“Of course, because Legend has never had someone he introduced to us, but I suspect that’s not what you mean.”
“No, it isn’t,” I mumbled.
She slowed and swung our hands as we reached the top of the stairs. “I raised my children with manners, honey. Legend’s got the driver around with the nice car. I expect he wants to show you off.”
“Really?” I was surprised, though I wasn’t sure why. Legend hadn’t done anything to hide me yet.
She laughed and started down the stairs, and I followed her. “Of course. Now I’m old and I’m hungry and that’s a terrible combination. Let’s go!”
When we got out to the driveway my belly swooped with happiness as I spotted Legend. He hadn’t changed, and he was standing next to two other tall men. If no one had told me any differently, I would’ve already known they were his brothers from the way they were built and their height.
“Do you remember being introduced to my boys this morning? I know Legend gave you a shock, so I’ll tell you again in case he knocked it right out of your head. That’s Hero and Danger,” Diedre said, pointing between the men.
“I’m going to forget which is which.”
She laughed and shook her head. “You’ll remember soon enough. Too bad that Fallon couldn’t come along. He’s one for a good time.”
Legend scowled as he turned toward us. “Mum, I told you, that boy is as gay as the day is long. You won’t steal him away from Cillian Shaughnessy.”
She waved her hand and laughed. “I can try.”
The driver came around and opened the rear door of a short black limo as we got nearer, and my throat almost closed because he was staring at me, but not in a very flattering way. The closer I got to the car, the more uncomfortable I felt, until I dropped my gaze to my shoes. I’d felt good when I was getting ready, but all at once, I wondered what this man, who didn’t know me, was thinking. Did he see someone he thought shouldn’t be in these clothes? Did he think it was stupid that I’d covered the scars with makeup? Anger—at myself—ate at me. Why did I care? I raised my gaze and glared at him, and Legend’s eyebrows shot up as his attention shifted from me to the driver.
“Keep your eyes in your head, mate,” he growled.
My face heated because the guy shook his head, even though he did stop staring at me.
The driver’s nose wrinkled. “Sure, Boss. What’s to look at anyway?”
In the blink of an eye Legend went from the man who told me I’m pretty—and followed me around an underwear shop whispering dirty things in my ear—to a vicious monster. He bared his teeth, and before I could suck in a breath, he lashed out, punching the driver on the jaw. The man stumbled against the side of the car, and Legend hit him in the gut this time.
“You want to say shitty things about my Finn, do you?”
The men who’d been standing guard around the house earlier came rushing toward the car at the commotion, but as soon as they realized it was Legend handing out an ass beating—and not the other way around—they backed off. I could tell they were only one order away from jumping into action. Hero and Danger stood nearby not looking particularly upset or surprised, and I swallowed hard.
“Grab this piece of shit excuse for a man and come with me. We’re gonna take care of him fast, so I can show off my beautiful boy at dinner.” He strode toward the house.
Danger and Hero grinned at each other.
The driver blubbered something I didn’t quite understand, then lunged away from the side of the car and tried to run off, but he didn’t get very far. Danger punched him, about in the same spot that Legend had, and the driver fell to the ground. From there they scooped him up by the arms, then carried him toward the house with his feet dragging behind.
“What are they going to do?” I asked, glancing at Diedre. Not only did she not seem the slightest bit concerned, but she waved her hand after the men.
“Go see what he’ll do to anyone who doesn’t show you the proper respect, honey. It’ll do your soul good.” She tugged on my ear and smiled, as if Legend had done something exceedingly cute. I’d been right earlier. Diedre was nice, but she was also scary. I flashed her a smile as my heart thudded loudly in my ears.
“No one’s ever hurt someone for me,” I whispered to her.
“Oh, he’s not hurting him for you. He’s doing it for himself. Trust me. These men have pride bigger than all of Castle Hill.” She tittered and pointed toward the door, and I rushed inside with my skirt fluttering around my thighs.
Following the sounds of shouting that abruptly cut off, I stopped on the middle floor, which I hadn’t been in much. The stairs opened into a small area, and immediately across the way was a large fish tank with brilliantly colored coral growing in it. I’d vaguely noticed it the last time I’d been to Legend’s office. Another sound drew me to the right.
“Oh, look at him struggle. Not feeling so superior now, are you, mate?” Legend’s tone was brutal.
The sound of splashing hit my ears and I followed the noise to the open office door. I peeked my head in and gasped. Legend stood at the top of the steps over the jellyfish tank.
He smirked when he noticed me and barely had to try to hold the driver’s head under the water. “Hero, turn on the fun lights so Finn can see my beauties easier.”
“Sure,” Hero said, flashing me a smile. “You ever see someone die this way before?” he asked, and it seemed like his version of trying to make pleasant conversation, which had me laughing nervously.
