Chapter Thirty-Four
KIERAN
Ronan might have putme in charge, but his presence is always on my shoulder with every step I take as I stalk toward Finn’s cell.
It’s as if he sits perched on my shoulder, the angel to my devil. Or maybe we’re both devils at this point.
The amount of money I had to pay Jackson in order to keep this quiet from Ronan is enough to make my eyes water, but I had no other choice. I had to be sure the deal was done before I divulged the fact I gave Finn an out without consulting him first.
When Finn spies the contract in my hand, his lips pull back into a smile, and I fight the urge to set the damn thing on fire.
“That better be what I think it is, Sullivan.”
“Actually, it's your last will and testament.”
Finn huffs a laugh, the hollow sound echoing off the concrete walls. “I thought Ronan would have talked you out of it.”
When I say nothing, Finn raises his eyebrows.
“You haven’t told him.”
“No.”
“Interesting…”
“I’m not here to chat, Finn.”
“Clearly.”
“I’ll have Doyle read the contract out loud to you, and then I’ll be back in the morning for you to sign it.”
“You do realize you need to untie my hands in order for me to do that.”
“I’m aware, which is why I’m leaving it to the last possible second. And you better sign the damn thing, considering all the trouble I went to.”
“Only after I’ve made sure there are no loopholes.”
“I think that’s the least of your worries right now.” I glance around the cell. “Doyle!”
Doyle appears in the doorway, and I thrust the contract into his calloused hands.
“Finn here needs a bedtime story. I’ll be back in the morning for him to sign it.”
The warehouse is quiet when I step outside, but the hum of the city feels louder than usual.
The night air is crisp, and I take a long, deliberate breath as I consider my next move.
It would be easy to force Finn to sign the contract before I head home, but something stops me. Or rather,someone.
Ronan.
I’ve never had much of a conscience, but apparently, it likes to rear its ugly head the moment my brother leaves me in charge. I left him a few clipped voicemails earlier, asking him to call me, but my phone has been quiet most of the day, so I’ve decided he’s got until tomorrow morning to call me back. Otherwise, I’m going to seal this deal, with or without his approval.
On the way home, I swing by the Chinese takeout and pick up some food for dinner as well as a bottle of wine.
I feel guilty for how distracted I was when Riley called earlier to tell me about the internship, and I want to make it up to her.
She deserves to celebrate her good news, and I’ll make sure to show her how proud I am of her all night long.
