Page 37 of Malicious Wedding

Or my brother’s fault. My family’s fault.

But still, the responsibility comes back to me, whether I like it or not.

These are my people now. I turned my back on my father, my brother, my uncles and aunts and cousins, all because I didn’t want to get mixed up in violence and depravity, but no matter how far I ran from all that, I’m still getting dragged back, kicking and screaming.

There’s only one choice. Only one person that I can be sure will protect everyone I care about and even make their lives better.

One man can do all that.

I only have to marry him.

I look back over my shoulder. Jamila’s making gun shapes with her hands like she’s devolved into shadow puppets. Carson’s listening carefully, patiently, but his eyes stray to mine.

When this first happened, I wondered where my guardian angel was.

I wondered if I really had one at all.

Except now I think my angel’s been pushing me toward this man.

If it weren’t for Carson, I’d have no good options at all. The police might come out, take some statements, but they wouldn’t be here to protect us the next time my tormentors come back for more blood.

Carson will.

“There’s only one thing I can do,” I say softly, still looking at Carson. “Bernie, close up for the day. Everyone goes home.”

“But the place is still a wreck.”

“We’ll clean it up tomorrow. Everyone’s getting paid for today. Plus bonuses for lost tips.”

Keely sucks in a breath. “Ash, you can’t actually afford that.”

“I can now. Excuse me.” I walk away over to Jamila and Carson.

“Big men, they got mad.” Jamila mimes hitting someone. “Smash Fulco in face. I mean, they hit Fulco in the face. Sorry, I’m just a little flustered.”

“Jams, it’s okay, I’ll take it from here.” I steer the poor girl away from the imposing weight of Carson’s attention. Jamila looks relieved as she rejoins the girl huddle over at the bar.

Carson’s head tilts, studying me. “Your friends are… interesting.”

“They’re not used to a bunch of angry thugs breaking in here and hurting people.”

“No, I suppose they wouldn’t be.”

“Except you are, right? This is the sort of shit you do all the time.”

“Not me personally.” He hesitates a moment. “Not anymore at least.”

I grind my jaw.

I hate this. I hate thisso much, but I see no other choice.

“Okay, Crowley, you win. As much as I absolutely loathe what I’m about to say, I don’t really have any other good options. I am so completely screwed that I’m accepting your offer.”

He goes still. It’s like he shuts down and even stops breathing. His eyes narrow sharply as he leans closer. “You accept… my offer… of marriage?”

“Yes, Carson, even though I’d rather run my fingers through a meat slicer, I will marry you.”

He instantly grabs my arm, turns to the door, and starts dragging me away.

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