If she’d given her heart to Stone, then her suffering would undoubtedly be his. Because that was what fools in love did. They suffered for the ones they loved the most.
Once she fell for me, he’d never get over it. Not even in death. Because he was going to love and hate her for falling for a monster.
Either way, though, I knew Keely Ryan was going to try to hand me my ass on a silver platter for fucking with her. She wasn’t going to give that heart of hers up without a fight, even if it was only to prove to herself that she didn’t have to do anything she didn’t want to.
I smiled at the thought of fighting with her, and it felt damn good to smile about something.
A knock came at my office door, and a second later, Raff stuck his head in. “I have a message for you,” he said.
We stared at each other for a beat.
“Did you bring the bottle so I can read the fucking thing?” I said after he didn’t answer.
“No.” He smiled. “It’s from Father Flanagan. Message by mouth.”
“There’s a surprise. I sent you to make an appointment with him.”
“Exactly.” Raff smiled even wider. “He said to tell you—” he cleared his throat “—‘Appointments are for those who believe God doesn’t have His own timin’.’” His Irish accent was horrible, but I got the point.
I lifted my arm and checked my watch. “He’ll see me at 3 then. I have another appointment at 5.”
He nodded. “Do you need me at 5?”
I nodded. “Harry Boy and his sister will be joining me in the office. Check them for weapons before bringing them in.”
His face scrunched up. “He’s been in here more than a dozen times. I’ve never had to check him before.”
“No.” I stood, going for my suit jacket. “I don’t expect him to have one. The woman? Double check.”
“What am I looking for? Specifically.”
“If she was able to hide a bow and arrow underneath her clothes, I’d say those. But seeing as she wouldn’t get past the front door, check for smaller weapons. Gun. Knife. Poisonous tablets.”
“What’s this about, Cash?” Raff moved out of my way when I made it to the door leading out to the waiting room.
“I’m going to steal a bride.”
His deep laugh echoed around the warehouse. “That’s somethin’ I guarantee you never stole before!” A second later, after he stopped laughing, he wiped his eyes. “Be serious. Stop fucking with me.”
“When do I ever,” I said.
“Mr. Cash!” My ancient secretary, Susan, who had also worked for my father, stopped me. “John is here for his appointment.”
I looked over at an older man sitting in one of the chairs, waiting. “Mr. Gerald.” He stood and I walked over to him, holding out my hand. We shook. “I have to run out, but I’ve been hearing things. I know why you’re here. Don’t worry about Martin. We’ll get him some help and then see if we can find him some work on the docks. Working for me.” His son, Martin, was hooked, and his old man was struggling.
Mr. Gerald nodded. “Your old man would be proud.”
I squeezed his shoulder and then told him I’d be in touch with details.
I stepped outside. Raff stopped me as I was setting my Fedora on my head.
“Cash. You’re being serious.”
“While you’re out.” I dug in my pocket and handed him a card. “Pick up a ring I ordered at that jeweler. You’ll need your ID.”
Stone’s ring was cliché and not meant for a woman like her. If I was going to do this, I was going to get it right, to show the both of them that I knew her better than he did. Another little nick to his heart.
I was halfway down the street when Raff screamed out my name. I stopped but didn’t turn.
