I watch them file out and for the first time since we invaded the Kean home and took back what was ours, I feel it. The satisfaction of it. The pride in it. And in a few days, I’ll make our claim even more solid by marrying Keira. The Ifrinn and Kean families will be bound together in a union built on revenge and suspicion.
What a foundation for a marriage.
I rub my eyes, feeling the weight of sleepless nights. Every time I close them, I see her. Sometimes, she’s the girl I loved ten years ago, sometimes, she’s the woman who might be plotting my downfall. Which version is the truth?
What I hate is that deep down, I still feel something when I look at her. When I touch her. Something that goes beyond desire, beyond the physical connection. Something I've spent ten years trying to bury alongside the memory of my parents.
But I can't afford to let those feelings cloud my judgment. Not when so much is at stake. Not when I've fought so hard to reclaim what was taken from us.
This wedding isn't just about Keira and me. It's about securing the Ifrinn legacy, about showing Boston that we've returned to claim what's ours. It's about honoring my parents' memory by rebuilding what Hampton Kean destroyed.
And if that means keeping my wife under constant surveillance, if it means never fully trusting the woman who will share my bed and my name, then so be it. I'll do what needs to be done.
I'll make this marriage work, not because of what we once had but because of what we now represent. I'll be the husband she needs publicly, the leader my family needs privately, and I'llkeep my eyes open for any sign that she's playing a different game.
Because whether she's hiding a lover or a plan to reclaim her family's power, I'll find out. And when I do, I'll be ready.
19
KEIRA
Three days until I become Mrs. Phoenix Ifrinn. At one time, I wanted that more than anything. Now the thought sends a shiver down my spine.
I stand in the grand ballroom, clipboard in hand, watching staff hang crystal chandeliers that catch the morning light. Despite my situation, I feel a flutter of satisfaction seeing it all come together.
"The florist needs your approval on the final arrangements, Ms. Kean," says one of the staff, hovering at my elbow.
I nod, making another check on my list. "Tell her I'll be there in ten minutes."
The chef and I finalized the menu yesterday. A seven-course meal that would make even the most critical Boston elite nod in approval. The cake arrives tomorrow, a towering creation of sugar and fondant that cost more than most people's cars.
I've done everything Phoenix asked. The invitations went out express delivery to every family that matters in Boston's underworld. Each envelope contained not just a wedding invitation but a summons to the loyalty ceremony prior.
Every detail I arrange is another step toward the wedding day, the day I've planned for Brigit's escape. The timing must be perfect. During the ceremony, while all eyes are on Phoenix and me exchanging vows, Nanny Fiona will slip away with my daughter.
I paste on a smile as Phoenix's man watches me from across the room. I've played my part well, the dutiful fiancée, throwing herself into wedding preparations. No one suspects that behind the scenes, I'm orchestrating something else entirely.
My heart aches knowing I won't see Brigit grow up, but at least she'll be safe. That's all that matters now.
I'm in the middle of coordinating with the security team about where to position men during the ceremony when the double doors to the ballroom burst open. Three women sweep in, all smiles and excitement.
"Surprise!" The blonde one, Lucy, Flint’s wife, calls out. "We're your bridal party!"
I freeze, clipboard clutched to my chest. Hannah, Ash's wife, beams at me despite the slight paleness to her complexion that speaks to her recent injury. Beside her stands Jenna, looking shy but determined.
"I… what?" I stammer. This isn't part of my plan. I don't have time for this distraction.
"Phoenix didn't tell you?" Jenna asks, her voice gentle. "We're going to be your bridesmaids."
I feel a headache forming behind my eyes. "That's very kind, but I have so much to do. The seating chart is a nightmare, and I still need to finalize?—"
"Which is exactly why you need help," Hannah says, stepping forward. "No bride should handle everything alone."
Lucy holds up her phone. "We've already made appointments at three bridal boutiques for bridesmaid dresses. We can go this afternoon."
"My dress is already finished," I say quickly. "And I really don't have time for shopping. The wedding is in three days."
"Phoenix specifically asked us to help you," Lucy says. "He thought you might appreciate some female company."
