Page 37 of Pride

I tilt my head. “About?”

“Nina, of course.”

I tap my fingers on the bar top. “Do you want my honest opinion?” I’ll give him it because if he doesn’t marry her it benefits me. I don’t want to have to make an enemy out of Cathal for bringing her family down.

“Of course, no bullshit. Tell it to me straight.”

“She’s a train wreck waiting to happen.”

His brow furrows. “What do you mean?”

“Did you know that she’s attempted to take her life multiple times?”

He swallows hard and shakes her head. “No, first I’m hearing of it. How did you find that out?”

“It took some digging, but I did extensive research on Bella’s family before accepting the invite to visit as a potential suitor.”

He runs a hand through his messy hair. “Fuck.”

“I’m just saying she’d be a complicated wife.”

Cathal draws in a deep breath. “I really like her, though.”

I hold my hands up. “Don’t take my word for it. I’m merely giving you my opinion. She’s not quite right mentally.”

He shakes his head. “I’m not sure I can be dealing with that shit along with everything else that I’ve got going on. My brother’s death being one thing.”

I arch a brow, as I’m pretty certain that Cathal was behind his death. It’s the rumor that Cathal killed his brother to take control. “His death or his murder?” I ask.

Cathal’s eyes flash. “Careful, Darcy.”

I’m not scared of Cathal. “Or what?”

His jaw clenches. “I don’t wish to discuss my brother or his death.” The tone of his voice drips with guilt.

I struggle to understand how anyone can kill their own brother, but I did know his brother, and the guy was an arrogant asshole.

“Fair enough,” I say, holding up my hands in defeat. “Back to the matter at hand?”

He nods. “Nina seems like she’s so put together.”

I shrug. “Yeah, I think she’s fine at the moment. They have her condition under control.”

He sighs heavily. “Fuck, I can’t have a basket case on my hands.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I guess I’ll have to cut ties.”

“I think it’s best,” I agree, thankful that hopefully after tonight I’ll see less of Cathal. Seeing him stirs up emotions and memories I’m not ready to deal with. When we were kids, it was always the three of us hanging out. Cathal, Aiden and me. I hate constantly running into him, as Aiden isn’t here anymore, and to make it even harder, he doesn’t even remember me.

My emotions surrounding this man are complicated.

“So, enough about Nina,” he says, a look of hurt in his eyes at the mere mention of her name. I sense he really loves her. “Tell me more about the great Isiah Darcy.” His eyes flash with what I can only describe as playfulness.

I shake my head. “There’s not much to tell.”

Cathal sighs. “Shall we cut the bullshit, Joe?”

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