“Come up with another plan to protect yourself from the Kozlovs,” I say. “One that doesn’t involve pawning me off to a woman who didn’t ask for any of this.”
“There is no other way.” His patience frays. His brows knit together, the lines between his eyes deepening. “The contract exists. Francesco signed it. The terms are clear.”
“Then tear it up. Tell them you’ve changed your mind. Tell them?—”
“I don’t change my mind, Lochlan. You know that.” He steps closer, and his voice drops. It’s softer now, but that doesn’t fool me. Not anymore. “However, since you seem determined to be difficult, let me make this very simple.”
“Don’t—”
“Cillian’s nightclub. The liquor license comes up for renewal next month. It would be a shame if there were complications.”
He fuckingwouldn’t.
“Wolfe has been doing some interesting digital work lately. He’s breeched security systems and broken a lot of laws, things federal agencies would be very interested to know about. One anonymous tip would end him.”
The vein in my throat throbs, blood pounding between my temples.
“And Gavin.” He lets my youngest brother’s name hang inthe air like a guillotine blade threatening to slice off my head. “Gavin is young. Reckless. Always getting into situations he can’t handle. It would be tragic if no one was there to save his ass next time he screws up.”
The thing is, he’s not just saying this shit to reel me in. He’d deliver. On everything.
Cillian, who I playCall of Dutywith every Monday night.
Wolfe, who thinks he’s untouchable because he’s the smartest person in any room.
Gavin. Twenty-one years old and still thinks he’s invincible. I’ve been pulling him out of trouble since he was a teenager looking for every chance to act out.
My brothers. They’re the only people in this world I give a damn about.
My father knows it. He’s always known it.
“If I do this,” I say slowly, “you leave them alone. All of them. Permanently.”
“You have my word.”
“Your word means shit to me, just so you know.”
“Then trust that I want this alliance more than I want to punish you for your stubbornness.” He smiles, but this time it’s got a bite of malice in it. “Do we have a deal?”
I don’t answer. My silence is answer enough.
Because just like I thought, I’m fucked.
We walk back into the cafeteria and they all look up, panic on their faces, fear in their eyes.
Adriana is in the exact same position she was when I left. Arms crossed. Spine straight. Eyes locked on the entrance like she’s been waiting for me.
She reads my face the second I walk in.
“He got to you.”
“He always does.”
Maria looks between us. “So it’s decided? My daughter has no say in her own future?”
My father folds his hands together. “She has every say. She can refuse. But I wonder, who will protect your family when the wolves come sniffing out your weakness? Who will keep Francesco’s enemies at bay while he lies in that hospital bed? Who will make sure Luna is safe? That you are safe?”
Vincenzo squeezes Maria’s shoulder. “He’s not wrong, Maria. Without an alliance, without protection…” He trails off, shaking his head.
