Page 190 of Forced Vows

Perhaps not being able to see his daughter as a mob asset allows Brogan to be more accepting of Fiona's choices.

"Those two are so into each other it's like walking into an electric field when you stand between them." Me dolce fiore fans herself. "Everyone is going to be relieved when Fi turns eighteen, and they can start dating."

I grunt again. It's a useful expression with my woman. She comments on things I don't have any interest in. Like her youngest cousin's dating life. If I say I'm not interested, it hurts Róise's feelings.

If I grunt she assumes agreement and keeps talking. I like the sound of her voice, so It's a win-win.

"Speaking of Fi…" My fiancée stops talking, a cagey expression on her face I don't like.

"Speaking of your cousin?" I give the little troublemaker a look meant to intimidate as the elevator doors open.

Of course, she just smiles back and steps onto the elevator. There is not one iota of fear of me in her clear green eyes, and I cannot regret it. That doesn't mean I'm leaving this elevator before she gives me the answers I'm looking for.

I press the emergency stop. Recognizing my print, the elevator halts.

"What did you do? We're not moving."

"I'm aware." I lean back against the wall. "You did say you are going to work on my communication."

"What does that have to with…" She realizes the trap.

I smile. "Lead by example."

She rolls her eyes, but starts talking. "Fi wants to sneak away for her 18th birthday celebration."

"She wants to sneak away from the big ball? Doesn't she always find a quiet room to hole up in at parties? What's different about this time?"

After making an appearance, the guest of honor is not necessary at these events because the real reason for them is the chance for syndicate players to gather without drawing scrutiny.

"Nothing. We've already got the room she'll retreat to planned out. She wants to have a private birthday celebration with me, Kara, and Zoey. But she wants it to be…"

"What does she want it to be?" I prompt when Róise doesn't finish the sentence.

Why do I feel like my feisty fiancé has something to do with whatever scheme her cousin is trying to cook up?

"Well, you see for my 21st birthday…" She looks at me. "Can I tell you something in confidence?"

"What do you mean by confidence?" I'm not sure I have any limitations on what I will do for her.

Keeping her secrets is a pretty easy ask, but I won't allow her to put herself in harm's way. I guess that's my limitation.

"I need you not to tell my uncle. Because other people are involved. Adults. And we all have a right to privacy."

I warn her, "I can't allow you, or anyone else in your family, to be put at risk."

"No one is going to be put at risk and there is no risk in regard to past actions because they are over." She looks up at me with sweet innocence.

Which I know is a lie. What the hell has my fiancé been up to? "Talk."

With a disgruntled look, she does. "I wasn't thrilled about spending my 21st birthday having a fake party with a bunch of cronies of my uncle and you guys."

"What did you do about that?" I ask with genuine curiosity.

"My friends and I got together and watched Drunk Shakespeare."

"I'm surprised your uncle allowed that. It would be a difficult venue to secure "

"Well…" She looks up at me through her eyelashes, which is far too effective. "He didn't exactly know about it."

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