Page 143
My expression gives him nothing.
“Because he has Keira,” Graves continues. “Is this payback or something? You fuck around with the Tallon woman to even the board?”
I wipe blood from the corner of my mouth with the back of my glove. “Sera isn’t a piece on the board.”
Graves frowns. The rain pelting the barn roof grows louder in the silence as he considers me. Then he lowers his gloves all the way.
“Christ,” he mutters. “This has nothing to do with revenge.”
I hold his stare.
“You actually like the girl. Don’t ya?”
I admit nothing, because there are some truths a man shouldn’t hand over lightly. Even to someone he trusts.
Graves studies me for a moment, and his brows knit together.
He’s the man who taught me how to tape my hands, how to keep my chin down, how to take a hit without blinking. The man who spent hours in this barn with me when my father didn’t.
“You’re not going to marry Eilish, are ya?”
“No.”
Graves exhales through his nose. “Does your da know that yet?”
“He will when I’m ready.”
He looks toward the windows, then back at me. “Art Kinnane wants power more than he wants pride. He’ll rage, then renegotiate.”
“That’s not my problem,” I say. “He’ll just have to grow a set and deal with it.”
“It’s that easy, huh?”
“No.”
“Right, so you understand the size of the mess you’re making.” He shakes his head. “What’s your plan? Marry Sera Tallon and set your inheritance on fire?”
I pull at the fastening on one glove with my teeth. “I’m done being moved around by him. Being told what to do because he thinks it's the right way. I don’t need to marry anyone to position myself.”
Graves nods. “You’re a man now.”
My ribs tighten. “I’ve been a man for a while.”
“No.” His voice is rougher now. “You’ve been his heir, Fionn.”
Graves drags off one glove and tucks it under his arm.
“I’m employed by your da,” he says. “I’ve done things for him I’ll answer for when I die.”
“Graves.”
“But I’ve been by your side while you’ve grown up in this house.” His eyes hold mine. “Watched you learn. Watched you do things differently. You’re already more than what he made you.”
His mouth pulls into a gentle smile. “I’m proud of ya.”
The statement knocks me harder than his fist ever could.
I smile before I can stop myself.
