Palmira didn’t kill the engine. “What do you think?”
“I think we’re here. You can handle anything that goes wrong.”
She snorted. “You have too much faith in my skills.”
“I hope not.”
I got out. She turned off the Rover and followed. I walked to the picnic table and turned to face the SUV. Palmira leaned against the hood of the Rover with her arms crossed and waited.
The doors opened. Two men got out. One was a guard.
The other was Darren.
He said something to his man then walked to me. He looked tired and haggard. Bags hung below his eyes.
“Glad you showed,” he said. “I was beginning to worry.”
“Your sister didn’t want to let me leave.” I grinned, showing teeth. That was partially true—she didn’t want to let me leave because she wanted to come with.
I couldn’t let that happen for obvious reasons.
“If that’s supposed to be some disgusting remark—”
I held up my hands. “Innocent comment. I promise.”
He sighed. “You’re such a dick sometimes, Redmond.”
I gestured at the table and took a seat. He settled down across from me, and I squared up with the brother of the woman I love and a potential nemesis.
I knew Darren well. I knew all the Oligarchs, but Darren was particularly easy to read. Kaspar was slippery, and Roman was violent, but Darren was the most level-headed of the bunch. He wanted peace and stability above all else, and he’d nearly gone to war with Roman over their differences in opinion.
He was dangerous, and he’d get involved with my plans if it suited him.
“Erin’s fine, by the way.”
“I know. You’re not stupid enough to hurt her.”
“Why do you look so tired?”
He grunted. “Baby. Keeps me up.”
“Aren’t that what nannies are for?”
“Yes, dickhead, but Winter insists on getting up every time herself and I insist on helping her.”
“Dedicated mother.”
“I keep saying we need to introduce bottles.” He sighed and cracked his neck. “But we’re not here to discuss parenting.”
“No, we aren’t. We’re here to talk about Maeve’s empire.”
“And the war you’re starting.”
I waved that way. “Taking down a few of her cousins isn’t exactly a war. More like a local skirmish.”
“I don’t like it. Roman doesn’t like it. And I know Kaspar’s not happy with you.”
“Kaspar can go to hell.”
“That’s something we can agree on.”
“What will it take to keep you on the sideline, Darren?”
He ran a hand through his hair and glanced away toward the fores.t He didn’t speak for a long moment, weighing my words. I wondered what life was like with him as an older brother, and decided Erin had good reason to be resentful of her upbringing. He could be a dramatic, self-righteous prick.
“I want Erin to come home, but I know that isn’t going to happen. Are you really going to marry her?”
“Yes, I really am. You actually want her back after what she did to Penny?”
“She’s my sister. We’ll deal with what happened to Penny as a family.”
“I doubt she’s interested in doing anything as a family anymore.”
He let out a bitter laugh. “They’re all gone now, you know. Erin, Penny, and Livvie. I’ve only got Anthony left.” He nodded toward the SUV.
I glanced back to the guard. So that was Anthony. I didn’t recognize him. He’d grown up, gotten bigger, stronger. He was busy making eyes at Palmira, and she was busy egging him on.
“Sorry to hear it.”
“No, you’re not.”
“I’m going to marry Erin.” I stared into my future brother-in-law’s eyes. “I understand you might find that distasteful or might be against it—”
He interrupted. “Actually, I’m on board.”
I opened my mouth, working my jaw. “Really?”
“Erin needs something. If she won’t come home and work with me, then maybe she can find it with you. If that’s what she wants, I’ll support her.”
“Well, holy shit, Darren. That’s the most mature thing you could’ve said. Here I was, expecting you to threaten my life.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I’ll cut off your fucking balls if you hurt her.”
“That’s more like it.”
“But I won’t stand in the way if you two really want to get married. Even if she’s only doing it for some foolish business reason.”
It was my turn to smile. “She wants Maeve’s power and I can give it to her.”
“Good luck with that.” Darren stood and turned away.
“That’s it? No demands? No threats?”
“Marry my sister,” he said with a shrug. “Make her happy. I don’t give a shit if you take over Maeve’s holdings. They’ll be picked clean and wiped out by the time you get them anyway.”
“I hope you’re wrong about that.”
“I won’t be. But here’s a little advice. Erin might seem innocent, but don’t be fooled.”
“I’m aware.”
He nodded to me and returned to his SUV. Anthony blew a kiss to Palmira, which she caught and placed lovingly between her legs. Darren had to drag his brother away and shove him back into the driver’s seat. They pulled out and left.