Page 17 of Into Temptation

I don’t know how to feel.

My entire life, I hated the aul’ lad, but I can’t now. Not after everything I know.

“No problem,” I reply, signing on the dotted line.

“Congratulations then,” she says, shaking my hand. “The castle is officially yers. So is Kellys’ Aluminum.”

“Getawaytafuk,” I say as Hannah failed to mention anything about that.

Our front was this business—a company that manufactures aluminum casting products for the automotive industry. This was how we could import and export our product—which has nothing to do with cars—without detection.

“Aye, no word of a lie. It’s yours. It’s not operational, but the piece of land it’s sittin’ on is very valuable. Ya can sell it and make yerself a grand profit.”

But I shake my head. “Naw, I’m not sellin’ it.” And the reason for that is because I plan on picking up where Connor left things.

That’s where I’ll base myself—in honor of the man who left it behind. This will be a secret for now, as I can’t have Brody knowing of this plan, but like a smart predator, I’ll wait and strike when my prey is unaware.

Darcy doesn’t ask questions and points to where I need to sign the deed. Once signed, she puts everything back into her briefcase. “I’ll organize getting the keys to ya then. The money should be in yer bank account within a week.”

I didn’t even ask how much. But it matters not. I don’t want his money. I will make my own.

Darcy hints she has something else she came here to see me about when she doesn’t leave. “I’m happy yer home. I missed ya.”

Her comment confuses me. “Ya did? Why?”

She smiles, appearing amazed I asked her this. “I couldn’t stop thinking about ye. I know it’s silly, but I really liked ya.”

“Oh,” I reply, unsure what to say because she’s caught me by surprise.

“You probably think I’m stupid.”

“Naw, Darcy, I don’t think that. How could I?” And I mean it. “If it weren’t for you, I’d still be locked up. I owe ya everythin’. As soon as I get the money Connor left me, I’ll pay ya—”

“I don’t want yer money,” she quickly interrupts.

“Then what do ya want?” I don’t like owing anyone anything, but the truth is, I don’t know how to pay Darcy back.

When she steps forward, I can guess what she wants. “Will ya come with me tonight? To a party?”

Folding my arms across my chest, I arch a brow. “I don’t really do parties. Or people.”

“I don’t either. We can be miserable together then.”

“I don’t have anythin’ to wear.”

She smiles, taking another step toward me. “I’ll organize that. All ya have to do is turn up as my date.”

There is no such thing as no strings attached in this world, which is why I nod. “All right. I can do that.”

Darcy’s face lights up as I know this means more to her than she’s letting on. I don’t bother asking whose party it is. “I’ll have someone drop off yer suit this afternoon.”

So, it’s a black-tie affair. The last time I wore a suit, things turned to shite. I hope tonight is different.

“I’ll come pick ya up around half seven?”

“Aye. I’ll be ready.”

Darcy smiles, and with an apprehensive touch, she cups my cheek.

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