Page 48 of Hook

I slide my hand under my jacket and press the tip of my gun to her rib cage beneath it. “Are you going to make me shoot you right here in front of everyone?”

She looks at me and searches my eyes. “You wouldn’t.”

I arch a brow. “Try me. You’re the one who believes I’m crazy. Why not put the theory to the test?” The fact is, killing her isn’t an option, and the gun isn’t loaded. All I want is to protect her and make her mine.

However, if she believes it is an option, it might make her easier to control tonight. I don’t need her causing a scene in front of politicians I want to win over, especially not when her father is ready to declare war on me.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, even if I’d be more likely to take a bullet for her than shoot her. My obsession with taking down Piero has warped into a deeper and darker obsession with the woman who was supposed to be his. Step one of my plan is complete but I fear it has cost me more than I ever imagined.

17

GWENDOLYNE

The music is loud and overwhelming. A cacophony of sounds that fill the entire room. Perhaps I’m finding it too loud because of what transpired beforehand.

Mrs. Hook.

That’s what he called me, and I wanted to punch him. Cillian’s hand remains on the small of my back, making me wish I could melt into the floor and disappear. His touch is the most conflicting thing I’ve ever experienced. It makes me angry and yet it makes me burn for him. It doesn’t make sense.

There’s an overwhelming sense of dread building in my stomach. Everywhere I look, I see people laughing and dancing, celebrating the evening. All while I can feel his gun shoved against my ribs as Cillian has instructed me not to make a scene.

He leans toward me and murmurs, “Are you going to be a good girl?”

I glare at him, wanting nothing more than to wipe the smug look off his face. “I don’t exactly have a choice, do I?”

His eyes twinkle with an evil spark. “What I’m saying is, do I need to keep the gun on you, or can I trust you to be a good girl?”

I swallow hard, as I’m not entirely sure he can trust me. “I won’t do anything.”

His eyes narrow. “I’m not sure I’m convinced, but I have to hope you’ll be good, as I’ve got a few people I need to speak with.” The gun is removed from my ribs and he kisses me on the cheek. “Know that if you try anything, I won’t hesistate to use this gun on you, but not in the way you think.”

My brow furrows as I wonder what other use there could be for a gun other than shooting someone with it.

He chuckles. “Intrigued, aren’t you? Maybe I’ll show you later, princess.”

“I won’t try anything,” I confirm.

He marches away from me and heads toward a group of men at the far end of the room. As he moves away, I can feel the security guards watching me like hawks. He undoubtedly instructed them to keep an eye on me.

Sighing, I move around the room, searching for something to distract my mind. And then I spot Tilly sitting at a table.

Perfect.

“Hey Tilly,” I say, approaching her.

She gives me a sad smile. “Hey, I’m so sorry.”

I slide into the chair next to her and smile. “Don’t be. It’s not your fault.”

Her lips purse and she gives me an odd look. “You should have married Piero.”

“I’m surprised to hear Cillian’s employee say that.”

Her jaw clenches. “Can you keep a secret?”

“Of course,” I say, as she glances around nervously.

“I’m on Piero’s side, and he’s trying to find a way to get you back.”

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