Page 104 of Sinful Sacrifice

I remain unreadable. “What did he want?”

“To discuss Paul Elsher and his daughter.” He gurgles out a laugh through the cigar. “The name didn’t even ring a bell until he sent me pictures of Paul—before and after his death. Like a makeover, only homicide-style.” He smirks, loving what Cernach did.

Vincent is one of the most ruthless men I know. Cernach doesn’t even give him a run for his money.

That confirms that Cernach killed Paul.

I nod and puff the cigar.

“He wants you to marry his niece.”

“I’m aware.” Two more puffs.

“He laid out a worthy argument for us to join an alliance with the Koglins.”

“If we set up an alliance with them, the O’Connors would see that as crossing them. That would be risky.”

We made a pact with the other families to never cross each other, or it’s war. The other three families against the one who threw the first punch.

“The O’Connors can fuck themselves. They’re beginning to bore me, and they have nothing to offer.”

I lean forward to tap ashes into the tray. “Pippa doesn’t want to marry me.”

“Why’s that a problem?”

“I also don’t want to marry her,” I lie.

It’s the first time I’ve lied to his face.

He stares, long and hard, questioning my honesty. I’ve known Vincent my entire life, trained with him, killed with him, and sat in hour-long meetings together. He knows I’m lying through my teeth, and I’m taking a risk by doing it.

“Ah,” he says, drawing that word out, smoke circling him. “Then, I’ll tell Cernach no deal.”

“I appreciate it, boss.” I’d like to get the hell out of this office, but my cigar isn’t finished. I take as many long inhales as I can, wishing I could eat the fucking thing and be done with it.

We smoke in silence for a good ten minutes until Vincent picks up conversation again. He talks about Amara and how much he appreciates how well I watch over her. He invites me to one of their weekly family dinners.

I nod, pretending I won’t make up an excuse when that night comes.

When my cigar is nothing but a stub, I snuff it out in the ashtray and raise my brow in question. A silent ask for permission to go.

He holds up a finger. “You’re like a second son to me, Damien, so I want to ask you this one question.”

I nod again.

“If you don’t want to marry his niece, then you’re okay with me marrying her off to one of our other men?”

“No,” I clip without hesitation.

Vincent rubs at his long chin. “That’s all I needed to know.”

I stand and head toward the door.

“I’m giving you this favor for the sacrifice your family has made for mine,” he says to my back. “This is your only one, and don’t you lie to me again.”

I peer back at him and tip my head forward. “Thank you, Vincent.”

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