"What’s the catch?” I ask, struggling to believe it’s just that easy.
He smirks. “No catch. No blood, no war, Jack. Just a nice, tidy ending. For once, you’re going to shut the fuck up and play by my rules. Or I’ll show you what I do to men who forget where their loyalty lies. Ask Murphy how many teeth he’s lost.”
Lennon’s breath catches, and I feel her whole body tense through her hand, confusion in her eyes. Behind me, Trent stiffens, like he’s bracing for a fight to break out or gunshots.
O’Grady’s gaze burns through me, daring me to fold. “Well, Jack? Are you going to act like a man or keep running?”
I square up, blocking Lennon from him. “Just know, if I do this, it’s not for you or your fucked-up legacy. I want her. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with this woman. Because I love her. No more games, no more debts.” I turn to Lennon, dropping to one knee on the sticky floor. “Lennon, after all this bullshit, all this pain. Will you marry me?”
Tears run down her cheeks, but she’s got a big smile on her face. “Yes,” she chokes out, voice shaking. “Yes, Jack. I’ll marry you.”
O’Grady slow claps, the sound echoing through the empty club. “Good lad. The family will be proud.” He looks at his guys with a smug look on his face. “You two think love fixes everything? It doesn’t. It just gets you killed slower.”
Trent lets out a shaky breath, relieved. O’Grady rolls his neck and straightens his jacket, flashing a cocky smirk.
“You’ll be married tomorrow. My priest, my papers. After that, you’re dead to me. You can disappear for all I care; I don’t give a shit. But you cross me, you breathe my air again, I’ll end you both. Don’t ever forget who made you, Jack. Don’t ever forget you’re mine.” O’Grady’s gaze burns through me. “Are we clear?”
“Crystal,” I snarl, the taste of blood in my mouth
He waves us off like we’re yesterday’s garbage on the curb. Probably already thinking about the next payday.
We leave, walking in silence back to Trent’s car. Each of us is still processing what just happened, the weight of it starting to settle. Lennon stops dead in her tracks, turning toward me.
“Did we…did we actually win?” She sounds surprised.
Trent laughs. “We survived, kid. That’s about as close as it gets.”
I pull Lennon into my chest, and she breaks, sobbing hard, before pulling herself back together with a deep, shaky breath. “Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow,” I promise her.
10
JACK
I’m done letting O’Grady think he runs my life. As soon as we stepped out of The Emerald Room, I shot Trent a quick text, praying Lennon didn’t catch on.
Me:I need your help. If we’re doing this, I’m giving Lennon a wedding she’ll never forget—one she deserves. Pull every string you can, no matter the cost. I want the ballroom, the flowers, the best food, her friends, and her dad there. No shortcuts. I want her to walk in tomorrow and feel wanted. I want her to know she’s finally home.
Trent glances at his phone, shaking his head and chuckling as he reads my message. I’m honestly a little surprised. I half expect him to push back on my unrealistic expectations, but instead, he just taps out a reply, his fingers moving over the screen.
I guess he’s finally come to terms with how serious my feelings are when it comes to Lennon. But there’s still one thing that needs to happen…two actually.
As we step toward Trent's car, I pause, pulling her back gently. “Wait.” Her brow furrows, confusion flickering acrossher face. “I need you to know how important this is to me, Len. Your dad. I want you to see him, to know he’s okay before we tie the knot tomorrow.”
Her breath catches, surprised by what I just suggested. “You really mean it?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. I nod, holding her gaze, wanting her to feel the weight of my promise.
“Yeah. I’m not going into this with more secrets.”
And I’m not letting him drag you down ever again.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jack.” She leaps into my arms, hugging me tight.
We find him,still in that shitty apartment, chain-smoking and sweating through his shirt.Pathetic.The second Lennon walks through the door, he’s on his feet, wide-eyed and emotional as he starts toward her with his arms open wide.
“Lennon. Thank God you’re okay.” She embraces him, burying her face into his shoulder.
“Hey, Dad.”
