Page 57 of Vengeful Union

“Maybe not, but right now I don’t have much of a choice.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Declan demands to know. “Just tell us where you are. We’ll come get you.”

“No, you won’t.” I pause and take a deep breath. “Rory and I are married.”

“What?” It’s nearly a yell, and I can’t tell which of my brothers it is.

I wince at the volume.

“Listen," Rory says. “It’s just a temporary thing. Just to throw my father off the trail.”

“An eye for an eye.” Declan chuckles bitterly, and Gray groans.

“So, you married a Murphy?”

“I had to.” I huff out a breath. “It was the only way that Niall would stop coming after us. It’s his version of revenge, don’t you see?”

“Fine,” Gray grunts. “When are you coming home? What’s the plan?”

I look at Rory, and he clears his throat.

“Well, you see... I’m not sure I’ve thought it through that far.”

“You’ll get her home, Murphy,” Gray demands.

“Of course, I will. It’ll just take some time.”

“I’m safe," I assure them. "He’s taking good care of me. Things are going to be all right. It’ll just be a while. How’s Da?”

“Getting better every day,” Declan says, and I know that’s code for “don’t ask that right now.” They don’t trust Rory with that information, and I guess they’re right not to.

It’s just... I know him better than they do.

I guess Rory has earned my trust. At least a bit of it.

“How does this end, Murphy?”

“With my father out of commission, hopefully.”

I stare at him, shocked.

He really wants to take his father down? Not just keep me and Bree safe?

“You're willing to take him down? Why, just so you can take over?”

“He doesn’t want to take over. He’s an accountant.”

Gray has nothing to say to that, and Rory shakes his head, smiling.

“Only if I have your help. Can I count on you two?”

“If you keep my sister safe and give me Niall’s head on a silver platter, I’ll help you do anything.” Gray’s voice sounds less angry and more relieved.

“Good. Stand by, and we’ll contact you when we can.”

“Wait—” Declan starts, but Rory’s looking off into the trees, a deep frown bringing his brows together.

He hangs up the phone abruptly, and I make a frustrated noise in the back of my throat.

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