Page 4 of Royal Beast (Royals of the Underworld #1)

KELLAN

A fter the brief meetup with Darcy, I head home, frustration mounting. Deep down, I knew she only asked to see me because of what was going on, but a part of me had hoped that she truly wanted to see me.

My hands clench the steering wheel tightly as I think about how badly Max has screwed up this time. I’ve done what I could to prevent Darcy from having to deal with too many of his gambling debts, but this time managed to slip my notice.

Once I’m home, I pull my guns out of my safe and set them on the table, beginning the methodical process of taking them apart and cleaning them. It always helps clear my head, and I need to think this whole thing through.

I know that I haven’t been able to keep up with the bookies Max visits every time. But now they have gone after Darcy. It’s bad enough that he’s dragged her into this whole mess, but it sounds like her kid’s life could be on the line, too.

I picture the little girl with the soft curls I’d seen out and about with her mother once or twice.

I don’t know if she’s mine. Darcy’s never said.

But whether she is or not, that little girl deserves better than to be dragged into Max’s mess.

I’d do anything to make sure she stays safe.

Even if Darcy never wants me in her life, I can still protect her from afar.

As I take the guns apart one at a time, I stew over the situation, trying to figure out what I can do to help. I could pay the debt off, but that wouldn’t keep Max from accruing more in the future, nor would it help protect Darcy from getting the raw end of the deal.

Frustration and anger bubble up as I think about how I should have been there to protect Darcy better. I’d vowed to myself to be there for her even if she didn’t want me, but it seems I let her down.

Reaching for the gun oil, I almost knock the bottle over when an idea comes to me. The opportunity of a lifetime is staring me right in the face. I know a way that I can help Darcy and protect her at the same time.

Once I finish cleaning my guns, I carefully put them away and grab my phone, hitting the button for Rory’s number.

“Hey,” Rory says, a smug tone to his voice. “It’s done. The whole thing is going down late tonight.”

Hearing that brings a grin to my face. “Excellent. I’m sure that the Russians will think twice before fucking with us again,” I respond. We chat for a few minutes about business before I get down to the real reason I called.

“You remember Max Flynn, right?” I ask.

“Oh, yeah,” Rory says, chuckling. “I remember Darcy Flynn, too. You wouldn’t shut up about her for the longest time.”

“Max got himself into major debt with The Fixer,” I tell him, my voice grim. “He’s up shit creek. I looked into it, and it’s a few hundred thousand. The Fixer wants to go after Darcy since Max can’t pay, but I’m not allowing that to happen.”

“I know you like that girl, but we’re not in the business of forgiving debt over feelings, dear brother,” Rory points out. “We have a reputation to uphold.”

“I know,” I admit, an edge to my tone. I flex and curl my fingers, trying to push down my irritation. “She came to me for help, though.”

Rory goes quiet for a moment before groaning. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking of helping her.”

“I am,” I say, straightening my shoulders. “But I’m not going to just roll over and forgive the debt, either. I’m going to ask for a deal in exchange. If she marries me, I’ll pay the debt back myself.”

“That is a terrible idea,” Rory says, a warning note in his voice. “You have feelings for her. This could get complicated very quickly. You know that business and feelings don’t mix.”

“It's not about feelings,” I insist, my voice firm. “This is about strategy, nothing more. I can keep her safe from Max's mess and she can serve a purpose for me. She needs protection, and I need someone like her by my side. It's business, Rory, not romance.”

“I’m not so sure about that, Kells.”

I sink into my leather recliner. “She’s a highly accomplished, beautiful woman, and she’d be the perfect person to have on my arm when I’m forced to attend those business functions. She can mingle with the other wives and charm the old farts whom we need in our pockets.”

I can practically see the frown on Rory’s face as he speaks. “If you think you can handle it, then I’ll support you. I still think this is a damned terrible idea, but at least you’re getting something out of it. Just don’t get your heart broken.”

The fact that he’s willing to support me is all the proof I need that I’m doing the right thing. I’m going to make sure no one else messes with Darcy Flynn or her kid.

As I hang up, I stand and walk over to my liquor cabinet, needing something to quell my racing nerves. I pour myself a finger of bourbon and sit down, sipping at it while I open my laptop and put a few things together for the deal.

Reaching for my phone, I call Darcy back, waiting while it rings.

When she answers, I skip the formalities.

“I have a proposition for you,” I tell her.

She goes quiet, and I barrel forward. “I’d like to discuss it with you over dinner. Meet with me tomorrow at The Garrison,” I say, naming a high-end steakhouse not far from her place. “Six o’clock.”

Darcy clears her throat. “Okay,” she agrees, her voice soft. “See you then.”

The following evening, I arrive at The Garrison fifteen minutes early, strolling into the dimly-lit restaurant.

The walls are dark and tastefully decorated tables with flickering candles are scattered throughout the open floorplan.

