“Wow, you finally learned her name. Too bad things didn’t work out between you two.”
His green eyes narrow at me. “We can’t get engaged.”
“And why not? That clause your father put in his will isn’t going away on its own. We can get married long enough for you to send your uncle packing and then we’ll get divorced. Easy.”
Declan shakes his head. “Except it’s not that easy. The clause says I have to get married and stay married for at least a year. Likely because my father figured I would do something like this just to one-up my uncle. If I get divorced any sooner than that, my uncle regains his power. Permanently.”
Shit, okay. I guess this wouldn’t be as quick a fix as I had imagined. “Well, your uncle is a psychopath who needs to be stopped sooner rather than later. A year will go by much quicker than you think. Plus, it’s clear to me that you haven’t even thought much about the consequences of marrying a complete stranger beyond the fact that it will free you of any ties with your uncle?—”
“And how is marrying you not the same thing as marrying a stranger?” Declan sounds exhausted, but not just from lack of sleep. This is the type of exhaustion that’s buried deep in your bones and is hard to get rid of. It’s the exhaustion that comes with knowing every move you take could not only be the end of you, but the end of your loved ones and your legacy. It’s a type of exhaustion I knew well. Which is why I soften my tone and speak to him not as a boss, but as a regular man.
“I’m not going to deny that we’ve only recently gotten to know each other, but at least I know this lifestyle. Which means I’m also well aware of the fact that any wife of a boss gains power. Look at how Connor just treated her, thinking she was yourfiancée. Given how entwined our two families are, any person you bring into your organization can and likely will impact my family. So to me it seems entirely too risky to bring in someone you barely knew…especially given our current circumstances.” I allude to the thief in our ranks whose identity we have yet to discover.
Declan nods slowly. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have been so rash in trying to solve the problem that is my uncle without thinking about the other consequences.”
“So then what do you think of my proposal?”
“Figuratively speaking or literally?” His attempt to make light of the situation falls flat. The energy of everyone in the room is nothing somber.
“Both, I suppose.” My throat tightens knowing that the next words that come out of his mouth will likely change our lives forever.
“I accept Zahra. I accept.”
Azula sucks in a breath, reality likely sinking in for her. “Zahra. As your second, I think both parties involved should take a moment to think this through before we do anything we’ll regret.”
My eyes narrow. I don’t like her insinuating that I hadn’t thought this through. Everything I do is calculated, and she knows that. “Your opinion on the matter has been noted.”
Azula’s undeterred. “It’s going to take a few days for your lawyers to write up a contract. And I’m sure Declan’s would like to review as well?” she asks Declan, who gives her a quick nod. “Then, how about we reconvene in a week. Should bemore than enough time for all the documents to be prepared and negotiations to be handled.”
It’s a fair request. One that will result in the same decisions made here today. “Fine. I’ll have the contract sent over as soon as I can. If there’s anything that immediately comes to mind that you would like to be included, please let me know.” I glance at my watch, realizing how much time we’ve lost. “Unfortunately, I can’t stay any longer to discuss more details of the shooter. Perhaps we can schedule another meeting in a few days. To discuss our marriage contract and other business-related things?”
Declan gives me a curt nod before I walk out of his office. The longer I stayed there, the more the rational part of me would overthink this. But I can’t. Declan’s uncle needs his power taken from him immediately, and I can’t help but revel in the fact that I’ll be responsible for his demise. While I’m not wary about seeking revenge against Lorkan, the idea of getting married to Declan puts me on edge. The more I interact with Declan, the more I find myself pulled toward his palpable energy. And the more I notice parts of myself in him. Parts I had long buried under the surface.
20
DECLAN
“Are you out of your fucking mind?” Aidan exclaims the second our security confirms Zahra has left the mansion. “You can’t accept Zahra’s proposal.”
“I already did.” I shrug, walking over to my desk and groaning as I sink into my office chair.
“No, you still have time to back out. No contract has been signed. Vows haven’t been exchanged. You’re still a free man as far as I’m concerned.”
“Aidan, you and I know that I never have been, and never will be a free man.” I won’t disillusion myself into believing anything else. I’m not even sure I’ve really ever wanted another life. The mafia is all I know. It’s more than just a business, it’s family to me. And every family has their own rules to follow, their own expectations. Sacrifices that have to be made. At least marrying Zahra meant marrying into a family that has been allied with us for decades now. Marrying someone who knows what it means to make hard decisions, to prioritize everyone else’s needs above their own. Natalie, or any other heiress that Aidan threw my way, would never trulyunderstand the life I lead. Would never truly understand me. Zahra would. Which is why we are a perfect match.
“Declan, you’re not thinking clearly about this. This woman nearly got you killed?—”
“Don’t be so dramatic. She didn’t force me to take a bullet for her. I chose to.”
“That’s exactly my point! You barely even know Zahra and you’re risking your life for her. What happens when youdoget to know her? What happens if you fall in love with her?” he spits, as if falling in love is one of the worst things that can happen to a person.
“I didn’t think I would have to remind you of all people that I’m more than capable of keeping my head on straight. Especially when it comes to business.”
Aidan lets out a frustrated breath. “Of course I know that it’s just… Listen, this is uncharted territory for me. For all of us. Marrying someone like Natalie is simple. You hand over your credit card every time she starts to stick her nose where it doesn’t belong and she’ll look the other way. Zahra is different. She’s a boss. Born and raised to play the game and do whatever it takes to maintain her power. There’s no placating her and there’s certainly no controlling her?—”
“Good,” I deadpan. “I don’t want a wife that can be easily swayed by money or status or any other frivolous means. She’s cunning, and strong, and determined. Exactly what I need as my partner. She’s someone who can stand beside me and be equally as threatening. Equally as feared. Equally as respected. Zahra is perfect. So she’ll be my wife.”
“For a year.” Aidan’s words freeze me in place. “She’ll be your wife for a year, Declan. Don’t think she won’t end this arrangement as soon as she’s able to. Which is the entire reason why I’m cautioning you against this. You’re already speaking like this marriage is permanent and not a means toan end. You need to protect yourself, Declan. Not just physically, but also mentally. You cannot fall for Zahra. At least not any more than you already hav?—”
