Page 77 of Vengeful Union

“Fair enough. What’s going on?”

“We’re throwing a gala, down at that venue on Fifth.”

I nod. “Do you need help setting things up? Security?”

“Nothing like that.” He pauses, looking at me in the eyes. “I want you to bring your wife.”

Shock passes over me, and it’s probably evident on my face. “You want me to bring Lara? But the Burkes?—”

“They’ll be busy scrambling since we took out The Pit. Besides, don’t you want to rub it in their faces?”

“Of course.” What I really want is to roll my eyes.

It’s not enough that he’s taken their daughter, forced her to marry me, hidden her away from them. It’s not enough that he shot her father. He’s got to keep at it, keep poking the bear.

“Then dress her up nice, bring her along.” My father smirks. “Maybe we’ll have a good time.”

“Is that all?”

“I’ve heard that Marisa will be there.”

Now Ireallywant to roll my eyes.

Marisa Connelly had been briefly my girlfriend when I was fifteen. Nothing more than holding hands and making out behind the bleachers in high school.

But my father had locked onto that puppy love relationship, wanting me to marry her.

She’d been the one who broke up with me, for God’s sake, to go off to college.

But she’s Paul’s daughter, and he is one of my father’s right-hand men.

“I’m married now,” I say calmly, even though anger and irritation are heating my skin.

My father scoffs. “Marriage has never stopped a Murphy from getting his wick dipped.”

I look at him coolly. “So, you had mistresses when Ma was still around?”

His gaze turns sharp. “That’s none of your business. But no. I didn’t. I wish I had, the way she abandoned us all.”

It’s your fault. You drove her away.

But I bite my tongue.

“I was just curious,” I cover. "Didn't mean any judgment, Pa.”

He gives me a small smile. “All right, boyo. The gala is black tie, so wear something nice. And dress up that Burke girl of yours.”

“I’ll do my best,” I drawl, and he laughs.

My stomach turns to knots.

I don’t want to parade Lara around at a gala with all my father’s men leering at her, but I don’t have a choice.

I stand and start toward the door.

“And boyo?”

I pause with my hand on the doorknob and turn to look at him.

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