Page 42 of Dangerous Games

Jimmy nods, his expression unapologetic. "I killed him, sis. I made him pay for what he did to you—to us."

I can hardly believe what I'm hearing. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders that I've carried for more than a decade. I've been avenged, and Jimmy is the one who did it. Not by my hand as I would have liked, but he's gone, and Jimmy got his revenge too. I notice a new strength in his eyes now, something he may never have had if he hadn't done this on his own.

Gallagher nearly killed Jimmy, after forcing him to watch that. I know how much that affected Jimmy for years. He spent all these years as a trained killer, trying to find a way to give me the justice I deserved—we deserved—the exact same way I have lived every single day trying to get my voice back, my power. Dominic knew what he was doing. The entire time, this is what he had planned. My eyes well up.

For a moment, the garden is quiet, only the chirping birds around me. I'm not sure what to say, how to react. Part of me is grateful to Jimmy, for taking revenge on my behalf. But another part of me is scared, wondering if this will all come back to haunt us, if someone will know it was him.

Finally, I find my voice. "Thank you," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for doing that for me."

Jimmy smiles, his eyes softening. "Since the moment that bastard touched you it's all I've thought about. I will sleep easier tonight."

I nod, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. For the first time in years, I feel safe. And it's all thanks to Jimmy and Dominic. I never for a second thought I'd feel this way about Dominic, but I do, and I like that I do. Being the strong one all the time has exhausted me. I’m grateful to have two men to protect me now, ones I trust with my life.

I reach out and take Jimmy’s hand, but he pulls away and reaches into his pocket. When his hand emerges again, he has a ring in it. It’s a thick gold band with any onyx stone set to the backdrop of small diamonds. I’ve seen that ring far too many times, felt the sting of it as it came down over my cheek too. It’s Gallagher’s ring. I blink and tears rush down my cheeks. He really has done it.

“I brought this for you, as proof that he really is gone. You can rest now, Nan.” He places the ring in my palm, and I clasp my hand around it, weeping for a moment. The nightmare of my past is now over. Healing can come, for both me and Jimmy. I can only cover my mouth and cry.

Moments later, Dominic emerges from the path, carrying a tray of drinks and a bottle of Scotch. I look up as he sets the tray on the table and when I rise, he hugs me. He’s tender now, brushing my hair away from my face and kissing my forehead. It’s as if he has changed too; as if avenging his mother has given him the peace he needs to be here for me.

“It’s over,” I whisper, and he nods, his lips still pressed against my forehead.

“We have a new agreement though,” Jimmy says, interrupting.

I wipe my eyes and sit back down, and Dominic joins us, sitting close to me.

Jimmy clears his throat and speaks up. “I’m staying on with Dominic, Nan. We both agreed that we can do better together than apart. It’s going to be dangerous and risky, but it’s what’s right. We want to make sure no one else has to go through what you did.”

I nod, knowing that Jimmy and Dominic are a force to be reckoned with.

"So, you're just going to be a hitman for the Bratva?" I glance at Dominic, nervous for what this means for Jimmy.

Jimmy looks at me with a soft smile. "It's more than that, Nan." There is a twinkle of pride in his eyes, and I can't help but feel happy for him, even though I know teaming up with Dominic is dangerous business. I look down at the ring in my palm, then at the ring on my finger.

"I have something to say too," I tell him, reaching out for Dominic. He takes my hand and squeezes it. "I'm going to marry Dom." Jimmy's eyes widen in surprise, and he looks at Dominic, then back at me. "Are you sure, Nan?" he asks cautiously.

I nod, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. "Yes, I am sure," I reply firmly. "Dominic has been there for me through everything, and I know he will always be there for me. I love him, Jimmy. I want to spend the rest of my life with him."

Dominic's hand tightens around mine. I know he will never admit to loving me; maybe it shows him as being weak. But I know he loves me in his own way. I may just be an object in the way he talks about me to other people, but no one has ever known me the way he does, not even Jimmy.

Jimmy looks between us for a moment, then lets out a deep sigh. "Alright," he says at last. "If that's what you both want, I won't stand in your way." He doesn't look the happiest, but we are all in this together now.

“It’s what I want,” I tell him and I’m certain it is.

I see Dominic rise and walk to the fountain, his head low, and eyes looking to the ground as he walks. I sip my Scotch and set the glass down before I rise and follow him to the fountain, which is roaring with water, the spray of the white foam misting the air, creating a cool rainfall all around us. The sound of water bubbling from the fountain is a calming melody against the background of all that has happened in the past week. As I approach, I see the brick with the inscription of a woman’s name. I know in my heart this is a memory stone, laid here after his mother was laid to rest.

Though Dominic rises, he remains hunched over, head lowered to the ground. His gaze is towards the ground, and I can only guess at what emotions are stirring within him. His hair hangs down in strands, his eyes are rimmed in darkness and his lips are turned down. I reach out and touch Dominic’s hand, which is gripping the fountain. His hand feels rough and calloused. I run my hand across it and look up at him, his hand still gripping the fountain, his breathing heavy, eyes focused on the ground in front of him.

"Are you okay?" I ask cautiously, and he nods.

"You're right. It's over." His gruff voice is filled with grief, and I understand completely.

I step closer to him, my body touching his, as I tilt my head up to look at him. I place my hand over his heart, feeling the rapid thumping beneath my palm. He flinches at my touch, but he doesn't pull away. Instead, he leans into me, his forehead resting against mine.

"I know it hurts," I whisper, my breath mingling with his. "But we have each other."

He nods, his grip on the fountain loosening as he wraps his arms around me, pulling me closer to him. I can feel the heat of his body against mine, and I know my words have brought some comfort to him. I close my eyes, allowing myself to get lost in the moment, in the feel of his arms around me, in the scent of his cologne.

When I pull away, I know the only way for me to let go and move on, is to remove any trace I have of Gallagher. I look down at the ring then glance at Jimmy. He nods, understanding my unspoken words, and we both know what needs to be done. I take a deep breath before getting down on my knees. The stone is hard beneath my knees, and I can feel the coldness seeping through my jeans. But I ignore the discomfort, focusing on the task at hand. With trembling fingers, I dig into the earth, feeling the dirt and soil give way to my touch. It takes a few minutes, but finally, I hit something hard, and I know I've reached the spot where I need to bury the ring.

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