Page 88 of The Duchess He Couldn’t Resist

Brandon nodded, his mind already churning. The plan was risky, but Duncan was right, they only had one chance to do this. And after that, he was going to go home to her. He would get this over with, and then Marigold would be waiting for him.

* * *

The next hours were a blur of preparation. They checked the weapons, looked over the maps, and discussed the plan again and again. Everybody was on edge, but they had been working for this for a long time. Finally, they would get what they wanted, and Johnny would get what he deserved.

Brandon was trying to focus on the raid that they were preparing, but his mind kept drifting to Marigold. He had started this journey to annihilate Johnny because of Greta, and he was still out to avenge her. But things had changed the moment he stumbled into the dark alley and saved Marigold. Now, it was more than revenge. It was payback for the way this gang had treated his wife. It was to heal her wounds and make her feel safe.

“You look distracted,” Owen observed.

“I am fine.”

“I didn’t say you are not fine. I said you look distracted. And I know exactly why.”

“Aren’t you clever,” Brandon deadpanned.

“I am.” Owen chuckled. “And that is exactly the reason I know you’re thinking of your pretty little wife.”

Brandon looked up, saying nothing but not denying it either.

“Don’t worry,” Owen smirked. “Worst thing that can happen is you getting a little hurt, and her fussing over this, playing nurse. You seemed to enjoy it last time.”

“You are an idiot.”

“I think we have just established that I am clever.”

Brandon shook his head. His friend spoke the truth. He was on edge because of Marigold. Before, his total focus would be on the mission. That would be so much easier, painless perhaps, and more effective but also pointless. His whole life he was struggling to reach this point. All he wanted was to confront Johnny, tear down his operations. That was the only goal he had set for himself in this life.

What his life would be after that revenge was a thought that never crossed his mind. He never saw a life after this before.

But now, things were different. Now, this whole mission, this raid, was not the whole purpose of his life. In fact, now it was merely an obstacle. Just the nuisance that he had to overcome so that he could have the rest of his life with her.

“Let’s do this,” Brandon said with renewed purpose.

Soon the Dark Hand moved out toward the docks. They were quiet, serious, and focused. They moved through the dark streets, wearing the simple clothes of smugglers, a silent army of shadows. Brandon was supposed to be the head of this new threat against Johnny’s territory, pretending to be the leader of the smugglers.

“We are being watched,” Owen murmured.

“That is the plan,” Brandon kept his eyes forward.

Soon enough, they reached the designated meeting point. It was one of the warehouses at the edge of the docks that Marigold had already pointed out as one of Johnny’s lairs, so the Dark Hand had already scoped it out.

“Remember,” Brandon said to his men, “we are smugglers. We are here to negotiate. We are the distraction and the front line. Let them think they have the upper hand.”

Brandon pushed the door open and entered. He looked around with a wary eye. It was an open warehouse, mostly empty. There was a large table at the center. And there, sitting at the table, was the man that Brandon had spent almost all of his life hunting—Johnny.

Brandon looked upon his arch-nemesis for the first time. Johnny was every bit the incarnation of evil that Brandon had pictured in his mind. Gray hair crowned his cruel, sharp face. Some disease left untreated had disfigured his features, making him look like the same monster that he was inside. But what Brandon focused on was the sharp, calculating eyes Johnny was regarding him with. This man was a worthy opponent.

“Well, well, well,” Johnny said in a chilling voice. “If it isn’t the new boys on the docks.”

Brandon looked at Johnny, trying to stay calm. He was tempted to rush and kill him right there and then.

“I was wondering if you were going to come,” Johnny added, smooth and mocking.

“I am here to negotiate,” Brandon said, calm and confident. “There is enough space in the docks for both of us.”

“How daring of you to come into my territory making demands.”

“I haven’t even started making demands yet,” Brandon said as he looked around the room.