Page 101 of Wreck Me

‘It all makes sense now.’ It’s why Killian couldn't find much information about Scarlett Fitzgerald. He was searching for a girl who died along with her mother.

‘I know there’s been bad blood between your family and the O’Connors for years, but I’m not one of them. I neverwas. They’re my enemy as much as yours. Maybe even more so.’

She’s right. I know she is.

But try telling that to the rest of my family.

And the Board.

My father will likely have another heart attack when he finds out.

If I were to marry a pole dancer and the former stepsister of our biggest rivals, who incidentally are connected to the biggest crime syndicate this country has ever seen, it would be the scandal of the century. But then again, I’ve never been one to shy away from scandal.

Being associated with an O’Connor will wreck me.

Fuck, it already has.

Because if I walk away from her, I will have nothing.

I reach across the table and take Scarlett’s hand. She glances up from beneath those long back, lashes, weighted with unshed tears. Vulnerability etches into every line of her face.

‘I’m sorry I didn't tell you.’ Her fingers weave between mine. ‘I couldn't.’

‘No, angel, I’m sorry.’ I bring her hand to my mouth and pepper tiny kisses over the back of it. ‘I’m sorry you had to go through all of this alone. I’m sorry about your mother. And I’m so sorry I didn't know.’ I pull her lithe frame into my arms and sit her on my lap as if she were a child, cradling the back of her head as she nuzzles into my chest. The familiar scent of her shampoo invades my senses and suddenly I just want to be at home with her. Our home. Surrounded by our protection staff. Because if anything should ever happen to her, I’d never forgive myself.

‘I’ll never let anything happen to you, Scarlett.’ I rock her back and forth as harrowing sobs wrack her body, emotionsthat she’s probably had to bottle up for years just to survive. ‘This doesn’t change anything. But no more secrets.’

She lifts her head to meet my eyes. ‘You forgive me?’

‘There’s nothing to forgive. You’ve been through so much. Shut yourself away for years, but yet you let me in. Let me get close to you. Your feelings for me overrode your biggest fears. And that means everything to me.’

Concern creases the corner of her eyes. ‘But what about your family?’

‘I’m not going to lie to you, it’s not going to be easy.’ I inhale a deep breath. ‘But they’re your family now. Whether they like it or not. You’re going to be my wife one day. And I don’t care if they fire me as CEO or if the Imperial Winery Group acquisition doesn’t go through.’

Her lips pop open. ‘But that’s everything you’ve been working for. Everything you’ve been fighting for since we met.’

‘No, angel, everything I’ve been fighting for is you. Even if the person I was fighting was mostly myself.’ I brush her hair back from her forehead with a tender sweep. ‘I didn't intend on falling in love with you. You’re not the only one who doesn’t trust easily. But I’m in too deep to ever go back. A life without you in it isn't a life at all. We’ll face this together, whatever the consequences.’

Chapter Forty-Five

JAMES

I’ve never been as happy to get home. At least in Dublin I have my brothers and our security teams, and I can protect Scarlett from anything and anyone who might contemplate harming her. She’s never further than the next room away. The only way either of us can sleep at the moment is in each other’s arms, and even then, she often wakes with night terrors.

Is it any fucking wonder given everything she’s been through?

Her work placement in my office is both a blessing and a curse. I’m so grateful to have her in my direct line of sight, but when she’s strutting around in pencils skirts and stilettos all damn day, it’s a distraction I don’t need.

Twice today, I’ve had to bend her over my desk, and it’s barely even midday.

A knock sounds on my office door. ‘Come in.’

Chantel enters, her ponytail swishing as she stalks in. ‘I thought I ought to warn you, your father’s on the way up. He’s just stormed into the building, and according to the girls on reception, there’s actual steam pluming from his ears.’

Oh fuck.

I could do without his wrath on top of having to deal with Declan O’Connor.

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