Page 51 of Forbidden Romeo

I know that Morris would have no qualms about subjecting Aimee to interrogation tactics that go far beyond mere questioning. I’ve seen firsthand the way he thrives on the power he holds over others, reveling in their anguish. The thought of him intimidating her, using his sadistic methods to extract information or force compliance, fuels the anger growing inside of me.

But it’s not just Morris I fear. The entire family poses a threat to Aimee’s safety if she is caught. Padraic’s mind is clouded by his own fury, and if he’s willing to let Buzz and Morris use brute force to get her to cooperate, I don’t want to think about what he might do if he perceives her as a liability.

For the first time, I find myself questioning the morality of it all. Does Aimee truly pose a threat to the family, or is she merely caught up in circumstances beyond her control? I can’t believe that she was in any way involved with Graham’s murder. What could capturing her do other than antagonize Connor even further?

“Jack?” Kate says, snapping me out of my spiral. I turn to face her, seeing genuine concern in the way her brow furrows.

I remind myself that we’re allies now, that this shouldn’t be so surprising. But it doesn’t shake the novelty of my childhood rival becoming a friend. I silently appreciate the change in our dynamic.

But we’re not close enough for me to tell her the truth. Not yet.

“I’m thinking I should go ahead,” I suggest, my mind still racing with the potential dangers awaiting Aimee.

“Why?” Kate replies, clearly curious about my sudden decision.

“If this turns out like it did last time,” I explain, “the scouts may need backup.”

“They’re not meant to engage,” she reminds me, her voice carrying a firmness that signals her authority.

But I won’t back down. “How manyDead Eyesdo you think wouldn’t jump at the chance to bring in a Maguire themselves?” I challenge. “Do you really trust them not to engage if the opportunity presents itself?”

Kate takes a moment to consider my words, weighing the risks and implications.

Finally, she relents, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Fine, take a bike. Do not engage until I get there.”

“What if it’s self-defense?” I push back cheekily.

“Did I stutter?” Kate snaps back sharply.

There’s the Kate I’m used to.

I can’t help but smirk at her response, appreciating her unwavering commitment to the plan.

“Aye, aye, captain.”

Chapter Thirteen

Aimee

Jack’s words still ring in my ears as I return to the apartment.

“Youliedto me.”

He looked so hurt, so betrayed… I had no idea lying to him about this would cause such an intense reaction.

I could kick myself.

Ofcoursehe’s upset.

I didn’t tell him Roisin was my sister.

He’s the agent trying to sign her to his family business. I can’t say I know a whole lot about that industry, but I imagine sleeping with your prospective client’s sister isn’t considered hugely professional.

Still, I can’t blame myself for hoping it would be something we could work through. I mean, aside from this little hiccup, things have been almost frighteningly good between us. The date to Coney Island was one thing, but last night… No one has ever made me feel like that. Like I was safe and wanted andworshippedby someone.

Surely when he said “goodbye,” it wasn’t goodbye for good… right?

I’m not sure if I could take a blow like that. Not after the way we connected. I feel crazy just thinking about it because, logically, I know I’ve only known him for a few days. But I don’t want it to end, and aside from this, he’s not given me any indication that he’d want it to end, either.