away.”
“Because I couldn’t see a way out. I assumed I would need to wage a war against O’Shaughnessy to get rid of him. At the very least, I thought I’d have to kill him. Instead, I found a way to have him put away for a long, long time.”
She tried to feel outrage over Jack’s machinations . . . but O’Shaughnessy deserved it. He had tried to kill Jack and threatened to assault her. If given the chance, he likely would have followed through on both. “And you didn’t kill him.”
His expression softened, tenderness blazing in his bright blue eyes. “You asked me not to.”
“So, all of this”—she gestured to the scene below—“was about proving something to me?”
“I want you in my life, by my side. You are more important to me than anything else in the world and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you.”
The pressure around her heart eased as happiness took root there. She’d never expected him to say such things or for this incredible man to put her first. It almost seemed too good to be true. “What of your empire of vice and sin?”
“I traded it for a different kind of empire, one of love and laughter. Know any angels who might be interested?”
“I might. Let’s hear more about how you love me.”
Grinning, he bent until his mouth hovered over hers. Everything in her strained to get closer, to meld to his body like a wet piece of cloth. His hands slid to cup her face in his palms. “I love you, Justine. I am sorry it took me so long to tell you. Please, say you forgive me and that you’ll stay—”
She pushed up on her toes and covered his mouth with hers. The kiss was sweet and familiar, their mouths hot and eager. For so long she feared she’d never experience this ever again . . . so she held on tight and let their problems fall away for this one moment. Lips, teeth and tongues collided, their hands grasping and clawing as the kiss wore on.
A knock on the door interrupted them. They broke apart, though Jack didn’t release her as they stood trying to collect their breath. The knock came again, so Justine called, “Yes?”
Florence poked her head into the room. Justine couldn’t help but notice that her sister looked adorably disheveled. Florence smirked as she looked them over. “I assume from the silence and swollen lips that you two have made up, so Clay and I are going home. But”—she pointed at Jack—“if you ever hurt my sister, I will bury you where they’ll never find the pieces.”
“Florence!” Justine gaped at her older sister. “Stop threatening him.”
Florence lifted a shoulder. “Daddy said it to Clay a few years ago and properly scared him. Figured it was worth a try here. Seriously, Mulligan. Do not cross the Greene sisters or we will end you.”
He gave her a nod. “Noted.”
“Good night, you two.”
After the door shut, Jack asked softly, “Have we made up, cara?”
Justine bit her lip and stared at his chin. She’d always believed in redemption. That everyone deserved a second chance. How could she deny him forgiveness when he’d done all this for her? When he’d confessed his true feelings?
She looked up. “It seems we have. You love me, after all.”
“And you still love me?”
“I still love you.” That earned her a quick kiss on the mouth. She leaned back to meet his eyes. “Are you certain you won’t miss being the most fearsome man in New York City?”
He gathered her close and held her tight to his chest. “Absolutely not. And while I cannot promise I won’t attempt any favors or bribes, I do promise to limit them strictly to our bedroom.”
“Such a devious mind you have,” she said, unable to hold back a broad smile.
“Yes, but only for you from now on.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The Broome Street Settlement
March 1894
The corner of Bowery and Broome was packed with dignitaries, politicians, society’s elite and residents of the neighborhood. All had braved the cold air this morning to hear Miss Justine Greene, founder of the Broome Street Settlement, speak at the settlement’s dedication ceremony.
Grinning, Jack watched from his place in the crowd. He was so damn proud of her.
Somehow, she’d convinced her father to turn over her trust fund early and used the money to open this settlement house, which would provide education, resources and assistance for the neighborhood residents. They had a staff of six and many more volunteers, mostly young