Page 127 of Vengeful Union

“I don’t.” I keep his gaze, knowing that Patrick is the kind of man who needs to see that you mean what you say. I’m sure he’s already biased against me because of who my father is.

“Why not?”

“I’ve never wanted to be a part of it,” I try to explain, sipping my water before placing the glass back down on the table. “I leftwhen I was young, started my own life. I’ve never really been part of the clan, at least not until now.”

“And you’re not going to change your mind?”

I bark out a laugh. “Absolutely not, sir. I’m not built for this kind of life.”

I nod toward Bree. “She’s the one who always had the patience for the business. She ran our books for years after Ma...” I pause. “After Ma passed.”

Bree looks up at my words. “I did. I scheduled all his appointments, too.”

Declan smiles at her proudly, putting an arm around her. “That's my girl."

“Aye, but Bree is going to be indisposed pretty soon.” Patrick gestures to her belly. “And we’ll need someone who can run the Murphy side of things.”

“It’s not the Murphy side of things. Not anymore. It’s yours.”

Patrick blinks. “What do you mean?”

“I’m my father’s first born. His only son. Everything he owns will come to me, and I’ll sign it all over.”

“No conditions?”

I glance at Lara, and then back at Patrick. “Only one. My best friend, Duncan. He wants a place in the clan. He’s loyal, and he’s always been a good man. Also, everyone who wishes to remain, as long as they prove loyal, should be allowed to stay."

Patrick frowns. “That’s it?”

I shrug. “That’s it.”

“Aye, of course! We can always use more loyal people.” He grins, settling back in his chair. “Now, let’s order.”

The server goes around and gets everyone’s orders, and Bree and Lara chat idly about the baby while Gray keeps staring me down.

Finally, I huff out a breath and look at him. “What’s your problem with me, Gray?”

His shoulders stiffen. “Isn’t it obvious?”

Lara frowns at him. “Gray?—”

I hold up a hand to stop her. “I’ve got this,” I whisper to her, nudging her knee with my own, and she shuts her mouth, although she’s still glaring at Gray. I turn back to her brother. “It’s because I'm a Murphy. Because I'm Niall’s son."

Gray doesn’t speak, but he nods tightly.

I nod back. “Listen, I get it. I was taught my entire life to hate your family. Even after I met Lara, it was hard to get past everything my father told me. But you’ve accepted Bree into your life. She’s as much our father’s child as I am.”

Gray opens his mouth to argue, but then shuts it again, seeming to think before speaking.

“You’re right. And since you’re the one who took him out, it’s not fair of me to think of you badly.” His face softens. “Not to mention, you’ve kept my sister safe.”

“And I always will.”

Lara smiles and takes my hand under the table.

Warmth spreads through me as the dinner goes on.

The Burkes are all as bright and kind as Lara, and they’re funny, too. I’ve laughed more during this dinner than in the last decade of my life.

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