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“We will be announcing your engagement to Ryan in one month.”
Every inch of my body freezes, my heart falls, and the air in my lungs instantly disappears.
No. No!
“What?”
“You’ll be moving to the city penthouse in anticipation of the engagement.”
“Why?”
My father lets out an exasperated sigh as he walks to the wet bar and pours himself a glass of whiskey. Looking into the glass, he swirls the amber liquid slowly without speaking.
Bringing the glass to his lips, he tips the glass back and swallows the whiskey in one swig.
“You knew this was coming,mo stór.This marriage will immensely benefit this organization. Ryan is a good man. He will treat you well.”
My eyes burn and my vision begins to blur.
My father’s face softens when he sees my tear-rimmed eyes. Setting the glass atop his desk, he strides over to me and pulls me into his arms.
His large hand cups the back of my head for a moment as he gives me a tight squeeze.
Pulling back, he cups my shoulders and offers me a small smile.
“Everything will work out as it is supposed to. You will have a good life with Ryan. He comes from a good family.”
I don’t want Ryan. I want Liam.
The words almost spill from my lips, but I swallow them down. I need to see Liam. I need to talk to him about this. We need to find a way to fight for us.
“Go pack your things. You’ll be moving to the penthouse today.”
My blood drains from my face and I step out of his embrace.
“Today?! I don’t want to go anywhere, Da.”
His face steels. My Da is not standing in front of me anymore. This is Conor Moore – Leader of the Irish Mafia.
“This is not up for discussion. Go pack your things.”
He dismisses me by turning his back and walking to the other side of his desk. His face remains stoic when he sits in his seat.
When I don’t make a move toward the door, he raises his brow in challenge, daring me to defy him.
I shake my head in disappointment and my face morphs with pain. When I spin on my heels, Declan’s eyes reflect sympathy. I’m not sure what is worse: the stone face of my father, or the face Declan has aimed at me.
The first tear slips from my eyes and rolls down my cheek. Without another word, I leave the study.
“You need to talk to him, ma! He’s sending me away. I don’t want to go. I don’t want to marry Ryan.” I sob into my phone. My mother listens silently on the other side.
“I’ve tried convincing him,mo stór.He will not budge on this.”
I pace back and forth and run my fingers through my long strands.
“Have you spoken to Liam? Have you told your father about him?”
I sigh into the phone. “No and no.”
