How could something be so alien and so natural at the same time? I’d given so little thought to marriage; the last half of my life was dedicated solely to building my empire. But when I decided to marry her, everything clicked into place, as if this was always the plan. She’s beautiful and well-educated, from a powerful clan, and she’s been prepared for her role as a mafia bride. The only fly in the ointment is… wanting to kill her entire family.
Discreetly checking my watch, I see that we’ve been here for twenty-five minutes. Enough time for Sorcha to be thoroughly recognized and for calls to be made to a MacTavish brother or two.
“How long have you been here?” It’s Alec. “Everyone looks thoroughly charmed by your little display.” Sorcha stiffens next to me, tense, like an animal ready to bolt.
“My brideisquite charming,” I say, narrowing my eyes in warning. Though no one is close enough to hear him, I won’t let him disrespect her. The surge of anger I feel is shocking. This is Alec, my best friend, my brother. But Sorcha is mine.
“Of course,” he agrees blandly. “Any mobilization yet?”
Sorcha looks between us, a little frown creasing her brow.
Leaning closer to him, I murmur, “Callum tells me there’s five or six men already circulating, looking for her. We’ll leave in five minutes or so.”
“Good call,” he says, looking over my shoulder. “What thefuckis he doing here?”
“Mr. Taylor,” a voice croaks.
“Zhang,” I say calmly, turning to see him staring at Sorcha. “A surprise seeing you here.”
“Oh?” His gaze never leaves my wife. “I am quite a fan of dolphins.”
“Of course,” I say pleasantly, “and unprovoked shootings.”
The pretense of civility leaves him and his face twists into something dark and ugly. “I am allowing you to end this before it escalates into something you cannot control. I’ll buy the girl for the same sum you paid.”
Alec whistles next to me. “Has anyone ever told you, Zhang, that only an animal would attempt a human trafficking stunt outside of the cesspools where such things happen?”
Zhang's cold gaze moves to him briefly. “You would be surprised, Mr. Davies, how many of these people enjoy my particular tastes.” He’s expressionless, but I hear the arrogance in his tone. “I can point out six men in this room who have done business with me.”
Sorcha makes a low noise, a moan, or a curse.
“You are insulting my wife,” I snarl, “which means you are disrespecting me.” His gaze moves to her left hand and his face darkens.
“Impossible. You-”
“Quite possible,” I interrupt. “We were legally wed last week and she has my full protection,” I tilt my head toward Alec, “and that of my allies.”
Zhang is an evil bastard, through and through. But he’s always been a sharp and cunning businessman. Now, he looks unhinged. “She was meant forme.”
Stepping in front of Sorcha to block his view, I feel her gently grasp the back of my jacket. Her hand is shaking.
“She. Is. Mine.” I enunciate. “You will never look at her again. You will turn and walk the other way if you see her, or I will burn your Triad to ash. Do you understand me?”
Callum is casually walking up behind me at the same time Zhang’s bodyguards are surrounding their boss.
Alec starts laughing as his men join us too. “We’re having our own little party! Lads, keep your hands out of your jackets. There are so many nice people here. People you do not want to shoot.”
Zhang ignores him. “You’re making a mistake, Taylor.”
“You’ve already made one with your disrespect,” I say, “don’t make it worse.” Sliding my arm around Sorcha’s waist, I lead her away, Alec and our men following us.
Our steps quicken as we head toward the side entrance where our cars are waiting. I can see three men closing in on our direction. The MacTavishes work fast, well done. I’ll still slit their throats if they try to stop us.
“Mr. Taylor if I might have a word?” One of them holds his jacket open to discreetly flash his police badge.
“Not now,” I smile pleasantly. “You are welcome to call on me tomorrow at my office.”
“We must speak to-”
