Chapter Twenty-Five
KIERAN
It’s justafter nine A.M.
I’m sitting at my desk, sifting through reports, when the screen of my phone lights up with a number I don’t recognize. But the Irish country code gives me an idea of who it could be.
I answer without saying a word, putting the phone on speaker and setting it down on my desk.
“Kieran Sullivan.” The voice on the other end is sharp and composed, and I’d recognize it anywhere.
“Sean O’Keefe.”
“You andyerbrother must think yourselves clever. Dragging some poor girl into this charade. I’ve seen desperate power plays before, but this? This is low, even foryerfamily.”
“And yet, here you are. Calling me. Sounds like you’re feeling the pressure.”
He lets out a humorless laugh. “No, Kieran. I’m making it clear that if this facade continues, there will be consequences.”
“Is that so?”
His voice drops. “Riley doesn’t belong to you. You think putting a ring on her finger makes heryers?”
My hand tightens on the phone. “You don’t get to say her name.”
“She’s mine, Sullivan. And you should know I don’t like to share.”
A cold chill runs down my spine at his tone. “Listen here. If you or your men come near her again, they won’t be driving away. There won’t be a next time, you understand me?”
“End it, Kieran. Walk away. That’s the only chanceyehave left.”
“Go to hell.” I hang up.
I stare at the screen for a beat, the silence of the room suddenly heavy. Then I dial Ronan, who picks up on the first ring.
“Yeah?”
“O’Keefe called me.”
“He called you directly?”
“Yeah. He says he knows the marriage is bullshit and told me to end it or he would come for us.”
Ronan exhales sharply. “Shit. I really thought he would buy it.”
I lean back in my chair and rub my jaw. “He’s not just testing the waters anymore. We need to assume he’s coming.”
“Agreed. But until we figure out our next move, don’t let Riley out of your sight.”
I bristle. “You think I need reminding?”
“I think we can’t afford to fuck this up.”
I bite down the retort on my tongue.
Now is not the time to argue with Ronan, not when Sean is out to get Riley.
“We need to regroup. I’ll head over to the house now to pick Riley up, and we can talk then.”
