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Santiago’s lips flatten into a thin line. “Surely your grandfather would not think kindly of you leaving money on the table because you’re afraid of a conflict?”
My voice hardens. “You are well aware my grandfather doesn’t make these decisions anymore, Enrique. And I hoped you know me well enough to know that insinuating I’m a coward is not an effective way to guarantee my help.”
“Of course not,” he dips his head in apology—the only kind I can expect from the proud leader. “I only meant that our two organizations have worked together well in the past. We’ve both profited. I’d hate to see our success dwindle because of rogue upstarts in my territory.”
Part of me agrees.
Working with Santiago’s gang has been easy money, but it’s allowed the greener members of my family to get their feet wet while more experienced members of the family focus on our other enterprises.
Not to mention, allying with the Puerto Rican gang was the first successful endeavor that truly seemed to sway the older generation of MacKenzies to accept me as the acting leader of our family. They don’t know the specifics of what we do for the gang, but they know it brings them money.
With those thoughts in mind, I decide to throw Enrique a bone. “Fine. The MacKenzie family will continue to work with you, Santiago. And we will help you uncover who in your organization is carrying out business without your knowledge. For now, at least.”
Enrique’s wrinkled expression morphs into an approving smile. “That’s all I can ask.” He holds out his hand. “And I promise your efforts will be compensated accordingly.”
I firmly shake his hand with a sly grin of my own. “Oh, of that, I have no doubt.”
Chapter1
Declan
Present Day
The penthouse is quiet. Normally, I enjoy my solitude. The silence is peaceful. At least, it used to be. Now, I find it unnerving. Since Catarina moved in, I’ve grown used to her company in the mornings. Sitting at the breakfast bar and sharing a cup of coffee with her has become part of my routine. Something I look forward to.
No one who knows me would consider me a sentimental man, but there’s no denying my reluctant fiancée has wormed her way under my skin. I enjoy her company. And not seeing her this past week hit me harder than I thought.
My smartwatch buzzes on my wrist. I only wear the device to track my morning workouts. I look down, prepared to take it off when I see the notification is a text from Jane.
I’m outside.
I exhale and mentally brace myself for whatever family business she’s bringing to me before the sun has finished its climb over the horizon. Using the touchpad on the watch, I reply.
K.
One second later, I hear the front door open followed by a series of beeps as Jane disarms the security system. I stay seated at the breakfast bar sipping my glass of ice water. Her shoes squeak against the recently cleaned floor as she makes her way to the kitchen.
She turns the corner and immediately draws short and covers her eyes. “Christ, Declan. Put on a freaking shirt. No one wants to see that.”
“This is my home,” I remind her gruffly. “And there are plenty of women who very much want to see my naked chest.”
“God, do you know how full of yourself you sound?” Jane lowers her hand but keeps her gaze averted, wearing a disgusted expression.
I chuckle at my cousin’s dramatics as I shrug on my shirt even though it’s still damp from my workout. “There. Better?”
She glances my way and her shoulders slump with relief when she sees I’m covered. “Yes.” She scans the kitchen. “I take it Catarina still hasn’t come back yet.”
“No.”
Jane purses her lips. “Still don’t want to talk about what happened in Newport?”
“No,” I say again, taking another sip of water. Jane and I are close, but there’s no way I’m going to be confiding in her about the reason Catarina has kept her distance. Or, at least, the reason Ithinkshe’s keeping her distance.
Things between my reluctant fiancée and I had been going decently well before our weekend in the popular seaside town, and things seemed to only improve during our time in Newport. But then we slept together. And it seems like I’ve fucked everything up.
Jane moves to the counter across from me and leans her elbows on the surface. “Well, what are you going to do about this?”
“Do about what?”
