Page 99 of Wreck Me

Then something kindles in James’s stare.

Something clicks.

It’s as if all the half-truths, all the things I couldn't say, but alluded to, every single one of my quirks or triggers become clear with that one tiny flicker of fire.

‘Get out of here.’ James's voice leaves no room for debate. ‘Get out of here, and I might let you live to see another day.’

‘Clearly, you need time to think about this.’ Declan brings the cigar to his lips, holding it between his teeth as he lights it. He inhales deeply. ‘I’ll give you a week.’

James scoffs. ‘Or what? The paperwork is alreadycomplete. The Imperial Winery Group belongs to Beckett Enterprises.’

It’s stretching the truth, but not by a million miles.

‘Uncomplete it.’ Declan blows out a ring of smoke. The scent weaves into my lungs and nausea rises in my chest. ‘Or I’ll start picking off the Becketts one by one.’

A shudder shakes my entire body.

Declan nods at the Moreaus, bidding them a polite goodbye, and a cruel smile cracks his face as he breezes away as if he didn't just threaten to kill everyone.

Lucien wraps his arms around his wife. ‘We picked a good time to get out of the industry.’

Mrs Moreau looks as shocked as I feel. ‘I’m going inside to cool down.’ She fans herself with her hand as she excuses herself.

‘I’ll go with you.’ Lucien forces a lighter tone but it’s clear from his expression he’s shaken. ‘Dinner will be served at eight.’

‘We won’t be staying.’ James doesn’t so much as glance at him.

‘There’s no need to rush off. He said a week.’ Lucien is like an open book. His eyes blink several times and then refocus as if he’s mentally calculating how to get himself out of here in less time.

James doesn’t dignify him with a response as Lucien offers a sympathetic glance over his shoulder and disappears around the side of the chateau.

I feel the weight of my boyfriend’s stare long before I meet his eye. ‘You and I have a lot to discuss.’

My heart sinks, torn between relief that Declan has gone, for now, and the terror of having to admit the truth.

‘I think you’d better tell me everything,’ he says. ‘Start talking.’

Chapter Forty-Four

JAMES

I lead Scarlett to the wrought-iron table where Declan and Mrs Moreau had been sitting. The revving of a diesel engine fading into the distance signals Declan’s departure and the only remaining sound is the gentle rustling of the vines and the light whispers of the breeze through the neighbouring olive trees.

It’s amazing how quickly such beauty can be tarnished.

I don’t doubt Declan meant what he said.

A week.

Is it any coincidence my father’s seventieth birthday ball is exactly a week away?

We’re going home tonight. If we’re at war again, I need to prepare my brothers. Although were we ever not at war?

‘My mother took a job in the distillery when I was just a child. She was a widow, young and naïve. Jack O’Connor took a fancy to her. Lavished her with his attention and gifts. Everyone knew his reputation, but he said he loved her. And he promised her the world.’ Scarlett’s silver eyes brim with tears. ‘But, he took it from her instead.’ She shakes her head.Her hands clasp on her lap, fingers woven together so tightly the tips turn white.

‘In public, Jack treated my mother like a queen. She wore the best clothes, drove the nicest cars, and they sent me to the best school in Dublin. But behind closed doors, he was always yelling at her. Belittling her. He stopped her from seeing her friends. She was trying to get out. To get us both out.’ Scarlett’s eyes drift out over the horizon, blankly.

Whatever she’s looking at, it isn't the same view I can see. ‘The O’Connors were struggling financially. While Jack liked to spend money, he didn't invest it wisely. Fortunately, my mother had secretly stashed a bit away and hidden it at the distillery.’

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