If Marco were to die, then a lot of my problems would go away. I wouldn’t have to be married to a man who insists on me being lonely forever.
But I don’t want Marco to die.
I run forward and place myself in front of Marco. “Don’t shoot him.”
Cormac hesitates and lowers his gun. “Get out of the way, Ciara.”
“I will not let you kill him. He made a deal with Dad. Dad will be furious if Marco’s dead. What happens to you then? Did you think of that? Dad could kick you out. He could make it so you’re no longer a part of our family. I love you, Cormac. I don’t want you to ruin your life over this. So just… go. Please. I will not move. If you want to shoot Marco, then you have to shoot me.”
“I would never hurt you.”
“So then go. I will not let you ruin your life. I will not. And I will not let you get killed because you’re an idiot. So just go. I will return to New York soon. I will be fine.”
“You wanted Marco dead.”
“Yes,” I admit. “Weeks ago. But not anymore. Listen to my words. Don’t kill him so you don’t have to die. Please just go. Just listen to me. I need you to listen to me.”
All the fight finally leaves Cormac’s eyes as he stumbles back, putting his gun away. “Ciara…”
“Just go. I will be fine. I promise you that.”
“How can I believe you?”
“Because I am your sister and I have never lied to you. Just go.”
Cormac shoots a glare in Marco’s direction before he leaves the house. I run to the front door and watch as Cormac gets inside his car and drives away. It’s only then that I let out a breath of relief.
I can feel Marco behind me.
“Why did you do that?” he asks.
“Save your life?” I ask before turning to face him. “Because I meant what I said. I don’t want my brother’s life ruined over this. He’s too stubborn. It’s going to be the death of him one day and I will not stand for it.”
“So it had nothing to do with me? Just your brother?”
I hesitate and Marco nods, like he knows he’s right. He starts to turn away from me before I grab his hand without thinking. That stops him. “It wasn’t just because of my brother. I… I didn’t want you to die.”
“Why? You can’t stand me.”
“Because we could have something together, Marco. I didn’t want to marry you at first, true. Yes, I once wanted you dead. But I changed my mind. I need you to believe me when I say that. I need you to trust me. I don’t want to be stuck in a loveless marriage with you for the rest of my life. We’re bound together now. Why can’t we make this work?”
“You really want to make this work?”
“I put myself in front of my brother’s gun to help save your life. Doesn’t that mean anything?”
His eyes finally soften. “It does.”
“Can we try? I don’t want to be alone.”
“I don’t trust easily.”
“I’ve gathered that. And I know I didn’t help matters with wanting you dead before. But I hope today shows that I don’t want you dead any longer. Not even when you scare me.”
“I have… baggage.”
I huff. “Doesn’t everyone?”
“I…” He stares down at my hand in his. “I lost a woman before. To another man. It’s why I got so angry when you flirted with that waiter and that man at the club.”
