AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER12
Kirill
Long Island.
The epitome of luxurious living. The number of mansions was astounding, the security encompassing the dozens of homes outstanding.
At least usually.
I’d often found it interesting that between the Bratva and their families, the Italian mafia and various cartels, most of the billions of dollars spent on real estate had come from corrupt organizations.
Not that everyone residing in the posh palaces would admit to the reasons behind their good fortune.
While Michael Walsh still resided in a modest, albeit expansive home on the outskirts of Long Island, the very location where all his children had been raised. His place of residence wasn’t opulent by any standards. If I had to guess, I’d say he was attempting to stay grounded, appearing as nothing but a working man for his union supporters. Meanwhile, he owned a yacht that was currently parked in a pristine club in Fort Lauderdale.
However, his sons were all down to earth, Rian no exception. He owned a quaint home in the heart of Brooklyn, a fixer upper that he’d handled himself. I had to give the man credit. He had talent in woodworking. I snickered at the thought as I made myself at home inside his bright kitchen.
I’d even made myself a cup of coffee, although the lack of fresh cream did annoy me. Still, beggars couldn’t be choosers.
Not that I would beg the prick for anything except the acceptance of his death.
I continued to be enraged by whatever level of involvement he’d had in Candy’s abduction, whether by direct orders or because of his father. However, I’d remain cautious in making the determination as to whether he should live or die.
Keep your promise.
Jesus.
As I sat in one of his kitchen chairs, I had a perfect view of his garden. I certainly didn’t take the man for the gardening type, which could mean he had a girlfriend. I wasn’t in the mood to handle additional collateral damage but would if necessary. I flexed my hand, staring down at the bruises that were already forming. The dull ache was a dim reminder of my lack of humanity.
I planted my feet on the edge of the table, leaning back and finding that I was actually enjoying the flavored coffee. You could learn a lot about a household by the coffee they kept. Hazelnut. A further indication that Rian had someone else in his life. Fortunately, there wasn’t a second car in the driveway. I’d made a full pot. I had a feeling that Rian and I had a lot to talk about.
I was surprised the Irishman slept in so late. Then again, he did keep odd hours. I pulled the mug to my lips, swirling my finger over the weapon I’d positioned on the table. I thought about Candy, allowing the moment of peace to help me think clearly.
I’d returned to her room, standing in the shadows until the first rays of ginger and fuchsia hues had drifted across the horizon, erasing the darkness. She’d tossed and turned for a good portion of those two hours, finally falling into a fitful sleep. And still, I’d been unable to take my eyes off her, the hunger churning inside when I knew the last thing either of us needed was another round of passion.
While I’d wanted her to hate me, now I wasn’t so certain I could handle her venom or fear of being in the same room with me. Yet I was no fool. While I’d saved her life, I’d given her every indication that my intentions were malicious. There was no way she’d ever learn to trust me.
Especially not after my proclamation. She deserved better. She deserved everything, but I wasn’t the man to give it to her. The same argument continued in my head. I fisted the bruised hand, images of the hurt in her eyes flashing into the back of my mind. So what? Better she learned now than later when…
When what? When she cared and wanted to stay? When I couldn’t live without her, keeping her in the perfect cage for the rest of her life?
I’d checked on her identification, finding her parents still residing in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Even the name was far too quaint, matching the population. While I’d had limited time to utilize our network system, enabling me to find more detailed data, I felt confident that she wasn’t a spy, unless she was doing so for her own family. By all accounts, she’d started working at the bar three days after her arrival in town. Her parents’ names were on the lease of her apartment, so at this point everything she’d told me was true.
Sighing, I couldn’t seem to get the images of her face out of my mind.
When I finally heard a noise, I didn’t bother glancing toward the doorway.
I wasn’t necessarily surprised that he’d remained quiet, probably trying to keep from shitting in his pants. I had that effect on a lot of people.
After twenty full seconds had passed, I took a deep breath, deciding to address him. “Come join me, Rian. We have a lot to discuss. I took the opportunity of making coffee. I hope you don’t mind. There is almost a half pot left.”
“What in the fuck are you doing here?” he demanded, his anger making his voice tremble. I noticed a flash out of the corner of my eye and sighed.
It would appear my stealth skills needed attention.
“If I were you, I’d put the gun on the counter before joining me.” When he said nothing for a few seconds, I tipped my head in his direction. While he had the good sense to lower his Beretta, I had a feeling his trigger finger was itchy. “You really don’t want to cross me today, Rian. Let’s just say I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”
Sleeping. It would be a sheer joy if that was possible.
