Jagged Road by Celeste Archer

Author:Celeste Archer [Archer, Celeste]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28

Theo

The expansion plans for Paddy’s are going well. I’m opening locations in Washington and Chicago in a couple of months. With the O’Connor backing and money, expansion is easy. It makes sense from a business perspective. Caine’s been looking for money laundering opportunities ever since the Dullahans’ drug business began generating more income. Our accountant is going to be busier than ever.

“Why did you call a formal meeting?” Killian asks.

Even I have to admit it’s out of character for me. Taking my time, I walk around Killian’s office, studying it. He’s set himself up in the corner office that used to belong to his Da. Uncle Jacob is gone and buried, as is his legacy judging by the space. Killian’s replaced the old fashioned wood furniture with polished modern finishes. It’s full of sleek chrome now, signaling a new era for the O’Connor family.

“I assume you’re updated on my expansion plans? I’m looking more legitimate by the day. In a few weeks, I should have made the connections I need,” I say.

“I’m aware you’re making a play for the Bratva. You know you have my full support,” he says seriously. “But I’m assuming this is about the girl.”

Killian’s almost as eager to see justice done as I am. He and Jack were close. But no one in this world feels Jack’s loss more acutely than me. Since his death, I’ve felt as if I have one foot in the grave.

He was my older brother and mentor. Without Jack—I would be no good to the family.

“Lauren, yes,” I say. “I need a St. Cloud if I’m going to use the political shitebags to take on the Russians. Which is why I need to marry her.”

Killian blinks. Surprise is written across his features plain as day. It’s not often anyone catches him off guard. He’s observant to a fault, but lately even he can’t keep up with everything going on. Some of the less important things are bound to slip through the cracks. That’s where Caine comes in. He picks up Killian’s slack.

“Let me get this straight, you want to marry Lauren? An outsider? Because of her last name?” he says slowly. “Have you gone mad?”

“No. If I want to avenge Jack, I need to become a family man,” I say scoffing at the words. As if politicians know anything about family.

“This is a big commitment. Our family doesn’t sanction divorce or annulment.”

I take a deep breath. “I’m aware.”

He exhales, running a hand through his hair. This may be the most unkempt I’ve seen him in years. “Then you have my blessing. On one condition. Aurora accepts.”

I open my mouth to protest, but Killian cuts me off. “Lauren is a friend of the Dullahans. We have enough enemies without creating tension among our own.”

I nod. I don’t like it, but it’s a reasonable request. This is precisely what makes Killian a good leader. He’s tough, but just. He would never do anything to betray our family or our allies. And if I’m being honest, we need the alliance with the Dullahans at least as much as they need us.

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