Free Sweet Obsession (Men of Whiskey Row Book 1) by D. A. Young

offer.”
     
    “Don’t worry, luv. They’ll come around. Let’s make a deal,” Theo suggested. “If I’m right, and your parents do come around, you birds will do my next showing for free. If they don’t; and by the way I’m really hoping that they do, I’ll auction off one of my paintings, and the proceeds will go to the charity of your choice. Deal?” Theo looked at her expectantly as he held his hand out for her to shake.
     
    Grinning Noelle shook his hand. “It’ll never happen, but deal. Are we going to be much longer? Not trying to be rude, but I’ve got an early morning meeting with a couple of food vendors in Long Island.”
     
    Theo stood up and started gathering his supplies. “Yep, I’m done here for tonight. Still have to go home and shower. Got a late night rendezvous that I’m not trying to miss. She’s a yoga instructor.” The last part was said in a reverent tone, and Noelle rolled her eyes at him and slid her arm through his as she walked him to the door. She gave his cheek a quick kiss.
     
    “One day you’ll find a woman that won’t put up with any of your nonsense.” Theo looked at her with an intensity that was gone in the blink of an eye.
     
    “When that day comes, I hope she’s ready. Adieu ,” he murmured and opened the door where they promptly came face to face with a seriously pissed off looking Jack Sullivan.
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
    Past
    Whiskey Row, Tennessee 
     “What the fuck were you doin’ with Vlad this morning, Moira? You looked like his whore letting him grope you in front of everybody! Have you no shame?” Patrick Sullivan yelled. This line of questioning was followed by the sound of a slap and his mother’s cry of pain. Jack gritted his teeth and quietly left his bed. He and his brother had been in bed for an hour before their Pa had come stumbling through the door. Darby was fast asleep, but Jack was old enough to recognize the signs that had been leading up to this event all day. 
     This morning a heavily-pregnant Moira Sullivan had taken her boys to do some shopping in town at the General Mill Store. They’d run into their mother’s good friend Vivienne Romankov. Jack thought that next to his mother, Vivienne was the second prettiest woman in the world. She had the smoothest skin and slanted, molasses-colored eyes. Her ink black hair hung in waves down her slender back. 
     Vivienne was newly married to Alexei Romankov. The Romankovs were one of the richest families in Tennessee, and the two women had met at their mutual OBGYN several months ago. A friendship was formed instantly. Vivienne was bright, funny, outspoken, and opinionated. Moira was also all of those things- as long as Patrick Sullivan was not around. Patrick didn’t care for Vivienne and her strong personality. He also didn’t approve of the mixing of races and considered minorities to be beneath him.
     On this particular morning, Vivienne and his mother were discussing morning sickness, when Vlad Olafsson walked by. Vivienne placed a gentle hand on his arm and expressed condolences for his wife’s sudden passing in her sleep. Moira did the same, and he had gratefully hugged both women before continuing on his way. It was then that Jack noticed his father standing in the doorway of the market across the street, watching them. His ma was no fool and had quickly finished her shopping so they could head home. All day she was tense, jumping at each sound she heard outside. Dinner was served at five, and Moira had urged them to eat quickly. Afterwards, they were to take a short shower then go to bed. 
     “I wasna doing naught but comforting him, Patrick Sullivan! Fer God’s sake the man just lost his wife. I offered condolences from both of us and said we’d help with the kids if he needed. Do ya ken me? Tis all!” Moira stated defiantly.
     “And what about yer consortin’ with the likes of the communist’s nigger bitch? I done told you to keep my boys away from the