Ruinous Love Trilogy, #2
Leather & Lark
by Brynne Weaver
Contents
Chapter Three: Guillotine
Overview
Lachlan arrives for Rowan’s pre-opening gathering and meets Lark, Sloane’s friend. Instant chemistry leads to a heated balcony kiss before both realize they’re each other’s adversaries from Halloween. They trade accusations over the wrecked contract and trunk incident, then force a fragile truce for Sloane and head to the restaurant with tensions unresolved.
Summary
Lachlan arrives at Rowan’s apartment for a small celebration before the restaurant opening. He banters with his brother Fionn, meets Rose and Anna, and is introduced to Lark, Sloane’s longtime friend. Lachlan is immediately captivated by Lark’s presence and warmth, noticing how she focuses on others and lights up the room.
Drawn to each other, Lachlan follows Lark onto the balcony. Their playful teasing escalates into mutual attraction. Lark closes the distance, and they share a fierce, consuming kiss that leaves Lachlan shaken by its intensity.
When Lachlan growls his distinctive “feckin’ Christ Jesus,” Lark recognizes him as the Halloween “Budget Batman,” and he identifies her as “Blunder Barbie.” The discovery detonates into a bitter argument: Lark blames him for tossing her in a trunk and his hostile behavior; Lachlan accuses her of causing a contract disaster and feigning innocence about a dead man. They trade barbs about hypocrisy and consequences.
Lark insists on civility for Sloane’s sake, declares the “duchess” persona guillotined, and ends the confrontation. Back inside, she brushes off Sloane’s concern and hustles the group to the restaurant. Throughout the evening, Lark avoids Lachlan and slips out early, leaving him rattled and feeling displaced by the unresolved attraction and enmity.
Who Appears
- Lachlan KaneHitman protagonist; meets Lark, shares an intense kiss, then realizes she’s his Halloween adversary and argues before a tense truce.
- Lark MontagueSloane’s friend; flirts with Lachlan, initiates the kiss, recognizes him as “Budget Batman,” clashes over past events, then enforces civility.
- Fionn KaneLachlan’s younger brother; playful banter, teased about a crafting club, provides comic relief at the gathering.
- SloaneRowan’s partner and Lark’s best friend; introduces Lark to Lachlan and senses post-balcony tension, prioritizes the opening night.
- Rowan KaneLachlan’s brother; host of the gathering and chef/owner celebrating his restaurant’s opening.
- RoseInjured motorcycle performer staying with Fionn; teases Fionn and joins the group dynamic.
- AnnaFriend at the party; makes martinis and greets Lachlan.