‘Oh, my darling, I hope you’re right.’

As he pulled her into his body once more, he was praying that she was right this time. But whatever happened, he knew he had no choice; he had to look after her as best he could.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Eight

Declan was tired out. He had a new little bird and she was more than willing in every way possible. She was only twenty-two, and she was built for pleasure. She had a lovely little face, blue eyes, thick blond hair and creamy skin, coupled with a pair of thirty-six D cups. She was also gifted with a mouth like a docker, and that, unfortunately for her, coupled with her desire to be married, was her main drawback. Declan was already on the look-out for a new conquest. Deirdre, though, was not about to be sidelined.

He had been here before – many times – and he had always managed to extricate himself from the lady in question. He wished they would listen to him from the off; he told them he wanted nothing from them other than a good time. He would always give them a nice parting gift – generally a few quid – or, if they were a bit posh, an expensive piece of jewellery. Deirdre, though, seemed determined to be around for the duration.

As he stood by the bar in the nightclub he had just opened with Michael, he felt irritation wash over him. Girls like Deirdre were born to be used – it was their lot in life. He could see her out of the corner of his eye – she was wearing fewer clothes than a professional athlete, and she was giving him the evil eye as if he might actually give a fuck. He was glad to see Michael walking over to him and, as they shook hands, he turned his back on his offending girlfriend with relief.

‘What a fucking success, Declan! It’s fabulous. Well done.’

Declan was pleased. He had worked hard on this place. He had acquired it as payment for a long-term debt. The man involved had a real passion for the gee-gees; unfortunately, the gee-gees didn’t have a passion for him. Declan had given him a good deal on the loans, and a generous time span for paying him back. Neither had been appreciated, of course, but that was a compulsive gambler for you. The man in question had eventually been given no other option than to sign the place over and walk away, debt-free.