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I brush off his concerns. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it. Trust me when I say it will be easy.”

Needing to handle some delicate matters, Ian leaves the house, promising to return in the morning.

Goodness, I wish Jack would call.

My phone rings just then. This time, I look and it’s Jack. “Hey,” I answered nervously.

“What’s going on?” he asks with a strange, curious tone.

“What do you mean? I’m just picking out wedding stuff.”

“So, you weren’t on the phone with your father?”

“How the fuck do you know that? Are you spying on all my calls and messages?”

“No, but Shamus was about five feet away and heard part of the conversation and called me to give me a heads up on the situation. Whatever he told you was a lie.”

“Trust me, almost everything he said, I didn’t believe. He wanted to hurt me and separate us. I let your brothers listen in just in case.”

“Smart woman.”

“Do you know Jeremy, my ex?”

“Jeremy?” He draws out the name.

“Why did you say it like that? I mentioned him before.”

“I know you did. Listen, there’s something I need to talk to you about when I get home, but I promise you that it’s notwhat you think.” I don’t like the sound of that, but like I said before, I believe him and I sure as fuck don’t buy any of the bullshit my father said.

“Okay. I’ll be here waiting for an explanation.” I paced almost the entire first floor of the mansion waiting for him to return while Connor stared at me nervously. I gave John a bath, and now he’s down for his nap.

“Will you tell me why you’ve done like a mini marathon in Jack’s house for like three hours?”

“It’s personal. I don’t need you to stay, Connor. It’s not like anyone is going to be stupid enough to break in here, and I know how to take care of John just fine.”

“Well, I told Jack I would take care of you, and I will keep my word after what happened with John.”

“Please. I’m just someone he met two days ago.”

“Well, I was just being a dick to stop you from going. Jack has never given any woman his attention like this. Hell, I didn’t think he’d ever get married unless it was arranged, and he set up the arrangement.”

“Well, technically he did. This isn’t love. This is an agreement for one year, two months and three days to pay for taking John.”

“Damn, it’s like that?”

“Yes, it is.”

“It seems my fiancée needs a correction.” Jack looks impeccable in his latest charcoal gray suit, white collared shirt, and matching gray tie.

“Okay, Brother. I’ll just leave you to it. John’s asleep, so hopefully you’re good.” He winks and walks out. I watch him walk away, and then my eyes are on the man who entered again.

“Nora, it seems we have a serious misunderstanding.” He slowly yet deliberately stalks forward like a stealthy predator. I nearly fell back on my ass as I hit the back of the sofa. “I believe we’ve been here before.”

“Not quite,” I answered. He fists my throat, giving it a good squeeze.

“Better?” I nod.

“Now, listen, Miss Fieri. This isn’t for one year, two months and three days. This is for the end of motherfucking time. You are mine. Mine. Do you understand me?” I nod again.