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“That wasn’t your fault,” Rose murmurs, looking at the photograph. “She’s beautiful.”
“She was, but she’s gone,” I say, snatching the photograph back and stashing it away. I can’t look at it without seeing her on the operating table, attached to tubes and beeping machines. Her short life was unfairly cut to an end, and she took me with it. “You asked why I became who I am. I couldn’t save Tilly, but her death wasn’t an accident. Her nursery was on a day trip when a car ploughed into the pavement. Tilly got caught in the impact.” My blood boils with a wave of anger that’s ruled me since that day. A fury I’ll never shake. “They let the drunk driver off with a warning because of who he was. A powerful man in Edinburgh with enough connections to sweep her death under the carpet.”
The colour drains from Rose’s cheeks.
“My ex-wife took his money in exchange for not pressing charges.” I scowl. “That’s all she wanted me for, anyway. They paid for her silence, but my daughter’s life was about more than money.”
I run my hand through my hair, forcing it through a knot and stinging my scalp as I think about how Tilly used to totter over and call out for her daddy. I used to pick her up and twirl her around while she laughed so hard she nearly peed. When the car hit her, was she calling out for me in her last moments? Was she thinking her daddy would save her? That was my only fucking job, and I failed her.
“Lord McGowan…” Rose mumbles. “He was the driver of the car, wasn’t he?”
I don’t need to answer. She can tell from my murderous expression. I’ve been tracking him for years, biding my time. Freddie promised me an outlet with the Dukes, a way to make a difference, but I’m done protecting people like him. Rose entering our lives has reignited my fury and reminded me of what matters. I’ve finally found someone who understands how I feel. Someone who isn’t afraid to embrace their anger.
“What’s in the package, Callen?”
I raise my eyebrows. “Do you need to ask?”
“I’ll make sure he pays for what he’s done,” she promises.
I nod sharply, then push past her, leaving the cottage and jumping onto my bike. I need some fucking air…
CHAPTER38
SEB
After speaking to our security team and dropping Freddie back at the house to tighten up our measures, I drive back to the safe house, swapping cars a few times—just in case. The clock on the dash taunts me, and I put my foot down. Mum will kill me if we’re late. Thankfully, I’m already wearing my black tux and Rose should be ready to go.
I pull into the driveway and notice Callen’s Harley is gone. There’s one light on upstairs. I fly from the car, leaving my keys in the ignition and throw the door wide open.
“Rose?” I yell. “Rose?”
Footsteps come from behind me. I spin, ready to fight, but stop when I see her standing there.
She raises her eyebrows in bemusement. “Are you okay?”
“I… I saw Callen’s bike was gone,” I reply, making a mental note to kick his arse later. Why would he leave her alone after what happened last time? It’s reckless, but holy shit…
My heightened heart rate doesn’t slow as my eyes take in the sight of the gorgeous woman before me. She’s stunning.
“I guess Callen had other things to do,” Rose replies. “But I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”
Her black ballgown’s sculpted bodice shows just the right amount of cleavage, and the skirt—well, I’m not sure what the cut’s called—resembles a sequinned waterfall. She could have stepped straight out of Cinderella. I must have done something right to deserve to take this woman on a date.
“Seb? Are you listening?” Rose waves a hand in front of my face as I stand, gawping at her like a moron. “Are you sure this is okay?” She lifts and drops her skirt. “It’s not too much, is it?”
“No!” My voice is huskier than normal. Do we have to go out? I’d prefer to stay here and tear that dress off her irresistible curves. “You are… it looks… beautiful. You look beautiful. You’ll fit right in.”
A nervous smile flickers over her lips.
“There,” she says, straightening my tie. “Much better.”
“We should go,” I say, despite wrestling with my better judgement and hardening cock. “We don’t want to be late.”
The Collingsbrook Ball is a grand occasion. A social event that most people prepare for weeks ahead. I know my mother plans her outfit a full year in advance.
I offer her my arm. “My lady.”
She rolls her eyes and steps past me, holding the front door open for me instead. She sways on her heels as we walk across the gravel but bats away my attempts to help steady her.
