Page 15 of Twisted Contract

It’s time for the gala and I don’t want to go, but I know there will be hell to pay if I don’t. Right now, I’m hanging on by a thread both emotionally and physically. All I have is my father and Nick, even if they aren’t the men I want in my corner. The only other man I know and strangely crave wants me dead.

Thankfully I was able to go back to my apartment and my bakery to at least salvage some of my upcoming orders. Most of my kitchen is fine. There were only two bullets that had gone into the kitchen area, and they hadn’t done any serious damage to the equipment. It’s the storefront that has been completely destroyed, and of course my arm, which had almost been lost.

I think about how it could have been my life. My heart races at how I wake up in pure fear every night. The only thing I can think of are the blue eyes with pupils that were fully dilated with adrenaline as he stared at me, pinning me to the ground while demanding I stay there.

The man hasn’t left my mind since we met, and I can’t believe how much Connor has affected me. The way he protected me had shown me more respect than my own family and even my supposed fiancé.

Dressing for the event, I pick a gorgeous blue number that matches the eyes of my savior who has left a twisted ache inside me. Why I expect him to be there, I can’t understand. The event is exclusive to the city’s developers and financial backers on major construction projects. It’s being held at a lakefront property that just opened after multiple investors put in to make it happen. It’s a crown jewel for the city and will host offices and several fancy restaurants.

“This place is gorgeous,” I whisper before we exit the limo.

My father leads the way with a local district attorney as his date for the evening. Nick takes my hand, and we enter the event. Cameras are all over us, getting as many shots as possible. “You look radiant, Claudia. Are we going to be expecting a baby soon?”

“Is that what the trip to the hospital was for?”

“There are pregnancy rumors?”

“Enough. My sweet girl isn’t pregnant, but we will be starting a family as soon as we’re married, right, sweet girl?”

“When I’m married, I’ll consider children,” I answer diplomatically. This marriage isn’t happening as far as I’m concerned. As soon as I have the strength, I’m running away from them.

“AG Mirren, may I have a word with you both?” a man I don’t know asks, gesturing to my father.

“Dear, please excuse us.” Nick kisses my cheek and then steps away, dragging his hand along my back as he does. Damn, do I need a drink. I walk over to the waiter who is holding a tray of champagne and then snatch a glass.

“Why, don’t you look like the perfect fiancée, Miss Murphy,” a voice I can’t forget whispers against my ear as my lips touch the glass. I turn around to see Connor MacNamara standing in the room wearing a tie that matches my dress as if we coordinated. He’s standing by a beautiful woman who makes me want to scream.

Another handsome man comes up on her other side and slides his hand around her waist. “Thank you for watching my fiancée,” he remarks.

“And who is this?” he says.

“Let me introduce you to the little devil herself—Miss Claudia Murphy, or rather, should I say Miss Saunders, or is it soon-to-be Mrs. Mirren?” I flinch at the last bit.

“A devil? It would take one to know one, Mr. MacNamara. And here I was hoping to thank you for saving my life. Although, I must say it was probably your fault I was shot in the first place, but since you’re a jerk, have a good night.” I move to turn on my heel and he reaches out, sliding his hand around my waist, pulling my body firmly to his.

“I don’t know which act is real—the little tough girl, or the little sweet girl.”

I shiver in revulsion at that nickname. “Don’t ever call me that again. Release me, now.” I step on his foot with my heel, and he unhooks his hand from my waist.

I storm away, hating how much I want to cry. For him, I’d gladly be sweet, but my father and Nick ruined it. I need to find the bathroom or maybe get some air. Remembering that there were too many photographers outside, I chose the bathroom, but the path there was crowded, so I looked for another one.

“Excuse me. Is there another restroom?” I ask one of the servers.

“Yes, down that hall.” She points, and I thank her before making my way down the hall.

The light sound of raised voices behind a door draws me closer. Then, the man who called my father and Nick away exits a room. I duck to the side and hide in a small alcove where it’s dark and he doesn’t see me. My father and Nick don’t follow. I wait another moment and then move closer to the door where the guy left it ajar. I see my father and Nick in a private conversation.

Nick tosses back a drink so fast. “I can’t believe that piece of shit showed up here,” my father says.

“Did you see the way he looked at me?” Nick gasps.

“Yes, I didn’t miss it.”

“He probably thinks I’m the one who put the hit on him since he has eyes on my woman. He has no idea it was you.” Did he just say my father’s the reason I was shot? I nearly reveal my position with a gasp, but I catch myself.

My father chuckles hard. “He has a lot of fucking nerve. You think that shooting up my daughter’s building would have done the trick to keep him away from her, but he’s here anyway with his eyes on her too.”

“We’ll make sure that can’t happen after tonight,” Nick says.

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