Page 61 of Forbidden Romeo

Douglas’ tone becomes more serious. “Understood.”

“Her name is Roisin Maguire.”

“Roisin? Dear God… I thought the hair was just a coincidence…” Douglas’ surprise is palpable.

“Your discretion, Douglas,” I remind him firmly.

“Of course, of course. I will have someone call her now and make sure preparations have been made by the time she arrives.”

I glance over to the apartment doors again, but there’s still no one in sight. But for how long?

“This is time-sensitive.”

“Then I will make the call myself. You have my word,” Douglas promises.

I don’t doubt that Douglas will handle the matter with utmost care and secrecy. The only issue now is making sure Roisin reaches her destination in one piece.

I thank Douglas, hang up my phone, and settle into my chair. Knowing the state Roisin was in this morning, it may take a while for her to surface, so I begin nursing my coffee slowly.

Once Roisin is safe, the next thing on my ever-growing damage-control list is her sister.

My reaction in the alleyway might have been motivated by anger, but I stand by it. Those men should never have approached her like that.

Would I have done anything differently if Padraic’s plan had worked out as intended?

Would I have beaten Kate to a pulp if she tried to take Aimee away?

I’d like to think not. I’d like to think I have at least a shred of respect left for my family or, at the very least, Kate. But really, what difference would it have made?

In both scenarios, Padraic would eventually have had Aimee in his clutches.

I grimace, knowing exactly what Padraic would do. At best, she would be used as bait to draw Connor out into the open. At worst… I don’t want to think about it.

Saving an innocent woman from that fate has to be the right thing to do. Even if the family resents me for it.

But for how long will I be able to save her?

Padraic will get her one way or another. Whether I keep her in my apartment or let her go, or hand her over myself.

I need to find a way to protect her. If I could somehow prove Aimee’s innocence or persuade Padraic that she’s not worth the effort…

If I could use the turmoil over theDead Eyes’line of succession to my advantage, make a play for the position of heir that undeniably supports my claim to even Padraic… Maybe I could find a way to make it clear that she’s under my jurisdiction.

Graham used to have that kind of power—no one would defy his decisions, not even Padraic. The respect given to the heir to the Duffy line is, historically speaking, unparalleled. We were always looking forward to the future, which is why we denied the British during the famine.

All I need now is to figure out how I can make that play…

My thoughts are interrupted by a redhead emerging from the apartment complex, weighed down by an oversized suitcase and several large bags. Whatever Douglas told Roisin, she clearly intends to be away for a while. That, or she’s slightly more high-maintenance than her sister.

She doesn’t notice me watching her intently as she stands on the curb of the sidewalk and waits patiently for a taxi to pass by.

I finish my coffee quickly and hurry back to my bike parked up around the corner. By the time I ride by the apartment, Roisin is throwing her last bag into the back of a yellow cab and sliding into the passenger seat.

I watch in my rear-view as the cab pulls out and begins its journey to Manhattan.

It’s easy enough to stay within line of sight of the cab. The New York traffic never fails to disappoint when it comes to snail-paced speeds. Every now and again, I spy a flash of red hair in the back window, and I’m reminded of the redhead I have back home.

I hope Aimee is holding up all right on her own. At least I had the advantage of figuring this all out this morning; I imagine she’s still reeling from the information.

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