This is the part where I expect Donny to blow his head off. I’ve seen him kill before, and this is a killing he’d be owed.

I wait, and while Donny cocks the hammer on the gun, the bullet never leaves.

“I owe your father a debt,” Donny says instead, and I have to look at him to check I heard right.

What the fuck kind of debt could Donny owe Peter’s father?

Donny owes nobody anything. In fact, many owe him.

He rivets his gaze to Peter’s and continues talking. “You know the debt I mean. I’m giving you your life in exchange for my debt to him. Get the fuck up and take your shit out of my office and my life.”

Peter scrambles to his feet, blood dripping down his nose.

“Don’t let me see you again,” Donny adds, and with that, he puts his gun away.

Instead of being grateful for his life and leaving straightaway like he should, the motherfucker glances my way again, giving me the same suspicious look he did at the engagement party when he saw me looking at Evie.

“You don’t get her either,” he sneers as if the fucker can read my thoughts.

I reserve my answer because I have none.

The only answer I’d have for him is a bullet from my gun.

But how can I kill a man for pointing out an obvious truth?

The asshole spits blood and walks away.

I put my guns back in my pockets and look at Donny, who looks less tense than he was before.

“You boys did good, and now I owe you. I’ll make sure you get paid well for what you’ve done here for me.” Pride fills Donny's eyes as he speaks. “Thanks so much. Business as usual. Let’s meet on better terms next time. I’m flying back tonight, but I’ll be back in a few weeks to see my daughter. Of course, I’d love for you both to attend her wedding in the winter.”

“Winter,” I don’t know why I say that. There’s no point to it. There’s no point knowing the details or getting any more information than that.

“Yeah. I have to wrap my head around the shit here, and there’ll be a lot to sort out with Peter’s departure. I want to see my girl married and settled down before the year is out, though. That’s the way the business works.”

“Of course.” I nod and give him a stiff smile.

I know he heard what Peter said, but he’s not asking me about the meaning behind it. That means he doesn’t want to know.

“Alright, you boys, take care. See you next time.”

“You too.”

* * *

Henry and I always talk non-stop. There’s never been a time when we’ve had that awkward moment when we don’t know what to talk about.

However, that’s what the next few days feel like.

On the day that was supposed to be our last with Evie, he was away. I don’t know if he was with some woman orwomen,but he didn’t tell me.

He’s gone again tonight, so I’m home alone and decided to give myself the task of cleaning out Evie’s room.

Other than a light clean the maids do, we’d left it the same. Now the time has passed, I think it’s best to sort the place out.

The first thing to enchant me when I walk in is the scent of her—that scent of honey and roses—innocence and light.

Something ethereal and hallowed. That’s her—my girl.