Page 123 of Godless Saints

Don’t make me care where you are.

Worried?

Irritated. I dislike unfinished things.

I’ll come back and let you finish me, then.

You are vile.

The typing bubble appeared. Gone. Appeared. Gone.

Come back.

My ribs tightened around something stupid and dangerous.

Yes, prince.

And Cillian?

Yeah?

If this is another lie, I’ll know.

***

I stepped onto the jet and tossed my bag into the seat across from me. It landed with a heavy thud. The folder inside it still felt like a live grenade.

“Mr. Ashbourne,” the flight attendant said, already pouring my usual whiskey. “Welcome aboard. We’ll be taxiing shortly.”

I dropped into the leather chair, legs spread, and took the glass. The burn slid down my throat as the engines spooled up. Ashbourne crew moved around me, paid to see nothing.

My phone rang. Moonshine. I answered before the first ring finished.

“Moon.”

A shaky breath. Then silence. The plane started rolling. I didn’t care.

“Talk to me,” I said. “What happened?”

Another breath. Rough.

“I… I called him. I wanted to tell him I won.” Moon’s voice cracked. “He gave me an ultimatum. End it with you… or I lose everything. House of Moon. The inheritance. All of it.”

“Moonshine—”

“I don’t know what to do,” he cut in, strained. “I’ve spent my whole life trying to be exactly what they wanted. Now one choice. And it’s all gone. Just like that.”

Silence stretched.

“Are you sure this is worth it? You and me?”

The question cut straight through my ribs. I sat back as the jet lifted off. My voice dropped. “There is no other way. You and me, baby. Leave your father to me.”

Moon let out a strained breath. “Cillian… you’re not going to kill my father, right?”

A rough sound tore out of me.

“Baby, the mafia has lawyers and accountants too. We’re not all just smashing kneecaps. Give me some credit.”