Page 87 of Bound By Revenge

My heart clenches. This poor, poor girl. “Oh Erin, I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”

She nods again, her tears spilling over despite her effort to keep them at bay. I quickly rummage through my clutch, pulling out a pack of tissues and handing it to her.

“Thank you,” she mumbles, taking one and dabbing at her eyes before clearing her throat.

“Don’t mention it,” I say softly, giving her space to gather herself.

“You’re the first person to say that to me,” she says quietly, her voice trembling. “That you’re sorry for my loss, I mean.” Shedabs at her tears, turning her head slightly as if to shield her grief from the others.

“What do you mean?” I ask, disbelief lacing my voice. “What about your friends? Your family?”

“No one would dare say it,” she admits with a shaky breath. “They won’t even acknowledge he’s gone, let alone that I might be grieving. It’s... taboo. Because of my dad, and everything that happened back then.”

I shake my head, horrified. “I can’t believe this. You lost the man you loved, and no one has even offered you a shoulder to cry on?”

Her bitter laugh is quiet but cuts through me. “It’s worse than that. We’re barely allowed to say his name. It’s like he never existed. Like his death isn’t even real.”

“Oh, Erin,” I murmur, my chest tightening. “I’m so sorry.”

She nods, sniffling softly as she wipes her tears. After a moment, she pats my hand on the railing. Her touch is hesitant but sincere. “Thank you for your kindness.”

“Of course,” I say gently. “You don’t have to thank me for just... being a decent human being.”

“No, I do,” she insists, her tone firmer. “I really do. And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention this to anyone. My dad can’t know.”

“It’ll stay between us,” I promise. “But Erin, there’s something you should know.” I glance around, making sure no one’s close enough to overhear, then lower my voice. “Your dad might pretend Maxim never existed, but his death is very real to Nik. He hasn’t forgotten, not for a second. If there’s anything you know—anything Nik should hear—don’t be afraid to tell him.”

Erin stares at me for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she nods, just once, before turning back toward the horizon.

Erin’s eyes widen, and Nik’s warnings about the risks of approaching her echo in my mind. She’s clearly under her father’s thumb, but as I look at her now—brokenhearted, hesitant—I can’t believe she’d betray Maxim’s memory. Whatever Erin McGuire’s sins might be, it’s clear she’s still deeply in love with Maxim.

She opens her mouth to speak but hesitates, biting her lip. Her gaze flits around us before she leans in slightly. “I don’t mean to offend you,” she whispers so softly I have to strain to hear her. “You’ve been so kind to me tonight, but... I don’t know you well enough to trust you.”

“I get that,” I reply, keeping my tone gentle. “But you know Nik. Or at least, you knew him through Maxim. I never knew Maxim, but if the way Nik talks about him is any indication, the two of them shared an unbreakable bond. That bond hasn’t faded. I can see that in Nik, and I’m sure you can too. So if you can’t trust me, trust Nik. And know that I speak for him when I ask you to help us do right by Maxim.”

Erin stares at me for what feels like an eternity, her green eyes searching mine. Finally, she nods, her shoulders sagging slightly. “I can’t tell you everything,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “Not now. Not here—these walls have ears. But Nik should know... my dad was acting strangely the day Maxim died. He even called Connor back—his right-hand man. Connor was two states away, dealing with a shipment issue, but my dad suddenly had him rush back that morning to attend the gala. I overheard them arguing on the phone.”

“What else did you hear?” I ask, keeping my voice low.

She shrugs, frustration flickering across her face. “Not much. Dad kept me locked up here that day. He had guards stationed everywhere—I couldn’t go anywhere, couldn’t see or hear anything. But...” Her voice falters, and she glances aroundnervously. “There’s one more thing, but we really shouldn’t discuss it here.”

Her gaze darts over the crowd as though she can sense invisible eyes watching us. Whatever she’s holding back, it’s obvious she’s terrified to say it aloud.

I want to groan with impatience and frustration, but I manage to keep my tone steady. “When can you meet me? And where? Just give me a time and place.”

She glances around nervously before finally leaning in. “Meet me by the front steps at midnight. We’ll go for a walk, and I’ll tell you everything I know.”

“I’ll be there.” I spot movement over her shoulder and lower my voice. “Now smile. Here comes your dad.”

Her eyes widen, and she glances back quickly, catching sight of Patrick McGuire heading toward us. Unfortunately, she’s not half the actress I am, and her startled expression is a dead giveaway.

I sigh internally. If she can’t hold it together, I’ll have to handle him myself—and that means distracting him, likely with some shameless flirting.

“Should I be concerned that the two women always on my mind are now chatting?” McGuire asks, his gaze bouncing between us as he winks at me.

I force a laugh, light and breezy. “Oh, you’re impossible,” I say, watching as Erin uses the opportunity to excuse herself, retreating into the crowd without a word.

“Are you having a good time, Kat?” McGuire asks, turning his full attention to me. His green eyes gleam with something far too familiar. “Is there anything I can do to make your night better?”

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