“I didn’t,” I say quietly.
And just like that, the tears spill over. I didn’t even feel them start. But with Bridget, I don’t need to hide.
“Mom and Dad already arranged it. My wedding.” Mylife. “To Cavin McCarthy.”
Bridget looks like a ghost just waltzed through the window. “You’rejoking.”
“No. Remember when they talked about friendship and alliances and all that bullshit?” I laugh bitterly. “They meant marriage. They meantthis. They planned it behind my back.”
“Erin…”
“I have to do it,” I say, swiping at my tears.
I won’t remind her why. Won’t remind her what I’m trading away so she can keep fighting. “Listen…” My voice is so small, I’m not even sure she hears me. “Maybe this is the way it’s supposed to go. Maybe it’s notthatbad.”
Bridget stares. “Who are you right now?”
“I know. I said I’d never get married.” I swipe at my eyes, and my hand comes away black with mascara.
Fancy clothes. High heels. Makeup. All of it—just another mask.
And right now? I want to rip it all off.
My phone vibrates with a text from anunknown number.
Unknown Number
This is my number. Save it. Cavin
I tap his text, hit the options, then clickBlock.
There. That ought to do it.
He’s not coming into my life unannounced for another fucking second.
“You can’tmarryhim, Erin,” Bridget whispers, shaking her head.
I draw in a shuddering breath. “I have to.”
Chapter Ten
Cavin
I’m sittingon my bed—the big,cavernousbed that is soon to be occupied with an enemy.
I yank at the stupid tie and tug it off, tossing it next to me.
I know the McCarthy family rules like the back of my hand. I’m not only expected to marry her, I’m expected to take care of her, and I’m expected—god—expectedto knock her up.
I’m tense. Dammit, I want some relief.
I want to go down to the club with my brothers, grab a woman or two or three, and relieve some of this tension. But I’m an engaged man now with an invisible noose around my neck. Better than another night of shite sleep fighting my demons.
I stand up and pace the room, my hands shoved into my pockets. Voices sound at the door outside my room, and then pass. My parents have long since gone to bed. Seamus and Zoya as well.They’ll probably go home tomorrow. Declan’s out, and Daire is too.
I text them.
Where are you?
