Page 128 of Vengeful Union

I end up actually having a good time, which is crazy, considering all that happened in the past few days.

Patrick offers to order dessert. but everyone groans after the big meal we’ve just eaten.

I pat my stomach. “I couldn’t eat another bite.”

Bree huffs. “Speak for yourself. I’m eating for two.”

Declan laughs and kisses her temple. “We’ll get you some cheesecake to go.”

Bree beams at him, and I guess I’ve never thought about my little sister falling in love, but I’m glad she has, and I’m glad she’s happy.

Patrick pays the bill, even though I offer to split it, and Declan stands first.

“I think we’ll be heading out.”

Bree gets up with difficulty and comes over to wrap her arms around my neck. “I love you, big brother.” Her mouth comes to my ear. “You did the right thing.”

“I think I’ll stay a bit. Have a conversation with my new son-in-law,” Patrick drawls, and Lara squeaks.

“Da, please.”

Patrick just gives her a hard look, and she hangs her head.

Gray excuses himself and nods goodbye to me.

Lara comes over and kisses my cheek. “I’ll wait in the car. Don’t let him intimidate you.”

I look at her, eyes widen. “He’s going to intimidate me?”

She pats me on the shoulder, shaking her head, and leaves, taking Bree’s hand as they exit.

Patrick waits until they’re all outside before turning to me.

“My daughter says that you’re a good man.”

“I like to think I am.” My voice sounds weak even to my own ears.

Iusedto think I was a good man. These days? I’m not so sure.

“I know what you did for her,” he says quietly. “I know your father. I know the kind of men he employs, and I know that if you hadn’t stepped in...”

He shakes his head. “Well, I don’t even want to think about what might have happened.”

“I’ll never let anything hurt her,” I promise, and I mean it, with all my heart.

I try to put all of it into my eyes since he’s staring at me intently.

“I don’t know you well enough to trust you.” He pauses. “But I trusther. I trust my daughters to make the right decisions, to choose the right men. But I will tell you one thing–if you fail to protect her, even once... I’ll kill you myself.”

“I’d do the job for you, sir.” There must be some manner of truth on my face, because Patrick’s shoulders relax.

He smiles. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

Patrick gets up, seeming in good health even though my father had talked like he was at death’s door.

I follow him, and nearly run smack into Lara, who stands right by the door, all but wringing her hands.

“Jesus.” I put a hand to my chest. “You scared me.”

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