Ruinous Love Trilogy, #2
Leather & Lark
by Brynne Weaver
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Six: Renew
Overview
Lark finalizes the Covaci contract while secretly drugging Leander, clearing Lachlan’s exit from Leviathan. Back home, Lachlan gifts Lark a safe of trophies and Campbell’s preserved heart, then proposes properly with divorce papers as a choice. Lark rejects the divorce, accepts the ring, and they recommit to a real marriage.
Summary
In Leander’s basement pub, Lark signs the Covaci contract, confirming a deal while dodging questions about Damian’s authorization. She gifts Leander craft beer—secretly drugged—then toasts Lachlan’s retirement. Leander collapses, and Lark and Lachlan leave him sleeping, setting firm boundaries about Lachlan’s exit from Leviathan.
During the drive, Rowan texts about Christmas plans, briefly stirring Lachlan’s worry about whether Fionn will attend. At home, Lachlan reveals an early “birthday” surprise hidden in a safe behind a Constantine poster, prompting a playful code-guessing exchange that underscores their intimacy.
Inside the safe, Lachlan has gathered Lark’s trophies and reveals a resin cube holding Dr. Louis Campbell’s heart. The sight devastates and consoles Lark, offering visceral closure for the man who hurt her. Lachlan’s intent is to ease her long-standing pain.
Lachlan then hands Lark an envelope with a prebooked Indonesia honeymoon itinerary and, behind it, divorce papers. Dropping to one knee, he explains he’s giving Lark a real choice: end the sham marriage, restart fresh, or continue together for real. He confesses his love and releases her from obligation.
Lark responds by tearing up the divorce papers, declaring her love, and warning him never to offer them again. Lachlan places a diamond band on her finger, sealing their mutual decision. They kiss, choosing each other and a genuine future together.
Who Appears
- Lachlan KaneNarrator; retires from Leviathan, gifts Lark trophies and Campbell’s heart, then re-proposes offering her true choice.
- Lark KaneSigns Covaci contract, drugs Leander’s beer, receives closure via Campbell’s heart, rejects divorce, and accepts Lachlan’s proposal.
- Leander MayesCrime boss; toasts Lachlan’s retirement before passing out from Lark’s drugged beer.
- RowanTexts about Christmas plans, prompting Lachlan’s anxious hope that Fionn might attend.
- Dr. Louis CampbellDeceased abuser; his preserved heart becomes Lark’s cathartic trophy and symbol of closure.