wasn't a deep kiss, but it felt like a promise, like something deeper than words could say.

She didn't pull away. Instead, she let out a soft sigh, her body relaxing even more into mine.

"I never thought we'd end up like this," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Like what?"

"Like this," she repeated, her hand coming up to rest on my chest. "Together, I mean."

I smiled, shifting slightly to look at her, our faces now only inches apart. "You'd be surprised how many things in life are unexpected."

She smiled back, her eyes soft. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

We stayed like that for what felt like hours, just wrapped up in each other, until eventually, the stillness of the night became too heavy to ignore.

"I should get you home," I said, reluctantly breaking the silence.

Mallory shook her head slightly, her fingers tracing circles on my shirt. "Not yet."

I leaned back again, letting her head stay on my shoulder. For once, it felt like we didn't have to rush, like time wasn't against us.

I kissed the top of her head again, feeling her body relax against mine. "We'll stay here for as long as you want."

"You know..I really like you Kian..like, I just want you."

I was taken back.

Mallory Lynch just told me she likes me.

Just told me she only wants me.

She was the most gorgeous girl I'd ever laid eyes on, she could get anyone she wanted and somehow she wanted me.

A scumbag from Elk's terrace who dealt drugs, and her cousin of all people was one of my clients.

I couldn't lose her

Couldn't lose my shot

Keep the head , Ki

Don't freak out

"Ki? Did ya hear me?"

"Aye..aye I did."

Her words hung in the air between us, and for a split second, everything felt frozen. My heart skipped a beat, and I could barely find the breath to respond. Mallory, the girl who had always been untouchable in my mind, was here, in my arms, confessing something that shook me to my core.

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "You really mean that?" My voice came out low, almost unsure, but I couldn't help it. I was scared.

She pulled back slightly, her face coming into view as she looked up at me. "Of course, I do," she said with a small, shy smile. "I've been thinking about it a lot."

My mind was spinning, trying to make sense of it. She wants me? I wanted to believe it, but I couldn't help questioning everything about it. Me? Kian? The guy who barely had a leg to stand on, the guy who lived on the edge, the guy who had so much baggage he'd be lucky if it didn't bury him? And yet, there she was, looking at me like I was everything she wanted.

I shifted, trying to gather myself, to find the words. But it felt like every time I opened my mouth, the words didn't come out right.

I brushed a hand through my hair, forcing myself to meet her gaze. "I can't lose you, Mallory," I admitted quietly, my voice tinged with sincerity. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. "Why do you think you'd lose me?"

I paused, hesitating. "I don't deserve you." The words felt too real, too raw, but they were true. "I'm not good for you, Mal." I looked down, my heart in my throat.

She reached out, placing a hand on my chest, her touch warm against my skin. "Stop. Don't say that."

I met her gaze again, my eyes desperate for reassurance.

"I'm a mess, Mallory," I said, my voice breaking a little. "And I don't want to drag you into that. I'm not like the guys you're used to—I'm not someone you can just show off to your family or..." I trailed off, not sure how to explain it. "I've made too many mistakes."

Mallory shook her head, her eyes soft. "You think I care about that?" she asked, her voice gentle. "I don't need you to be perfect. I just need you to be you."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I could feel the weight lifting off my chest, but at the same time, the fear settled in again. What if I hurt her? What if I let her down? I didn't know if I could give her everything she deserved.

"I just... I just don't want to mess this up."

She leaned in closer, her breath warm on my lips. "You won't, Kian. Just be with me. That's all I need."

And then she kissed me.

It was soft at first, like she was testing the waters. But as soon as her lips touched mine, I felt the floodgates open, and all the fear, all the doubt, everything just seemed to vanish. I kissed her back, fully, letting myself get lost in it.

When we finally pulled away, I was breathless, my chest rising and falling with every shaky breath.

She smiled at me, the kind of smile that made me feel like I was home, like everything was okay for the first time in a long while.

"I'm not going anywhere, Kian," she whispered, her thumb brushing gently over my cheek. "I'm right here. And I'm not leaving."

And for the first time in a while, I believed her.