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Kai empties his glass. “Damn. That’s some theory. Can you prove any of this?”
“No, but Aurora is betrothed to Niccolò Lombardi—the eldest brother and the fucking new boss for the Lombardi family. Sounds pretty feasible to me.”
“Matteo isn’t going to just hand his daughter over to you. God forbid he finds out you took her. Our entire clan will be in the path of his rage. I’m trusting you know what you’re doing, brother.”
“They reached out to you to seek our help to find her. I don’t think they suspect I have her. Why would I? As far as they know, we didn’t know she existed before now.”
“Unless it’s a trap to lead them to her.”
“That’s why I got this home under an untraceable account and only brought along a few trusted staff. I knew that Matteo would turn to us for help before he would dare involve the police.”
“Well, what’s the plan?”
“Once I have Aurora’s virginity, Niccolò will have no choice but to refuse her. It’s their law, and it’s ironclad. It’s the reason Matteo has been so steadfast with hiding her and ensuring she remains pure. No notable Italian heir will have her once she is no longer pure. They won’t be able to hide that fact. I will make sure of it.”
“Lennon, you’re delusional if you think Matteo will let you ruin his only daughter’s purity and their chance at a stronger alliance with the Lombardis. He’s not going to then just hand Aurora over because nobody else wants her.”
“Of course not,” I say, rubbing my hands together. “I will break her and ensure she is indebted to me so much so that she will not reveal that it was I who took her virginity. That’s the only way this works. I need to be the hero in this abduction—the one who finds her.”
“Ah, so he will be indebted as well— so thankful you found her and actually willing to make an honest woman out of her.”
“Now you’re catching on. The Irish Mafia are known for having little structure, if any, making it easier for us to appreciate whatever power is afforded to us. We don’t give two shits about things like purity being a minimum requirement to marry into Mafia royalty,” I surmise, condescendingly.
“They have no idea what’s coming,” Kai smiles now. “Your mind is devious as fuck, brother, and I have to say I rather enjoy it. They thought Father was ruthless. So what now?”
“Tell nobody of this place. This includes our siblings and our clan. After today, you can’t come back here unless necessary and prearranged with me. Eyes and suspicion will be on us for sure. You can take one of my cars back home. I’ll retrieve it later.”
“Got it. One thing before I go.”
“What’s that?”
He takes a cleansing breath. “Don’t let Aurora be your Achilles’ heel.”
“She could never.” I chuckle. “This is me you’re talking to. Have you ever seen me be soft for a woman? She’s an adversary—a necessary job. I would never get that twisted.”
“In order to break her, it’s going to require some softness— a balance between dominance and sharing a piece of yourself. She’s been restricted from life. Toughness is all she knows. She’s used to it. You want to reach her? You’re going to show her something that nobody else has given her—softness and consideration as a human being. Her value to her family has been her virginity; now, it’s no different with you. You can’t be the same. She is prepared for it.”
He sets his tumbler down and leaves me speechless. That parting advice was so deep and strategic. He may be the younger brother, but there is always something to learn from him. It’s a much-needed perspective.Fuck!I don’t know how to be soft. All I know is how to use dominance to bend people to my will.
My rules will remain, but I need to modify my plans for her. That will have to wait until tomorrow. Right now, I need to answer to my own penance. I have several infarctions.
“Oisín!” I yell, knowing he should have returned to his post outside my door.
“Yes, sir,” he says, his hands behind his back in their usual proper fashion.
“It’s time,” I say simply.
He nods. “I will have him meet you in the basement, sir.”
I’m not nor have I ever been a good man. I know this self-induced punishment will never atone for my sins, but I’ll never stop trying.
CHAPTER TEN
Aurora
1 WEEK LATER
It’s been about a week, and my progress toward finding a way out here has been stagnant. Mr. Gallagher hasn’t been here or at least not present at these meals he’s mandated that I attend. I’ve participated in learning the chores as instructed and even made lunch today for the house staff. It’s only fancy sandwiches with thinly sliced corned beef, fillings, and garnishes, but I feel accomplished. They refused to eat at the dining table with me as it goes against the rules, but they let me eat with them in their private area in what they call the West Wing. There are four housemaids, including Bridget and Fiona. The other two are Aoife and Mona. Fiona is the youngest of the four. Together, they are responsible for all the cooking, cleaning, and laundry under the direction of the house manager, Mr. Doyle. Aoife admitted that none of them were allowed to leave the estate.Interesting.For their shopping needs, an order is placed by Mr. Doyle and given to their errand person, Benji, to do the shopping. Other than Oisín, who seems to guard Mr. Gallagher closely, I don’t know a number for the security detail here. They stay hidden. It’s hard to plan an escape without this info, but I’ve been given more freedom to explore the main and West Wing of the house. They still bolt the locks on my door at night, though. The East Wing is where hislordship’squarters are and is strictly forbidden. Apparently, only Fiona, Bridget, and Mr. Doyle are allowed.
