Page 22 of Darkness Tempt Me
Taking a deep breath, I glide my index finger across the smooth wood of the wolf figurine. The touch instantly calms me. I can’t believe Peyton made it for me. In all the hours I’ve secretly spent watching him carve things, I have never seen him make anything for anyone other than himself or his brother. I’m curious, though—why a wolf?
After another deep breath, I let Hunter’s words settle in my mind. “What do you mean I have to get married in order to inherit my own damn company?” I grit out.
Hunter flips the legal paperwork so that it’s facing me and taps on the paragraph in question. “Exactly that. In order to gain ownership of the company and most of his shares, you need to be married for an entire year in order to keep them.”
I shake my head, still in shock. “And who gets the rest of his shares?”
“He left 5% to your mother, 5% to me, and another 5% to your future spouse.”
Future spouse. Fuck me.
“And if I don’t marry?”
“Then Blackwood Investments goes to one of your cousins.”
I shake my head again. He hated my cousins. They’re gold diggers who never cared about Mick until they found out he was sick. “What the fuck were you up to, old man?”
“I have no fucking idea. I was under the impression there isn’t ahappily ever afterfor you and me. Hazards of the job and whatnot. Gaining a spouse just seems like another problem. More obstacles to work around. Not to mention, it makes keeping our secret that much harder.”
“Agreed. Okay,” I sigh. “Let me see this damn letter.”
Hunter hands me a fancy envelope that’s sealed with a wax stamp. I arch a curious brow. “And you didn’t open it?”
Hunter laughs. “Trust me, I was tempted. But I love your uncle. He was like a damn father to me. If he wanted you to read this in private, then it’s not meant for me. It’s up to you if you want to share.”
“Thank you, Hunt.” I break the seal and pull out the letter. My uncle’s voice practically coming off the page as I read.
Mavik, my boy,
If you’re reading this, then I’m sorry to say I’m no longer in your life. Which means you’ve also heard the news and the hoops I’m making you jump through in order to gain ownership of your company. Because let’s be honest, Blackwood Investments has been your business for years now.
Please don’t be mad at me. I just want the best for you. You’re so young and deserve some happiness, despite what you might think. You’re like a son to me, and I know you’ve had your eye on someone for quitea while now. Don’t think I don’t see it. I might be old, but I’m not blind.
One year. It’s all I ask. One year of happiness that will hopefully turn into a lifetime. I know this will make things difficult for you, but I know you can do it. Even if you need to give up…other things.
And most importantly, don’t forget I’m always proud of you. You took care of your mother. You looked after Hunter, and you helped somanyothers. Don’t let the darkness consume every part of you.
Marry him, son. Or marry someone else who will make you happy. And for shit’s sake, don’t let your cousins take your company away from you.
Love you always,
Uncle Mick
A heaviness settles in my chest, a lump forming in my throat. Scrubbing a hand over my face, I reread the letter, again and again. Not because it doesn’t make sense, but because these are the last words my uncle wanted me to hear.
Finally, I hand the letter over to Hunter. He eyes me for a long moment before he reads it. He must reread it as well because he takes his time looking at it before bursting into laughter. “Holy fuck. I’m glad your uncle isn’t holding my company over my head, because he left me a letter as well.”
“And you didn’t read it?”
He shakes his head. “Not yet. You know Uncle Mick. He can be pretty damn scary when he wants to be. I was waiting to see how your letter turned out first.”
I bark out a laugh, some of the tension leaving my body. It’s true. Just because he had a heart of gold didn’t mean he wasn’t one scary motherfucker.
Hunter reaches across the desk and grasps my hand. He gives it a squeeze. “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know, Hunt. Who the fuck am I going to marry?” As soon as the words tumble from my mouth, Peyton comes to mind. The way he felt wrapped in my arms. How vulnerable he looked, and yet how trusting he was with me. I’ve never seen him look at anyone that way. I touch the wooden wolf in my pocket. The Daddy side of me, the one I’ve kept buried deep, yearns to come out. I want to take care of Peyton. Protect him. Hold him in my arms every night.
The idea of going home with Peyton, making sure he’s safe and cherished and loved while feeding him properly and caring for him, is something I want more than anything. Maybe even more than my revenge. But I can’t let my feelings for Peyton distract me. Not when I’m so close to finishing my list. Only one person is left. But then what? Eighteen years of killing, and eighteen years of enjoying it. And that’s what fucking scares me. Once I kill Daniel Sinclair, I know I won’t be magically cured.
