Page 75 of Reckless Promises

“I can open my own door, thank you very much.”

Stepping outside, I see Fallon climbing out of the car idling by the house. She’s tugging the door out of Daniel’s hand and glaring at him. Which he must find amusing because he smirks when he takes a step back.

“I’m not helpless.” Fallon rolls her shoulders back and fixes her red hair, which is slightly orange with how the sun’s hitting it. With a final glare in Daniel’s direction, she turns to me. “Oh good. You’re ready.”

I make my way down the steps, followed by my three security guards, and Fallon rolls her eyes.

“My brother is ridiculous.” She counts them silently, pointing at each one and then Daniel. “Four men? It’s a girls' day.”

“He’s just being cautious.” I climb into the car and Fallon follows me, while my security gets in the car behind us. “Besides, this is the only way I’m getting out of the house, so I’ll take it.”

“Fair enough.”

Daniel climbs into the front seat next to the driver, and Fallon immediately presses the divider to close us off from them.

“What was that?” I ask when the divider clicks into place.

“Nothing.”

“It was definitely something.”

I might have spent my life living under a rock, but I’m not blind. The tension between Fallon and Daniel is on the verge of combusting.

“Have you guys ever…” I roll my hand. “You know.”

“Had sex? Dated? Looked at each other with anything but disgust? No way.”

“Really?”

“Really.” She shakes her head. “I grew up with him, and he’s as insufferable now as he’s ever been.”

Daniel is quiet, but he seems friendly, so I’m not sure what she’s referring to, but I don’t know him well enough to really judge. “Whatever you say.”

“I do say.” Fallon runs her hands down her bright green shirt. “Besides, I’m pretty sure Mom’s got someone linedup. She’s been ready to fill my dance card for years. She just needs to talk to Cillian first.”

“Who does she want to marry you off to?”

Fallon shrugs. “Didn’t ask because it doesn’t matter. They’ll do what they want.”

“And you think Cillian will go for it?”

Technically, it’s the decision of the head of the family, which is what Cillian is. But given how vocal he’s been about his disgust for marriage auctions, I can’t imagine him actually signing off on this.

“Don’t ask him, okay?” Fallon turns in her seat to face me. “He’s already taken on enough after Dad died, and I don’t want to add anything else to his plate. He’ll deal with Mom, and whatever happens, happens. He doesn’t need more stress.”

I nod, even if I don’t like it. The thought of Fallon being traded and bargained for marriage is unsettling—especially if my husband would approve of it.

“On a happier note, I’ve got our day all mapped out.” Fallon sits up tall, shoving any hint of concern to the side and changing the subject. “We’ve got three stores we have to get to—plus whatever else catches our attention on our way. Then lunch. And then, I’ll return you to your palace.”

“It’s not a palace.” I laugh.

“Might as well be.”

She’s not wrong. The house definitely doesn’t feel like a home.

“Speaking of lunch.” Fallon scrunches her nose when she says it. “What are your feelings on red sauces?Because there’s this amazing Italian restaurant near one of the stores, and they have the most incredible pasta, but you don’t want to mess with the alfredo. I was sick for a week.”

“And you still trust their food?”

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