Page 44 of Vengeful Union

I’ve got to go pick up the rings and get fitted for a tuxedo. I figure since Lara has to dress up, I should, too, not just relying on the suits I have with me.

Just focus on that. Focus on getting to the wedding. Everything else... well, it’s all too confusing.

I make my way downstairs and nearly run into Duncan, one of my father’s men. He grins at me, and I can’t help but grin back.

Duncan and I went to high school together. He was a couple of years my senior, and my father had practically taken him in when he was eighteen. He’s fiercely loyal to my father, but he’s also always been a wonderful friend to me.

“Rory. I heard you were back, but I didn’t believe it.”

“Believe it.” I pull him into a hug, clapping him on the back before pulling away. “What are you doing here? Security?”

“Something about a wedding?” He tilts his head. “You know me, your Da says jump, I say how high.”

“We really have to catch up.” I pause, thinking about it.

I need someone to talk to, someone to bounce ideas off. I can’t tell Duncan the whole truth, but I can tell him some of it. “Do you want to run some errands with me?”

“Sure. I’m too early, anyway. The old man says he won’t be back in town until this evening.”

I nod, heading out to my car.

Duncan slides into the passenger seat. “So, what’s this about a wedding?”

I can’t help but snort out a laugh. “We’re going to pick up the rings right now.”

“The rings forwho?”

“For me.”

Duncan stares at me, his mouth gaping open. “You? Who the hell are you marrying? Someone from out of town.”

“Nah. Someone you know pretty well, at least by name.”

He frowns. “You’ve got to tell me.”

“Lara. Lara Burke.”

“You’re marrying aBurke?”

I laugh. “That’s right.”

“What hashappenedwhile you were away?”

I let out a breath. “Declan Burke kidnapped my sister and married her. My father wants an eye for an eye.”

“I heard about your sister turning Burke, but I didn’t know she was taken.” Duncan’s brown eyes widen.

I shrug. “Why else would she ever be with a Burke? They’ve got her brainwashed.”

I feel guilty even saying that to Duncan. I know it’s a lie. My sister had been worried about Lara and succinct, but I can tell that she’s happy. That she wants this.

“Jesus. No wonder your Da went after Patrick the way he did.”

I nod, and let the conversation die. We sit silent for a few minutes.

I don’t want to hear any details of my father’s crimes, so it’s for the best.

We soon arrive at the jewelry store, and I turn off the car and open the door.

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