Page 21 of Vengeful Union

“Married to him?”

“Yes. I told you, they live together in the mansion.”

“She wouldn’t marry a Burke.” He’s searching my face.

“I can only tell you what I know, Rory.” I pause. An idea coming to me. “Why don’t you call her? Let her tell you herself.”

“I’ve tried before, right after I bought the plane tickets here and as soon as I landed. She hasn’t answered my calls.”

I sigh. “Do it again. She’ll answer now that I’ve been taken.”

Rory just looks at me.

I nod. “Go ahead. I’m not lying to you. I’m not my father’s puppet. I have no idea what’s going on between him and your da.”

“I was called back because Bree was taken.”

“That wasmonthsago. And things changed. Look, it’s complicated. But he loves her, Rory.”

He stares at me, like he still can’t believe me.

“Please. Just call her.”

“So, you're saying you’re just a pawn in all of this?”

“Yes! She doesn’t want to leave, Rory. She’s... pregnant.”

Rory’s throat bobs.

I don’t know Rory, except for the few things that Bree has said about him. But just because he’s related to her doesn’t mean he’s like her. It doesn’t mean that he’s a good person.

But maybe.. Just maybe... he’ll let me go if he talks to his sister, finds out that she’s okay.

It’s all I can hope for.

Rory pulls his phone out of his back pocket.

“She has a new number. One that my brother gave her. Maybe that’s why she isn’t answering.”

“Do you know it?”

I shake my head. “They took my phone when they kidnapped me.”

“Oscar!” Rory yells, and he comes running into the bathroom.

“What’s up?”

“Give me the girl’s phone.”

“I can’t do that. Niall says?—”

“How many times do I have to tell you that my father isn’t point on this? I am. This is retaliation formysister, so give me the goddamned phone.”

Rory doesn’t even stand this time but manages to be intimidating enough that Oscar hands it over. He hands it to me, and I unlock it with my fingerprint.

He copies the number from my phone to his and lets it ring.

My heart races.

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