Page 131 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

“I thoughtit best we meet face to face, Padraig.” Luciano slaps me too hard on the back, causing me to grit my teeth.

I’ve not done any wet work since returning to New York, but he’s making me itch to have him as my first unwilling victim. He’s only slightly more detestable than his baby sister.

I take in my brother-in-law. Thirty-one years old, tall, olive-skinned, with black hair tied back at the nape of his neck and well-groomed facial hair. He smiles at me with a face full of veneers.

No doubt someone knocked out his original teeth for being the untrustworthy fecker that he is.

Even now, we don’t know what he was involved in that saw him kicked out of the Sicilian mafia. It must have been something of note. They obviously couldn’t wait to be rid of him if they let him leave with his life intact.

The main concern is that he’s about to recommence whatever the fuck it was with the Dusters as a visible ally.

“Is that right, Luciano.”

I remain sitting on the sectional as he helps himself to a whiskey.

“So, this contract.”

“What about it?”

“I believe you have yet to sign it.” He throws back the whiskey in one before pouring himself another.

“I’m still reviewing it.”

“You have insulted my sister.”

Here we go. “In what way? I married her, which is all that was ever asked of me. Your sister’s vile behavior insults me.”

“You disrespect your wife with such comments.”

“I didn’t ask for her to be my wife.”

“No. You would rather be married to the biker who gravely insulted her. I’m not sure why you are so anxious to achieve your freedom when Jaine has already chosen to marry your brother.”

“I’m sure your sister won’t be too insulted when I pass her my fortune.”

“We do not need your money.”

“I beg to differ. You have property and land, but having had my brother carry out an extensive background search, it would appear that you don’t have much by way of cash reserves. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out why you wanted Sophia to wed an O’Connell. We have billions of dollars in liquid cash over and above an extensive business and property portfolio. We also have a credible reputation. Something you don’t. You need something of note behind you to poach high-rankers from other factions to join your less-than-credible organization. You also need funds with which to pay them.”

I watch as he pours himself a third whiskey with now less than steady hands. I’ve clearly hit the nail on the head.

“I would speculate you were already aware when the initial contract was signed between you and my da that you were already on shaky ground with your old organization. I'm sure if we wanted to, we could have Jaine confirm this with the new Don Leoluca. As you know, she represents them legally these days. Could it perhaps be the case that the original contract was signed under false pretenses?”

His fist clenches around the glass. I’m right. I know I am, and depending on what was contained within the initial contract, that could make it null and void, and he knows it.

“You stole my sister’s virtue before you were legally wed. As used goods, she is worthless to my family now. I would have to pay someone to take her off my hands,” he spits.

He’s right. Had I not taken her purity, I could have proceeded down the contractual route, but I will not dishonor the girl.

“At least she won’t be a divorcee. And you don’t have much of a family to concern yourself with when it’s only you and her.”

“And a future Duster heir.”

He smirks and I immediately want to cut it from his face. “A meal ticket, you mean? Someone to ensure you always have an alliance with my family.”

“In return, we are giving you what you asked for. Why are you refusing to sign a contract that you yourself requested?”

He’s right. I’ve been putting it off, as signing it means the clock will then countdown to me upholding my side of the bargain. I then need to get Sophia pregnant. Have I also been putting it off because I hoped Jaine and me…

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