“Is that anyway to speak to your favorite uncle?” he teases.
Looking up, I don’t hesitate. I jump into his arms.
“Killian! When did you get here? What are you doing here? Never mind. I don’t care!”
Killian is my favorite person besides Miss Kelly. Killian has always been kind to me. He brings me presents when he visits and never raises a hand to me. Even though I know he is the leader of the Irish mob.
He’s an anomaly. If I could choose my future husband, I would want to marry a man like him. Fair but stern. Kind and protective.
“Missed you too, little one. What are you doing running around without looking?”
“I assumed I was headed toward yet another boring lecture on how ‘I must marry to help the family.’” I mock my father. I was just trying to get it done and over with. I roll my eyes. “Oh! Does this mean we get to skip the party tonight?”
He shakes his head solemnly. “Unfortunately, I cannot save you from that. You know that if your father wishes to marry you off, that is his right. There’s nothing I can do about that.”
I frown and look at the floor. “I know. A girl can dream, right?” I sigh.
“Exactly. Besides, what do you think I’m doing here? I’m your dashing date. Here to scare all the unworthy away.” He wraps his arm around me while leading me into the den.
“There she is. I see you found your surprise,” Father says from the window.
“Thank you,” I say politely.
“Have a seat. We need to talk about tonight.”
Killian gives me a reassuring smile, but all I feel is dread.
Sitting next to Killian on the couch, I brace myself.
Father turns, taking the chair across from me.
“We have already received interest in your hand.”
My stomach rolls at the thought.
Who? Why?
The weight on my chest intensifies as he continues.
“You will meet each one tonight. You are to be on your best behavior. You will always have either myself or Killian by your side. Of course, Frank will be your shadow, always watching from afar, but never letting you out of his sight.”
I nod meekly, chewing on the inside of my cheek to keep from an emotional outburst. All I want to do is scream at him.
How dare you do this to me? I don’t want to marry a stranger.
I know it will only lead to a beating. Later, though. Father would never lay a hand on me with Killian here. He knows Killian is fond of me. With Killian being the boss, Father won’t go against him.
Killian could theoretically take me from here, and my father wouldn’t be able to do anything about it.
However, to remain in a positive relationship, Killian allows my father to have the final decision where I’m concerned. I think it has something to do with the fact that Father saved Killian’s life once, but neither will talk about it.
“Cliona, I expect a verbal response when I speak to you,” he snaps.
I jerk at his tone. “Yes, sir. I will be on my best behavior.”
“Good.” He nods. “Why don’t you go find Miss Kelly and get ready for tonight. We need you to look your best. Killian and I have business to attend to.”
Nodding, I give Killian a small smile, noticing the hardness in his eyes. He offers a sympathetic smile back as I leave.
