Page 79 of Lawless Sinners

Sera’s standing near the glass doors with Ronan beside her, head tipped toward him, a flirty smile on her face that he returns.

She’s poured into a dark green dress tonight, softer than the black one she wore at my house, but sexier somehow. Thin straps frame her shoulders while the dress fits close at her waist and brushes her thighs as she moves.

Dark waves bounce around her face as she laughs, her bright red lips spread in a smile directed at Ronan.

And fuck, my dick is straining against my zipper because around her throat, almost lost in the light, are black diamonds on pale skin.

My pulse switches gears. A private, intense thrum through my body.

Sera laughs at something Ronan says, and his hand settles at her waist as he dips in closer.

Eilish follows my gaze. “Fionn?”

I drag my eyes away from Sera and take another drink. “Your mother needs to back off.”

“Is that why you’re throwing daggers at Sera?”

“I didn’t even see her.”

Eilish gives me a look which I choose to ignore.

“We could call it off, you know,” she says quietly. “There are plenty of other powerful families with firstborn daughters.”

I want to agree so quickly it pisses me off. I take a drink and keep myself in check.

“This isn’t a dress fitting,” I tell her. “You don’t get to try it on, decide it doesn’t suit, and send it back.”

“I know that.”

“Then don’t act like you don’t.”

Her jaw tightens, but she holds my stare. She has more steel than people give her credit for.

“This marriage was agreed to in front of both families,” I say, keeping my voice low. “Your father gave his word. Mine gave his. Men have moved money, routes, favors, and protection. People have already started adjusting around the fact that you’ll be a Harrington.”

“I’m aware.”

“No. You’re uncomfortable.” I glance back at Sera. “That isn’t the same thing.”

Eilish’s gaze burns into my side profile. “So that’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“We just get married because they say so.”

“Yes.”

“I need a drink.” She turns on her heel and walks off.

I take another slow sip of whiskey, already regretting my sharpness without having any intention of taking it back.

Across the room Sera laughs at something Ronan says, and my temper rises.

Jesus fuck. Who is this guy? A comedian?

Then he tilts his head toward the terrace doors, gesturing to go outside, and she follows him.

My feet move before I give them permission.