The man couldn’t be intimidating if he tried. His hands shake with a tremor as he removes the tray cover. I’ve spoken with Cian about letting him retire and live out the rest of his life in peace. Apparently, the ancient manisretired, and this is what he’s decided to do until he drops dead.
Some of these Irishmen take loyalty to a whole other level.
As he leaves, my concern falls on my twin. She hasn’t made any progress at all.
She’s right. At this point, she does need to figure out how to help herself, because I’m all out of ideas. I just pray that she heals. Somehow. Someday.
CHAPTER 26
Ravenna
Two weeks later, it’s time to say goodbye to my sister. Finding relatives in Italy, willing to take her in for as long as necessary, took longer than I expected. Not only did I have to find her a place to live, but also guarantee she’ll be protected and well hidden. I’m now confident that she’ll be safer over there, away from this city, and given a new identity to travel under. A fresh start.
Uncle Davide was understanding enough to lend us a couple of Italian bodyguards as Elena’s escort. They’re men, but they aren’tIrishmen.
“I’ll miss you so much.” I hug her tight for what must be the hundredth time this morning. “When you’re ready to come home, just tell me and I’ll be there in an instant to get you moved back here.”
“I will. But don’t hold your breath. I’m not sure I ever want to set foot in this city again.” Her gaze flits around the tarmac as if she’s expecting a viper to strike her out of nowhere.
“I understand.” I do, but it still hurts to see my sister leave. I miss her already.
God, please help her, and keep her safe in Italy.
I watch her warily board the jet, a piece of my heart going with her. Cian, who had been giving us space, comes up beside me, wrapping his arm around my waist. I breathe him in, taking comfort in his unique scent.
Now, all of my immediate family is gone. Either dead or traveling thousands of miles away. Tears well in my eyes, and seeing them, Cian tugs me closer.
“We can visit her whenever you want. Just say the word,broc meala,and we’ll be on a jet.”
I nod, clinging to his arm. When it begins to rain, we head back to the town car, where I watch the jet taxi, then take off, disappearing through the low cloud cover.
My heart constricts. A deep sense of loss pools in my chest. Why does her leaving feel so final? Like I’ll never see her again?
Beside me, Cian sighs. “You’re strong, capable, and have such a big heart, Ravenna O’Rourke. You welcome my touch, and can stomach the look of my scars. You make me happier than I’ve ever been in my life.” He laces his fingers with mine.
“You know I?—”
“I’m not finished yet. What I want to say is, I’m so very grateful that you took your twin sister’s place at that altar and became my wife. I can’t imagine my life any other way.”
My breath catches, my heartbeat fluttering at his sweet words. I know he forgives me for deceiving him in the beginning, but I didn’t know, until now, that he’s actuallygratefulfor the outcome of my deception. Thankful that my rash decision has led us to each other, and exactly where we’re supposed to be.
He glances out the window. “Marrying your sister would have been a disaster for all of us.”
Once again, that queasy, pained sensation slithers in my stomach. Cian is mine,myhusband, and I don’t want to think about him with my sister or anyone else.
“She was different before she was taken,” I say in her defense.
“But she’s always been timid, right?” Cian’s features darken. “At least that’s what your father promised me. A timid, quiet wife.”
I nod. “She’s always been the shy one.”
He lifts my hand to his lips, gently kissing my fingers. “Well, turns out I like my wifedifficult.Challenging. A real harpy.”
I laugh as he repeats the words he unknowingly called me on our honeymoon, when he thought he was speaking about my twin instead of me.
“I’ll show you a real harpy, Mr. O’Rourke.” I climb into his lap, straddle his thighs, and playfully bite his neck.
His head falls back with a moan. He palms my ass, dragging my body closer to his. “Fuck yes, Mrs. O’Rourke. That’s exactly how I like it.”
