Page 65 of Bride By Initiation

He holds his hands in the air. "Fine. But what are you getting yourself into, Sean?"

For a moment, I let my guard down. I admit, "I don't know, but I need to ensure you're safe. I can't worry about you and whatever is going on."

"Which would be what?"

"I don't know. And that's the truth."

Another tense moment passes.

He asks again, "Who are they?"

I shake my head, pleading, "Please. I can't talk about this right now. I need you to go inside and stay there."

Something in my voice must convince him. He finally nods. "Okay, but Sean..."

"What?"

"Don't make me regret not coming with you or following you," he warns.

"You won't," I insist, standing taller.

He hesitates a moment. Then, finally, pats me on the shoulder, turns, and disappears inside the restaurant.

I slide back into the SUV and go through town. It takes twenty minutes to get to the Ivanov gym.

It's not in a great part of town. Over the years, they've rebuilt several blocks around it, but there's still a lot of crime.

Still, I've never been scared to go there. Tonight, I'm uneasy.

As soon as I turn onto the street, I get a text.

Unknown: Park three blocks away.

I mutter, "Great. I get to tour the fucking city." I drive several blocks and park. I get another text.

Unknown: Go in through the alley.

"Of course. Dark, garbage-smelling roads," I mumble but obey.

I stay in the shadows, hustling down the street and into the alley. When I reach the back of the Ivanov gym, the door opens.

There's barely any light, but Byrne's flame-colored reddish-orange hair peeks out from his worn, brown tweed paddy cap. His green eyes glow. He doesn't say anything, just motions for me to come in.

I step inside, and we don't go farther than the hallway. I demand, "Why am I here?"

"Before you make your decision tonight, I need to give you information," he replies.

"My decision?" I question.

He nods. "Aye, lad. Your decision."

Something about Byrne comforts me. At the same time, I still don't know who he is, so I ask, "Who were you to my father?"

A soft look of nostalgia washes over him. He answers, "We were best friends."

My heart pounds harder. "Best friends? Why have I never heard of you?"

"I'll clarify. We were best friends in The Underworld."

---