Page 45 of Vengeful Union

“Let’s get the rings.”

Duncan and I walk into store, and he looks over at a case of watches as I walk up to the cashier.

“Picking up an online order for Rory Murphy.”

I hate the way the cashier looks at me when I say my name, her eyes widening in fear.

“Y-yes, sir.”

She quickly heads into the back, returning with two ring boxes that she puts in a small bag.

“Is there anything else I can help you with, sir?”

I shake my head, hurrying out of the jewelry store and leaving Duncan behind.

He comes jogging up to me.

“You got out of there like it was on fire. Something wrong?”

I shake my head and get into the car, slamming the door.

Duncan slowly gets inside, too, and he glares at me. “I’ve known you long enough to know when something is up, Rory.”

“Yeah, well, we haven’t spoken in years. Maybe I've changed.”

“People don’t change.”

I sigh, actually agreeing with him.

“I guess I’m just nervous. About getting married.” It’s true, I am nervous, but being seen as a monster just because of who my father is bothers me more. It’s not like I can tell Duncan that.

Duncan nods. “I mean, my ma always says it’s just a piece of paper, but it’s a scary piece of paper. I get it.”

“You do?”

He scoffs. “Of course, I do. Hell, I don’t think I ever want to get married.”

I let out a breath. “I guess I always assumed that I would, someday. But I never thought it’d be like this.”

“When is the wedding?”

“Sunday.”

“This Sunday? Jesus Christ.”

I laugh and back out of the parking garage, the rings in my pocket feeling like heavy weights.

I’d picked out a simple white gold band for my own ring, and Lara had chosen her size, so I know they’ll fit.

But my stomach feels sick, thinking about marrying her against her will. She hates this at least as much as I do.

We return to the mansion, and Duncan disappears somewhere, maybe looking for my father since his car is in the garage. He must have gotten into town sooner than anticipated.

Speaking with Lara about guns has reminded me that I should probably work on my shooting skills. I’m back in my hometown, and for a Murphy, that always means danger.

I left Kristina with instructions to bring up Lara’s meals just so that I could run some errands, and I’m grateful that I’m not tasked with that right now. I don’t want to see her, not while everything is so confusing.

A couple of miles down our estate path, a gun range sits out in an open field.

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