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I squeeze my eyes shut.
Tynan mocks, "Ya only got one option. Or do ya just want to fold now?"
Da mutters, "Hit me."
I open my eyes, and Tynan flips another card, turning up the eight of diamonds. My gut dives to the ground.
Tynan rises. "Well, then. I guess we know what's what. Consider your debt paid."
Da tries to stand.
Tynan pushes him back down, warning, "Sit and don't move until we're gone."
Da's eyes widen. "Double or nothing again!"
Tynan chuckles. "Ya don't know when to stop even when there's nothing left, do ya?"
The worst feeling I've ever felt rolls through my bones.
He twists my father's wedding band on his finger, then holds out my mother's ring to me, ordering, "Put it on, Maeve."
I hesitate.
He lowers his voice. "I said to put it on."
I don't move.
Tynan warns, "Don't make me tell ya again." He turns toward my father. "A bet's a bet. Unless ya want other consequences?"
Da's face pales even more.
"Da?" I whisper, not understanding what's happening.
He instructs, "Do what he says."
Tynan waves the ring in front of me.
I take it and slide it on. It feels different. It's heavy, as if he somehow tainted it.
I force myself to square my shoulders and lift my chin. I declare, "Ya can leave now."
Tynan chuckles.
"What's so funny?" I seethe.
He steps toward me and slides his hand over my waist. He leans down and mutters in my ear, "Ask me what your da wagered."
My insides tremble so hard my knees almost buckle. I catch myself and slowly meet Tynan's gaze.
"Ask," he orders.
My mouth turns dry, and a crack fills my throat. I barely get out, "What did he bet?"
Tynan's eyes flare with heat and a wildness I've only seen in evil men. His lips curl. "You."
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Tynan O'Connor
