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Conor and Caetlin stand and make their way to the front of the tables. Conor is handed a microphone. The feedback grates through my ears and the crowd quiets.
“Thank you all for coming tonight. I’m sure you’re all wondering why Caetlin, and I requested your presence.” He gestures toward Ryan who stands and reaches his hand out to Emily.
She peers over at me from the corner of her eye, and I avert my gaze. From my peripheral, I see her place her hand in his and stand. He places his hand on the small of her back and they walk toward her parents.
“Tonight, we’re here to announce the union of The Moore and Monroe Families.” He smiles widely and everyone around me claps.
I bite down on my tongue until the tangy taste of blood fills my mouth.
Emily looks uncomfortable standing next to Ryan, and I resist the urge to throw her over my shoulder and run out of here. Every cell in my body is screaming to tell Conor to fuck off and take her away.
You’re replaceable. Nothing.
The gun tucked in my shoulder holster burns into my ribs. Calling for me to shoot Conor, Ryan, and even Declan. To show them that Emily is mine.
Ryan holds out his hand and Conor hands him the microphone. Holding Emily’s hand in his, he faces the guests.
“The marriage between Emily and I will not only greatly benefit both our families, but also create new opportunities for all of those who work with us. Our union is a step into a new age for the underworld.” He looks over to Emily who is watching him with a smile.
I know that smile. It’s the fake one she plasters on her face to hide her emotions inside. The one she uses when she’s about to burst into tears.
Feck.
I shift in my seat as the need to go up there grows.
Rhys kicks my foot and I whip my head in his direction. He flares his eyes in warning and then glances over at Declan who is watching his family.
“To Ryan and Emily.” Conor’s voice booms through the microphone once again. The crowd raises their glasses and repeats “To Ryan and Emily.”
A loud gunshot echoes through the room, and I watch in horror as Conor’s head is thrown backward. Blood splatters across Caetlin’s face.
Bang!
Another shot sends Ryan to the ground like a damned tree.
Everything moves in slow motion. People scatter, tables are overturned, blood sprays, and shots continue to fly through the air.
Emily. I need to get to Emily.
I pull both of my guns from their holsters and shove my way through the chaos.
“Emily!” I shout over all the noise around me.
The room is a blur of colored gowns, tablecloths, and blood. So much fucking blood. Bodies drop like dominos but there is still no sign of Emily. Terror fills my veins with each second that I don’t hear her reply.
I shoot a man in the chest who is climbing through a broken window and continue trudging through.
“Liam!” I hear her shriek and I feel her panic in my bones.
A massive guy comes at me like a freight train, but I quickly raise my weapon and shoot him between the eyes. His body crashes into the table directly in front of him, sending everything flying.
Declan is racing out of the room with his ma in his arms. Her frantic eyes scan the carnage. When they meet mine, they widen, and she points somewhere over my shoulder.
I spin around and spot Emily’s red hair in the crowd. My mind can’t navigate the panic and relief I feel from seeing her. I don’t glance back to Caetlin or Declan before I take off in her direction.
“Emily!” I shout again, hoping she can make her way toward me. My body is jostled left and right by people colliding with me.
“Argh!” someone growls just before pain erupts on my cheek. I’m thrown to the ground from the sudden hit. One of my guns is kicked from my grip by a woman running.
