Page 37 of Fiercely Protective

Father Michael looked back at me, a mixture of sympathy and kindness mingled in his glance. “I don’t know thecircumstances behind this rushed marriage. I didn’t ask, but if this is something you don’t wish to do….”

“Michael,” Rogue said in a harsh voice.

I tried to give him a small smile, but I couldn’t muster more than just a slight curve of my lips. “I will be alright. Can we please just get this over with?”

He sighed heavily and nodded his head before beginning the ceremony. I don’t believe I heard most of the words that were spoken. I repeated what was asked of me, but tuned out the rest of the ceremony. I do remember shivering and feeling dizzy as Rogue slipped a plain platinum band over my finger and wondered where he had procured a ring on such short notice. When his arm wrapped around my waist, I couldn’t help but be thankful for his strength because I wasn’t sure how much longer I could remain standing. He turned me to face him, and I could see the concern on his face.

“Are you going to faint?”

I blinked a few times. “Is it over?”

“Yes, it’s over.”

“But you didn’t kiss me.”

He led me over to the first pew to take a seat. “With the way your face had gone ghostly pale, I was afraid you were about to hit the floor. Sit here with Father Michael, I will go get you something to drink.”

He walked away and I lowered my head, hoping the dizzy feeling I was experiencing would subside. I felt Father Michael sit beside me. He placed his hand over mine. He seemed quite at odds with the situation.

“I am sorry for my part in this.”

“It’s alright. Does Rogue have something he is holding over your head, blackmailing you to do his bidding, hoping you will pray for his dark soul?”

He chuckled softly. “Sadly, it isn’t salvation that Rogue seeks.”

His words and the tone of his voice sparked my curiosity. “How do know him?”

“I’m not sure Rogue wants me to share his secrets.”

I rolled my eyes, wondering how a man like Rogue Delaney commanded such loyalty. “It is not like you are telling just anyone. I am his wife now…thanks to you.”

I could still tell that he was torn as to how much was acceptable to tell me and for a minute, I thought he wouldn’t respond.

“We grew up together. Both of us from the wrong side of the tracks, so to speak. My father died in prison, and I’m not even sure if Rogue knows who his father is. He never talks about him or any family. We were around eleven years old when we met. I was picking pockets on the streets in one of the fashionable districts of Chicago. I was pretty good, but one day I got caught, and the man grabbed my shirt collar and started punching me. Rogue saw what was happening, picked up a metal rod from somewhere, and cracked it across the man’s knees and then over his back. The man released me, and we both ran. We became close friends after that. Rogue watched after me, he took care of his friends. He was a born leader. I knew he was meant for more than just petty thievery. He was smart. By the time we were teenagers, Rogue had built up quite an enterprise. Stealingcars and other merchandise, but it was all petty stuff. Then one day he met Alessio Messina. Alessio was the heir to the Messina crime family in New York. Alessio admired Rogue and taught him how to use his brains to create a powerful organization. He taught him how to be a businessman. By the time he reached his early twenties, he had grown very powerful and already controlled much of the city. I still worked for him at that time.”

“You used to be a part of Rogue’s organization?”

“I was his second in command. He trusted me with his life.”

“What happened?”

“The more Rogue grew in power and wealth, the more enemies he had. One day there was an assassination attempt by another bad element in town. He failed and Rogue captured him and killed him to send a message. I was there. The next day, I told him that I couldn’t be involved with the death and danger anymore. I didn’t have what it took to be a part of his world. I knew where his life was headed, and I didn’t want to live in fear or surrounded by danger at every turn.”

“Was he angry with you?”

An almost playful smile overtook his features. “Angry? No, he had already picked my replacement. Somehow, he knew I wasn’t strong enough for this life, and he was ambitious. His power would only grow stronger. He was destined to be just as big as any other crime family in the country, and he has earned his place.”

I listened intently, knowing there was more he wasn’t saying. “You became a priest?”

“I did. And a damn good one too.”

I shook my head slightly. “But you have remained friends. Do you condone what he does?”

“I never said I condoned what he does, but I am his friend and while he resides in darkness, I know there is good in him.”

I heard heavy footsteps approaching and was disappointed that I couldn’t find out more about the man I was irrevocably tied to now.

“Fuck, Michael. We aren’t in a confessional.”

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