Page 16 of Sip
“A step up from tanks and shorts on the beach?”
I don’t know why I mention the photo. I should ignore the image and her and everything she represents. But the pleasure shimmering on her flushed face makes the torture so fucking worth the agony.
“We’re going back to Silver Beach next weekend if you want to join us.” The excited tone falters a bit. “I mean if Shane allows me to go.”
A tug on my jacket sleeve from the photographer steals my attention. If she was a man, I’d slice off her fingers for bothering me while I talk to the only person who I want to have my focus.
“Now we need the groom and matron of honor. Then we’ll be complete.”
Shane glances over from his conversation with Gian and gives a slight yet firm shake of his head. Message received and the lady grimaces and nods, forcing a smile. “Okay, then we’re all finished here.”
We truly are finished. Grace is going to be his wife and bear his children. With the superstition of the groom seeing the bride before the wedding ignored, Shane offers his arm to Grace and leads her to the small altar without any fanfare. No procession of the bridal party or seating of the family. At this point I wonder why we all bothered getting dressed up. I guess photos are sufficient to prove the union.
I stand to his left while Grace’s sister moves next to her. Solemnity overcomes everyone, not because of the sanctity of the ceremony but the joylessness of the situation. They all realize this is an agreement, a duty of sorts, rather than a couple genuinely in love. Or maybe it’s just me.
A numb sensation I don’t anticipate assails me while they recite their vows and exchange rings. I keep expecting someone to protest or Shane to back out. None of that happens and when the minister pronounces them married, I force myself to watch. To burn this memory into my brain. To remember whenever I think of her as anything except for my sister-in-law.
Shane cups her face and leans forward brushing his cheek against hers before he kisses the skin near her ear. Smooth and exposed from her long dark hair twisted under the sparkling crown holding a sheer veil long enough to touch the carpet. He whispers something only she can hear, and her head bobs up and down between his palms.
When he steps back, she smiles at him. Accepting him and their commitment and whatever he told her. While I can’t accept any of it yet have no other fucking choice.
I go on autopilot and shake hands, pat backs, lift my glass to toasts but can’t speak or touch her. She grins at me but I can’t smile back. She steps closer and I step away. She speaks and I remain mute. No longer able to make any connection with her since the one I want I can’t fucking have.
Shane glares at me when he catches the hurt on her sweet face from me ignoring her. Well look at him finally fucking noticing her and acting like a husband. She seems to sense the shift too and drifts closer to him. When my brother’s hand slides around her tiny waist and he tucks her to his side, I realize what I have to do.
I have to accept my brother’s offer.
I have to leave.
Damn it.
The messages on my phone still won’t load, and I’ve been offline for hours. That’s too damn long with so much going on. Fucking technology.
I shove the cell into my breast pocket and button my suit coat. Departing the plane first is dangerous yet I want to send the message I’m not afraid. I’ve come here to take back what’s ours. That Dublin belongs to us— always has and always will. While I have a huge team ready to battle to the death, I don’t have to hide behind them. These men should fearmeand not just my army.
I’m the boss, and I call the shots.
Niall and Conor wait on the tarmac. Both of them appear relaxed yet alert. Bulges under their jackets reveal their protection, and the six men spaced along on the perimeter provide additional security with their weapons strapped across their bodies and in their hands.
Rather than jog with my usual decisiveness down the steps, I pause on the metal landing and nod toward the red SUV parked on the street behind the wire fence. The occupants also send a clear message I’m being watched. Letting me know they know I’m here. Good. Mutual understanding although not respect, at least from me. Cowards who harm women and children do not deserve or earn any admiration from me.
After conveying the significance of my departure, I stride purposefully yet not hurriedly down the stairs under the vigilant gaze of my cousins. The young men are energized and eager. Also, a little lost without their father. Mourning a man who worked tirelessly to build and protect their empire. Yet the consequences of his solo efforts struggle next to their vehicle. He failed training them— neglected preparing them to take his place. Probably thinking the same as Shane did for me. They’re just kids and should have their fun while they can. But look how that turned out.
Now with a slice to the throat in a meeting organized by a traitor, my uncle’s gone and his sons are left to figure out their places. Obviously, I’m not old enough to be their father. Yet my brother trusts me to guide them on the importance of family and mentoring them on their roles. Earning respect from our associates and instilling fear in our enemies.
Conor’s the first one to greet me, offering his hand. “It’s good to see you Killian.”
Niall nods but doesn’t speak. I’m not sure if he agrees with his brother’s remark. From what Shane shared, Niall thinks they don’t need my help. Don’t need anyone’s help.
I pat my cousin’s shoulder, reminding myself of my father. I guess I’m more paternal than I thought. “You too, except I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances. We should have been working together more closely all along.”
“Dad is…” He shakes his head and blows out a long breath, still emotional from the loss. “Was too stubborn to admit the truth.”
“The best and worst trait in this world.” I jerk my head to the slow moving black X5 that just turned onto the landing strip. “Looks like someone else is responding to my arrival.”
Both my cousins twist to take in the sleek SUV and reach for their weapons. A good sign their instincts are on target. “Not yet guys. Let it play out. We’re going to answer them on our terms. We’re in charge and will act accordingly.”
Niall bristles from my dominance. Too damn bad. Commanding them is why I’m here whether he appreciates my assistance or not. I gave my word to my brother, and I’m following through. “Besides, the BMW is just a distraction. The older model Toyota parked by the gate is the real assassin.”
