Page 17 of Craig

It was her time to frown.

"What if the old man's playing a trick on Muldoon? To force him to settle down. If that's the case, then you'd be stuck in a fake marriage with your hands tied."

"He's not pretending. He really is dying. His doctors-"

"Could have been paid off. The man has enough money to make that happen."

Settling back in the chair, she shook her head at him. "When did you become this cynical and suspicious of everything and everyone?"

"Since I became a cop and have seen the darker side of humanity," he told her grimly.

"There has to be another way for you to get the money. I don't like this."

"There's no other way, and I did not tell you in order to ask for permission. I already agreed."

His eyes flashed.

"Your impetuous nature is going to get you into trouble. You just told me you're going to be living with a complete stranger as his wife-"

"It's a big house."

"Regina-"

"Enough!" She held up a hand.

"All I'm asking is that you come to the wedding-"

"The fake wedding."

"Yes, dammit. I'm doing this, and I would like the only family I have to be supportive-"

"I'm not the only family you have," he reminded her quietly.

"Don't!" She lunged to her feet, turning to him with flashing eyes.

"Don't mention his name, don't say that he's my family. You're my family. After mom died, it's just you. Don't-" She took a shaky breath and closed her eyes briefly.

Dylan rose slowly, regret stamped all over his face.

"I'm sorry, baby." He reached for her, ignoring her effort to resist him, and drew her into his arms.

His heart twisted when he realized she was trembling, and he silently cursed the man who had done this to her, to both of them. He had ruined their lives, made it almost impossible for them to have lasting relationships.

"All right," he murmured, rubbing his hands up and down her back soothingly.

"I'll be there. But he'd better not be trying to trick you. Did you tell him I carry a gun?"

Her burst of laughter had him smiling in relief.

"I did."

"And that I'm the worst big brother ever?"

"He knows."

Easing her back, he took her chin in his hand and felt the grief at that haunted look on her beautiful face. He would give anything to rid her of it.

"Okay, honey. I'm on board. But only because I'm a sucker for your very plain face."