Page 36 of Weaponized

Okay. Things just got interesting. My dad doesn’t throw out statements like that.It means he is already up to something. It means that something involves Rowan O’Toole.

I don’t respond because I can’t process how I feel about this. If my dad is planning for us to work with Rowan in the future, that’s great news for me and Gráinne. Regardless, I don’t want her near our business or the Russian Bratva for fuck’s sake. I don’t care who her father is. Then, another thought occurs to me.

“Do you want me to bring Gráinnebecauseshe is an O’Toole?” I can feel my blood pressure rising.

I’m now pacing back and forth in front of a statue of St. Agnes feeding a lamb. I’ve got about fifteen minutes before I see Gráinne in our social psychology class. I’d planned to grab her a coffee on my way when I got this phone call. Guess I’ll see if she wants to go to the cafe after.

My dad sighs. “I’m still adjusting to one of my boys wanting an Irish girl.”

Again, I remain quiet. He’s just confirming what I already knew: the Irish thing will be an issue. It’s an issue I’m going to have to figure out how to solve. There’s no other option.

“I don’t think it hurts that she is involved in this life,” he continues. “But I don’t believe Nikolai will know who she is. They don’t even introduce the ladies at the table. They are a status symbol. The more beautiful, the better. I’ve seen photos of your girl. I think she would position us well.”

I grunt. This is about how Gráinne looks, and he’s been investigating her if he’s seen photos.

“I’m bringing Gina,” my dad shares. Gina is a dark-haired beauty that has been employed by my family for at least a decade.I’ve always wondered if she and my dad ever hook up, but it’s none of my business, so I’ve never asked. Never will.

“What is the meeting about?” I sigh.

“We won’t be covering too much business. It’s a dinner. An olive branch from them. If things go well, we will schedule a sit-down about the ports. That’s their expressed area of interest. We’ll see what’s in it for us.”

“I need it to be safe for her.” I can’t believe I’m contemplating this, but if my father likes Gráinne, I know I can secure our future. With or without Cormac’s blessing. This is an opportunity, even if I hate it.

“It’s at Titus.”

Titus is an exclusive club in the city. The lords of the underworld, politicians, and billionaire businessmen make up the majority of the clientele. No one would commit a crime on the premises and risk losing membership. Too many deals are made there.

“I hate to expose her to them.” It’s true. It makes her a target. My father reads my mind.

“She’s already a target due to her last name, Luca. This will show them that she hastwofamilies behind her.”

I pause.

“Again, I’m not sure they’ll even care who she is. She’s really there to be more of an ornament.”

An ornament. I can only picture how she’d like that. I sigh. Loudly.

“Luca. I wouldn’t ask this if it wasn’t important. It’s Saturday at seven. Have your girl dress up, bring a friend.”

I growl, and my dad chuckles.

“Good talk, son.”

“Bye, Pop.”

I have to rush to get to class on time and find Gráinne sitting in her normal seat, frowning at her phone. I move around her awkwardly. These seats weren’t created for guys like me. She glances up with worry on her face.

I kiss the top of her head. “What’s going on?” And when I fully take in her expression, I’m instantly alert. I don’t like that look. Something isn’t right.

She shakes her head. “Just one of my father’s men checking in. Reminding me that I’m worthless.” Her voice is a bit shaky, eyes glassy. “I will never be what he wants.” Her voice is such a whisper, I’m not sure if I heard that last part right.

“I need a name,” I tell her through gritted teeth.

She shakes her head again, and our professor begins clapping her hands to quiet everyone down. I don’t give a fuck.

“A name, Angel.” I don’t bother to lower my voice. I need to know who I’ll be paying a visit.

“No,” she hisses at me.

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