Page 7 of Forbidden Romeo

At least the chairs have been reupholstered, a fact I’m grateful for, as Padraic indicates for me to sit down.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” I say casually while trying (and failing) to see through his stony expression for any indication about where this conversation may go.

He allows me a moment to stew before finally replying, “I’ll cut to the chase, Jack. My son is dead, and I’ve been left without an heir.”

I bite my tongue to stop myself from informing him he’s pointing out the obvious and merely nod.

“This could cripple our entire family, two hundred years in the making,” he continues.

“I know,” I say quietly. “I’ve already made plans to make the Maguires pay for what they’ve done.”

Padraic narrows his eyes at me. “I do not blame Connor Maguire for this.”

It’s my fault.

It’s like he reached across his desk and pulled my heart straight out of my chest. Rendering me completely speechless, unable to move, unable tofeel.The words I’ve been telling myself this last week are finally spoken aloud.

I take a gulp and try to regain some composure, “Connor–”

“I didn’t invite you here to listen to your excuses, boy. The Maguires will be dealt with in due course, butyou…” Padraic’s voice takes on a venomous twist. “Tell me, were you or were you not assigned to the task of flushing the Maguires encroaching on our territory?”

“I was.” I have to break eye contact and stare down at my hands.

“And did you, or did you not, request my son join you on this task?”

“I did.”

“And when my son asked you to send others to investigate a suspicious lead, did you deny the request?”

It’s my fault.

A phantom knife twists in my gut. “I did.”

“Why?”

“I thought we’d be able to take them–”

“No. You were being reckless, immature, and irresponsible,” Padraic cuts me off. “These are qualities I cannot have within my ranks.”

I look up in pure shock. Genuine fear shoots through my veins—this family is my entirelife.It’s the only thing I’ve ever known.

“Padraic, you can’t,” I say.

Padraic merely sneers at me. “You don’t tell me what I can or can’t do.”

It’s my fault.

“I’m your son,” I whisper.

He laughs. It’s a cruel dry sound that comes out more like a bark.

“You’re no son of mine. As for the Dead Eyes…That’s a privilege you mustearnshould you ever wish to regain your position within my ranks.”

I shake my head. “This is my family.”

“No, Jack. This ismyfamily.”

Chapter Two

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