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“Hi, Rory. Look, ya have every right to hate me.Ihate me for what I’ve done. But I need ya. Cami and Hannah need ye.”
I don’t care that I’m begging. I will get on my knees if it means protecting the people I love.
“Fuck you,” he replies, and just as I’m about to hang up, something unbelievable happens. “I’m at home. See ya soon.”
The line goes dead, and I look at Cian, confused.
He merely shrugs, knowing all along that our friendship will always win.
I feel beyond awkward knocking on the door of the flat Rory and Babydoll once shared together. But when Rory opens the door, that awkwardness turns to guilt and shame.
He can’t even look at me without wanting to punch me in the face, and I can’t blame him. I wanted to do the same thing when I found out they were engaged. But we need to get over our differences because we have one thing in common—we both love Cami.
He steps aside, indicating we can enter.
Cian clears his throat, always stuck in the middle. “Hey, Rory. I like what y’ve, um, done with the place.”
He is clearly being sarcastic because the place looks like it’s been robbed. There are the basics like a couch and a coffee table, but any decorative pieces are gone. I’m guessing that’s because he couldn’t stand to see things in his house, reminding him of Babydoll.
Rory grunts in response, not offering for us to sit. He stands by the door, arms folded, hinting if I have anything to say, then to do so now.
“Rory, I won’t insult ya by sayin’ I’m sorry.”
He scoffs, shaking his head, while Cian moves away from us, not interested in being involved in World War III.
“Aye, I’m sorry yer hurtin’, but I’m not sorry for actin’ on somethin’ both Cami and I wanted.”
“That’s grand for youse. I couldn’t be happier,” he quips, nostrils flared. “But I don’t think that’s the reason yer here.”
“Yer right,” I reply,appreciating that he wants to get straight to the point. “Tomorrow, I’m callin’ a meetin’ with Brody’s men. I predict Sean and Liam will be there. We’ve organized men who were loyal to our fathers to be there for us because I assume it’ll be a bloodbath.
“I don’t know what to expect because Sean has proven to be unpredictable. So, we’re not takin’ any chances and preparing for every scenario. I suspect some men will fight, but most will probably run, not interested in being caught up in our war.
“But this is personal to us. Blood feuds last forever, but I’m going to end it tomorrow…and I need yer help.”
Rory snickers, curling his lip. “Y’ve some bollocks on ye, comin’ here and askin’ for my help.”
“I know that,” I agree, “but if I weren’t desperate, I wouldn’t be here.”
“I used to love this flat,” he says, ignoring my statement. “It was a home Cami and I built together. But now, all I can think ’bout is how yer gaff is where she calls home. How your bed is where she sleeps. Ya couldn’t leave her alone, could ya?
“Ye can have anyone, but why her? Darcy Duffy, for fuck’s sake, is knockin’ at yer door, yet ya had to steal the woman I love when ya could have had anyone!”
“It doesn’t work like that,” I reply, standing my ground when Rory walks forward. “I didn’t want to hurt ye, Rory. But I love her. I’ve always loved her, and she loves me. I know yer the better match. I can’t get my head around it, but she wants to be with me. And I will do everythin’ in my power to protect her.”
Rory isn’t interested in sentiments, however, and with a roar, he strikes me in the jaw.
My head snaps back with a sharp crack, but I slowly turn to face him once again. I don’t retaliate. This has been a long time coming.
“For fuck’s sake,” Cian groans, stepping back.
“I’m not goin’ to fight ya, Rory.”
“Too bad then, ’cause I plan on fightin’ you.” He punches me again, this time in the nose.
Blood instantly pours from my nose as Rory has always had a killer right hook. He launches at me, sending me toppling onto the floor. He commences punching my face, cursing the day I was born. I don’t fight back because I deserve this.
This is Rory’s therapy, and if this will help him heal, help him forgive me for betraying him, then I will endure each strike until he can look at me again.
