I clench my jaw because her claim makes me feel uncomfortable. To speak of Connor this way reveals that even though he lost the respect of most of his men, he made those he did business with feel safe. They trusted him, and that’s why his associates never turned on him, which is why Sean needed Brody to help beat Connor.
“Brody was talkin’ with my da, and I casually mentioned the engagement party and that I was bringin’ ya as my date. I knew Brody would take the bait.”
Darcy is far more cunning than I ever thought she was. Because of her plotting, I’ve been able to plant the first step in my plans. Brody and I were able to talk without violence because he knew better than to cause a scene with so many witnesses on hand.
“Thanks, Darcy. Y’ve done so much for me. For my family. I don’t know how to repay ya.”
When she gently places her hand on my leg, I try to remain calm. “Just kill that fucker, and make sure he suffers. That’s all I want.”
“Why is this so personal to ya?”
When she removes her hand, I realize there is so much more to this story. “Let’s just say yer not the only one who has a vendetta against the Doyles.”
“What did they do to ya?” I ask, turning to look at her.
She dips her chin, attempting to hide her tears. But I see them, and I know they’ve hurt her. “I didn’t know who he was, but I should have known us meetin’ wasn’t a coincidence.”
“Who?”
She turns to look out her window, unable to face me as she confesses, “Liam Doyle. He seduced me so his father could become close to mine. And when both Doyle men got what they wanted, Liam dumped me.
“He humiliated and lied to me,” she admits. “And for that, I want him to pay. If it wasn’t for me, maybe my dad would never have gotten into business with Brody. I blame myself for it.”
“Don’t be blamin’ yerself,” I say, assuring her. “The Doyles are poison and would have infected yer da with or without yer help.”
“But they did have my help,” she argues, quickly wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. “And I’ll never forgive myself for it.”
I suddenly see Darcy in a different light. She too wants to make right the wrongs of her past, and I respect her for that. So I’ll help her.
“I thought he really loved me,” she professes with a tremble before covering her face with her hands. “What’s wrong with me, Punky? Why do I fall in love with the wrong men?”
I don’t know what to say as most would say something comforting like the right man is out there. Or it’s not you, it’s them. But the truth is, sometimes, life is just unfair.
I pull up the drive of my house and park the car, a million thoughts racing around my head. Darcy realizes the answers she seeks are not here and gets out of her car. She doesn’t say a word as I get out as well, only for her to slide into the driver’s seat and pull away, leaving me with more questions than answers.
Freedom is suddenly not what I thought it would be.