This is the place we usually come to when making our biggest business deals.

A waitress leads me to a private table in a corner, and I settle in to wait.

Darcy arrives a few moments later looking beautiful in a long-sleeved, peasant-style, brown pinafore dress.

Her normally sleek hair is in waves, and she’s exchanged her usual dark lipstick for a rosy nude.

She looks softer, less harsh than her business attire, and I find myself immediately drawn to it.

“You look lovely,” I tell her, pulling the chair out for her to sit.

“I don’t get out to nice places like this very often anymore,” she admits, perusing the wine selection of the menu.

We make small talk after ordering our drinks. She tells me about a high-profile author client they’re working with.

“How have you been?” Darcy asks, tilting her head in curiosity.

I take in her face across the flickering candlelight and find myself drawn in all over again.

Long eyelashes frame icy blue eyes, her full lips practically begging to be kissed.

She looks so gorgeous, her round face and curves enhancing her natural beauty.

“Fine,” I say, pushing away the stirring desire. “Been working on opening a new casino. But that’s not what we’re here to discuss. I know you want to know the details about the proposal I’m offering.”

She bites her lip, nodding as she crosses her legs. “What is it that you want from me?”

“It’s simple,” I say, laying my hands flat on the table. “I’ll erase your father’s debts, permanently, and ensure that you never have to worry about them again. But in return, I want you to marry me.”

Darcy’s eyes widen as one hand flies to her mouth. “Marry you?”

I nod. “You’ll be my responsibility, which means I’ll pay Max’s debts myself.”

“This is wild,” Darcy mutters, looking down at her lap. “You’re completely crazy. I can’t marry you. You’re a Brannagan, for God’s sake.”

“Those are the terms,” I say, leaning back in my chair. “Take it or leave it.”

“I’m not doing it,” she sneers, pointing a finger at me. “I’m not signing myself over to you for this. If you aren’t willing to help me, I’ll pay it back myself. Even if I have to get a second job.”

My irritation flares up. “Don’t be foolish,” I snap. “You could work an entire lifetime and not be able to pay back that much debt. I’m offering you a way out, Darcy.”

The waitress arrives with our food, and the discussion is set aside for the time being while we eat.

“I don’t understand why you want me to marry you,” Darcy mumbles as she finishes her meal. “What would it entail, and how would it benefit you?”

“I need someone like you on my arm when we attend political functions or business events,” I explain. “I’m bad at interacting nicely with people, and you have the charm and the wit to help.”

Darcy sighs. “You’re too kind. I don’t know if I’d do well at those kinds of functions, but I guess I could try. This would be a marriage in name only, right? As compensation for the debt being paid off?”

I flash her a predatory grin. “You can think that if you want, but you and I both know that would never work. I think it’s better to be upfront and honest with each other. You’ll be my wife in all the ways that count, including the marriage bed.”

Darcy’s hand trembles as she reaches for her glass of wine. “What if I don’t want that?”

“You may not want to admit it, but there’s something between us, Darcy. You can try to resist me, but it won’t work.”

She inhales sharply, and I reach out to stroke her hand. “I can make you very happy, Darce.”

Her pulse is racing under my touch as goosebumps crop up across her skin.

“Can I think about it?”

“You can, but the clock is ticking on this offer,” I tell her, pulling my hand back. “I can only hold those men back for so long. They’ll get impatient soon.”

A flicker of fear crosses her face and I breathe out slowly. “I’ll give you twenty-four hours. Think about it and get back to me. But this is the best offer you’re going to get, Darce. You know that.”

Darcy clears her throat, pinches the bridge of her nose, then takes another sip of her wine, refusing to meet my eyes. I slip my foot across the space between us, stroking up her calf. She shivers, and I smirk, enjoying her reaction at the contact.

“Let me take you home,” I say. “I enjoyed seeing you tonight. You’re still just as beautiful as I remember.”

Once the bill is settled, I escort her to my Range Rover Sport, opening the passenger side door and watching as she slides in. We sit in silence as I drive to her house.

I walk her to the door, pausing on the steps while she unlocks it.

“You should consider my offer,” I say, leaning down to whisper into her ear. “I can give you the world, and all I ask for in exchange is you in my bed. That’s not such a bad deal, is it?”

My lips make contact with the skin behind her ear, and she shivers again, turning her face so her lips meet mine head-on.

Pulling her toward me, I deepen the kiss, slipping my tongue inside her mouth as I run my hands over her shoulders.

“Kellan,” Darcy breathes out as we break apart. I move to step away, but her hand shoots out, grabbing my wrist in her grip.

“Come inside,” she offers, and a flutter shoots through my belly.

“Are you sure?” I ask, leaning down to press my forehead to hers.

“Yes.” She tugs me into the house and upstairs to her bedroom.