Page 86 of Steel Rain

I vaguely heard Eoghan clap, barking at his men to do the same. Through the roar of applause, I kissed her, only pulling apart when I felt her shiver against me.

I slowly undid the rope, pulling it from our hands and letting it fall to the ground. I re-sheathed the knife into the scabbard and reluctantly let go of her trembling hand.

I pulled my jacket off my shoulders, placing it around her bare skin. She put her hands into the sleeves as I zipped her into it, then pulled an arm around her waist to bring her close, wanting to protect her with my body from the rain that threatened to freeze her where she stood.

Eoghan stepped in front of us, and growled at Sin, “We’re not done. You and I are far from through.”

I stepped forward, pushing him by the shoulder.

“Don’t threaten mywife.” I said it with great pride. “Your issue with her are your issues with me.”

“Welcome to Green Fields Enterprises, Ajax LeBlanc,” he said with that annoying, borderline evil, undertone that made me want to knee him in the thigh. “You and your wife will be expected at dinner tonight … areceptionto celebrate your nuptials.”

I tightened my grip on Sin, pulling her closer to me. Here, in the midst of the Irish Army, if we had to fight our way out, we would. She and I, back-to-back against the world. That was how it would be from now on.Thatwas my real vow.

“As you know, with the disappearance of Keith Bournes,” he tilted his head, his words heavy with implication as he raised his voice so the formation could hear his words. “I have a new spot for a Lieutenant. I’m sure you and your wife won’t mind being a part of the … restructuring.”

Yeah, he definitely moved fast, that opportunistic psychopath. He turned around, and with a wave of his hand, dismissed his soldiers. The platoon leaders did an about face, dismissing their individual units and they slowly scattered, unsure of what intense strangeness they had just been a witness to.

“All of our officers will meet at the big house for a reception,” Eoghan said, knowing his word was law in this sick cult of his. “I’m sure we can get some strawberry cake, Shiny. That used to be your favorite, no?”

I felt her trembling beneath me as the cold seeped into her skin. She held onto me, her hand tight around my waist, her fingers clutching my belt. I tried to hold her close, to let her know without words that she was safe with me. That I wouldmake hersafe.

Taking a life was the least that I would do for her.

“I’m sure you’ll be able to find a suitable frock in one of your old closets.” Eoghan was pressing his luck now. I wanted him far, far away from her. “Siobhan will be there. I’m letting her raid my mum’s old dresses. I think the color scheme will be green.” He lifted his chin and his lips pulled back in a sadistic grim. “A dark, velvet green is so flattering on both of you.”

“Sibby?” She tried to move forward, out of my grip, but I pulled her back.

She couldn’t react to him. She couldn’t give an inch with a man like Eoghan.

“Yes. But I’m sure she’ll be more than happy to go home with you after your wedding.” Eoghan lifted a brow. “Or would you rather I keep her in the big house until after the wedding night?”

I tensed, wondering if that was a threat. Veiled, and underhanded, like all of Eoghan’s words?

“I …” she looked up at me then, her gray eyes watery, and unsure. “I don’t know.”

“Well,” Eoghan’s face softened. “I suppose you can work that out at the reception. If she’s amenable, I’ll have her bags packed and ready.”

So, it wasn’t a threat after all. It was a genuine offer.

The two of them won’t spar anymore when it comes to the little sister.

They had said that they were all friends once. As close as family. But I hadn’t believed it until that very moment, when the two lowered their proverbial swords.

“I don’t want to rush her,” Eoghan continued, lifting one shoulder in a half shrug. “I think she needs a choice, right now.”

“Yes.” Sinead agreed.

Eoghan and his cousin turned, walking out of the forest, and disappearing into the dark rain. The other men shuffled away, one by one, until we were left alone beneath the willow tree, holding each other in tacit, companionable silence.

Chapter 41

Sin

Wife.Iwasawife now. It was a strange, and frightening concept. I hadn’t thought it would ever happen after Keith. Yet, here I was. Handfasted, and married by law.

I opened the closet door to my old bedroom. That was strange too. It was so … girly. Pink and frilly, with lace and brocade roses all over. Everything was French provincial, in dusky rose and cream. A perfect room for a perfect, protected princess.

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