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“Fuck, I can’t wait to see where this goes,” Caden grins, the excitement in his voice mirroring my own. “But I’m not taking this any further until those two have their say.” He pulls away, and I feel lost, but he is right. This is wrong unless we have Ciarán’s and Cathal’s consent. I can only hope that they give it to us because, without him, I’m always going to know a piece of my puzzle is missing.
34
CIARÁN
The cacophony of laughter, chatter, and footsteps fills my ears as I step into the department store. My senses are alert as I blend in with the bustling crowd of shoppers. The smell of perfume mixed with the distant aroma of coffee from the café nearby hangs heavy in the air. My gaze skims the scene around me.
Slipping past a group of giddy teenagers, dodging their swinging shopping bags and the sharp elbows they thrust out in their excitement, I scan the faces of the employees and customers alike. Gary is here after taking several days off, probably hoping we’d forget about him. No such luck for Gazza. We’re determined to find him and teach him a lesson for the way he’s treated Summer.
“Gotcha, you prick,” I whisper when I spot him on the other side of the store.
He’s chatting with a coworker, a smug grin on his face as he gestures animatedly. I can almost hear his obnoxious voice boasting about something or other.
Man, I fucking hate him.
Time to show this fucker what happens when you mess with our woman.
I make my way through the throngs of people, my every movement calculated and deliberate. Closing the distance between Gary and me, my rage grows with every step. My hand slips into my jacket pocket, fingers wrapping around the cool metal of the knife I brought for this confrontation.
“Gary,” I say, my voice low and menacing as I grab his arm, spinning him away from his coworker who knows what’s good for her, and scurries off. His eyes widen in shock, but before he can react, I press the blade against his side. “We need to talk.”
“Wh-what do you want?” he stammers, sweat beading on his forehead as he tries to pull away from my grip. But I’m relentless, dragging him through the store to the back corridors, past storerooms, and break rooms until we reach the exit that leads to a narrow alleyway.
I shove him out into the alley, where Cathal emerges from the shadows, his imposing presence causing Gary to flinch. The fear in Gary’s eyes pleases me; he deserves to know what it feels like to be intimidated, just like how he made Summer feel.
“Please, I didn’t mean any harm,” Gary whimpers, desperation lacing his voice. But his pleas fall on deaf ears as I watch Cathal’s anger rise. “It was just a game, that’s all.”
“Didn’t mean any harm? You think we’re fucking stupid? You don’t get to hurt our girl and walk away, you piece of shit.”
As I hold him in place, Cathal takes a step forward, his fists clenched and ready for action. Gary’s eyes dart between the two of us, realizing the gravity of his situation.
“Please, I-I’m sorry,” he stammers, but it’s too late for apologies. We’re here to make sure he never dares to cross paths with Summer ever again.
“Sorry doesn’t cut it.”
“You’re a pathetic excuse for a man,” Cathal hisses, his voice like ice as he circles the trembling figure. “You think it’s okay to treat Summer like she’s worth nothing? To demean her and break her spirit?”
“Please, I didn’t mean to hurt her,” Gary stutters, fear twisting his face into a pitiful mask.
My heart races and my fists clench, ready to unleash my fury on this scumbag. Cathal’s eyes flare with anger, a storm brewing just beneath the surface, and for one split second, I see our father in him. Cruel, calculated, and about to inflict some serious damage.
“Didn’t mean to? Every action has consequences, Gary. And now you’re going to feel the weight of yours.”
Cathal’s fist flies through the air, connecting with Gary’s jaw in a satisfying crack. I can practically feel the impact reverberate through my body, and it fuels my desire to see justice done. Gary stumbles back as I let him go, gasping in pain, but Cathal doesn’t let up. Blow after blow lands on Gary’s body, each one fueled by Cathal’s protective instincts.
“Does it feel good, Gary?” Cathal taunts between punches. “To know that your actions have led you here? That you’ve made an enemy out of the Gannon family?”
“Stop—please!” Gary begs, his voice choked with pain and fear.
But Cathal is relentless, his rage driving him forward.
“Did you show mercy to Summer when you called her a slut?” he growls, punching Gary again before he flicks his knife out. Leaning down over the battered man on the alley floor, he smirks. “You think you’re so fucking pretty, don’t you? You think that face will get you anyone you want to do whatever the fuck you like with them? Well, not anymore.”
I grimace as Cathal swipes the blade over Gary’s cheek, cutting him deep, scaring him for life as he slashes at the other side.
“Not so fucking pretty now, are you, fucking cunt?” Cathal kicks him and steps back, surveying the damage inflicted on Gary’s battered body. “Remember this moment, Gary. Remember what happens when you mess with our family.”
Gary whimpers in response, unable to form words amidst the onslaught.
