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I swallow and blink to clear the tears from my vision. “Yes. It’s definitely a yes.”
He takes the ring from the box and slides it onto my finger. It’s a platinum Claddagh ring with a heart-shaped ruby held in the hands of friendship and a crown of diamonds above.
“It’s so beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it, luv. So, you’ll wear it and be mine forever?”
I hold it up for the two of us to admire. “I will.”
He cuddles me against his chest and presses a hand to my belly. “You realize I’m going to be even more possessive and overprotective now, right?”
I chuckle. “I am aware.”
I rest my head against his shoulder and kiss his neck. Closing my eyes, I breathe him in and memorize this moment because I can’t imagine ever experiencing another as perfect as this.
I’m not sure how long time passes, but the next thing I know, Finn is standing inside the doorway, whispering to Tag.
“Oh, goodness.” I sit up in Tag’s lap. “Did I fall asleep?”
“Aye, you drifted off, luv, but I didn’t mind a bit.”
I wipe my hands over my face and give myself an inward shake. “Sorry, Finn. Do you need to talk to your brother?”
Finn’s smile lights up his eyes. “I came to talk to both of you, but it seems I should congratulate you first. That’s a lovely ring you’ve got there, Laine.”
I smile and hold up my hand to admire it once again. “Thank you. Your brother is going to make me an honorary Quinn.”
“Well, we’re thrilled to have you.” Finn sets the laptop he’s carrying onto the desk to give me a hug. When he steps back, he looks between us and makes a face. “Should we talk later, then? Are the two of you having a moment?”
Tag chuckles. “We were having a moment and then Laine started snoring in my ear. I think it’s safe to say we’re ready to resume business as usual.”
I laugh and roll my eyes at him. “I wasn’t snoring. You’re making that up.”
He winks. “Maybe a little.”
Finn chuckles. “So, I’ve been poring over the files Laine copied from the Chicago outfit and think I have a way to create a business relationship and start a rapport. If I’m reading this right, it seems they have a surplus of guns that we might leverage to our advantage.”
Tag’s gaze lights up with a mix of admiration and strategic calculation. “That could strengthen our position here and also give us leverage in future negotiations.”
As we discuss possible approaches to engage with the Tessianos, the energy in the office is electric—professional, yet personal, and full of potential.
The thrill of strategizing together, of blending my world with theirs is exhilarating—and if it works to keep me alive, all the better.
I’m sure Tag marrying me will impact that as well. In most crime organizations, targeting the wife and family of other families is a breach of ethics. They like to think they can do business and keep the violence away from their personal lives.
We’ve pretty much outlined the plan when Bryan rushes into the office looking ill.
“We have a major fucking problem.”
Tag straightens, his body tensing. “What is it?”
Bryan balls his hands into fists. “I was on the phone with Sean when someone in the MC called it in. Aiden was seen storming into Declan McGuire’s loft. Shots were fired and Aiden staggered out a few minutes later.”
Tag’s jaw clenches. “Do we know Declan’s status?”
Bryan shakes his head. “Rumors are he’s dead. According to public opinion, the Quinns just took out one of the McGuire boys.”
Tag sinks back in his chair, looking ill. “Fecking hell.”
