Page 39 of Vengeful Union

What I haven’t told them is that Finn bought me. I don’t think I could ever tell anyone that. Knowing I won’t be with him anymore, hurts. It’s so stupid. I was with him for a month, and during most of that time I didn’t even see him. It’s not as though we were actually together. But there’s something about that man that has me wishing things could have been different. The way our lives are entwined, how my father is responsible for his father’s death—it’s something that’ll always be between us. Not to mention Finn Gallagher is the underboss to the Gallagher Clann, and that’s a life I want no part in.

“How did you end up with that Irish bastard?” Levi questions.

“My father owes him money. Fifteen million, to be precise. Finn showed up to collect and found me tied to the bed, then figured out my father was planning on selling me to pay off the debt. That Irish bastard beat my father and took me away from him. He saved me.”

It’s not a lie exactly. Finn did save me. He made me feel again, and that’s something I never thought would happen after my mom died.

Conrad nods. “Then we owe him. Although, I’m not sure how he’ll take having his front porch blown up.”

I shake my head. Always with the dramatics. “I know how we can repay him,” I say, and Uncle Conrad raises a brow. I quickly run down what I want from them and tell them I need the information as soon as possible.

“Consider it done,” Levi replies.

I’m worried about how Finn will take me being gone. As long as he doesn’t retaliate against my family, it’ll be okay.

“Rest up, Destiny. You’re going to need your strength. We have one hell of a fight on our hands.” Levi gives me a smile. It’s small but sincere.

He and Conrad get to their feet. “We’ll leave you be. There are men guarding this place. No one can get in or out without us knowing. You’re safe here.”

I wish that were true. I don’t believe I’ll ever be safe, not until my father’s dead.

“I know,” I lie, as I get up and hug them both. “Thank you.”

Conrad cups my cheek. “You’re family, Dest. Always. As soon as we found out you were taken, we came and got you. Never doubt our love for you. I’m sorry I left you with that asshole, James.”

I shrug nonchalantly. “There’s nothing you could have done. He’d gone crazy and he would have killed you had you tried.”

His eyes flash with anger. “You’re my niece, Dest. My fucking niece. I should have protected you better.”

“You’re here now. That’s all that matters.”

“Yeah, but you’ve had to endure so much when you shouldn’t have.” The regret in his voice hurts to hear, but I know there’s nothing I can say to make him feel better.

“She’s home now, Dad. We’re going to make sure she stays safe,” Levi tells him, as he pulls me into his arms. “I’ll be back in the morning. Get some rest. You look like hell.”

I shove him off me. “Wow, what a great compliment.”

He just grins. “Tomorrow,” he says as he kisses my cheek.

I watch as both he and Conrad leave, and a heavy feeling settles in my stomach. I know what’s coming isn’t going to be good. I just hope I’m strong enough to face it when it does come.

* * *

I gasp awakeas the sheets are pulled from my body. My eyes open and I’m hit with a harsh light, but I ignore it as I come face to face with an extremely pissed off Finn Gallagher. My heart stutters at the sight of him.

“Finn,” I say tiredly, as I reach for the sheets in his hand. “Turn off the light and get in. I’m tired.” I settle back into the bed and move over so he can climb in beside me. I then see that it’s three in the morning. What is he doing here at this time?

“Are you fucking serious?” he growls at me.

I blink. “What?” I ask with a sigh.

“What?” he snarls. “I told you I’d find you, baby. Now you’d best be prepared for the consequences.”

I glare at him. “Do you know what time it is?” I ask him, before releasing a yawn.

“I don’t give a shit what time it is. You left.”

“What the hell did you expect me to do?” I question. “You fucking bought me, Finn. You purchased me like I was a whore. Did you truly expect me to stay?”

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