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I should’ve known it would be something terrible. That’s when they dropped the bomb that I’ll have to marry Kieran. Tears start to trail down my cheeks just like they did that night. The voice of my father echoes around the room.
“Suri, you will give up Brendan, for the good of the family. Kieran is the older brother and will take over for his family’s business. Your marriage to him will ensure that we have power in the alliance between families.”
At the time I couldn’t even fathom the idea of giving up Brendan. I knew, and I still know, deep down that we are meant to be together. I argued with Mallory and my father but they stood their ground, reminding me of my duty to the family. I laid on my bed and cried. My father kissed my temple and left.
Then came Mallory’s threat whispered in my ears under the guise of love and care. “If you don’t marry Kieran, I will destroy your father and take everything away from you.”
That ended the fight for me. No matter my circumstance, I loved my father. I never doubted Mallory’s threats. She wants everything for herself and nothing for anyone else. At that moment, I knew I would let Brendan go and marry Kieran. It would be the hardest thing I ever did and I still wasn’t sure I could go through with it.
Grabbing my phone, I text Ella needing a friend and a distraction.
Me: Hey I’m home, but of course, the king and his witch aren’t here.
Ella: Glad you made it home safely. It’s probably for the best that the witch isn’t there. Where did they go?
Me: True.They are staying in the city for the night. I’m gonna take advantage of them being gone by catching up on Netflix. Do you want to come over and hang out?
Ella: I wish I could, but I have to work.
Me: That sucks. Maybe another time. Love you, have a good night.??
Ella: Love you! ??
I put my phone on silent and place it in a drawer on my nightstand. Determined to not feel sorry for myself, I turn on Netflix and start to unpack while watching an episode of The Great British Bake Off.
Looking at the time, I realize I never ate dinner. It’s getting late and my stomach rumbles. I turn off the TV and head down to the kitchen to find something to eat.
Ariana left me a plate of food in the fridge, so I heat it up and sit down to eat. Sitting by myself at home eating alone. No parents, no fiance, no friends. Most likely just like almost every night of my new life. Lonely. As I sit in the quiet, all I can think is that Brendan would be here if I asked. He always showed up for me…no questions asked. I just wished I could have him back.
Chapter three
Brendan
Henry and I pull the car up outside of a rundown building. I check to make sure that I have the right address from the paper that Da gave us. It’s an old butcher shop and the owner has been avoiding the debt collectors. He knew what would happen if he refused to pay…so today he gets me.
The sun has gone down. It’s easier to take cover in the dark. I belong in the darkness. My father made that clear to me a long time ago. I think that’s why I’m so drawn to Suri; she’s always been a sparkle of light for me. The light to my dark even though she may be the only person in my life who never actually saw my darkness. She always knew exactly how to calm me, just a simple touch, when it threatened to consume me. Leading me out of the tunnel toward the light. Her confidence in me, making me feel like I could do anything.
“Hey, boss. You ok over there?” Henry says, interrupting my thoughts.
“Yeah man, sorry. You ready for this?” I ask as I flex my fist.
“Yep. Let’s get this over with.”
As we get out of the car, I turn to make eye contact with Henry and he nods. Henry and I have done this dance so many times that we know exactly what to do. I head toward the front door while he makes his way to the back of the building.
A middle-aged man stands behind the counter. He looks up and we make eye contact, his eyes going wide. He knows exactly why I’m here. He starts to run. Damn it! Why do they always run? I hate it when they run. It makes my life so much harder. If they borrow money from someone like my father, pay up or suffer the consequences like a man!
He doesn’t make it very far when a punch to the face from Henry takes him down. I grab him by his collar and lift him to his feet. He has blood running down his face and looks scared shitless. Leaning in close, I sneer at him “Fuck, Sean, why did you have to go and do that? Now I have to punish you for not paying and add extra for trying to take off. We can’t have people thinking that you can run from the O’Sullivans.”
I release him and he falls to the ground. I stand up to my full height and deliver a brutal kick to his ribs. “Sean, my money?”
He gasps trying to breathe as he sputters out, “I don’t have it.”
“Tsk tsk. Not the answer I want to hear, Sean.”
I grab my knife from inside my suit jacket. “Grab his hand.”
Henry secures Sean's hand because what I’m about to do will hurt like a bitch. Sean’s eyes get large as realization sets in and he screams,
