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When her eyes flick to mine again, I see something in them that makes me want to go to her and pull her into my arms. It’s pain. Not physical pain. Her bruises have mostly faded. She’ll gain weight back. The scratches will heal. It’s the damage on the inside that’s going to haunt her for a long time to come. That kills me.
After one last glance at her, I leave the room, closing the door behind me. I pause and close my eyes, willing myself to take a deep breath. That’s when I hear her soft sob, and it fucking guts me to the core.
I shoot off a quick text to Declan asking him to have Cali sleep with her tonight. As much as I want to stay and comfort my girl, she doesn’t trust me enough. Not yet, anyway. I’m going to change that.
* * *
The airin the boardroom is thick with tension. Despite the pact, this situation with the Russians has definitely rocked the boat. No one is certain they can be trusted.
I nod at Luciano Ricci, the underboss of the Italian syndicate. They’re an ally of ours and the only organization at this table we truly trust. Luciano tips his head in acknowledgement as we stand behind our bosses sitting at the long glass table. You’d think with a pact in place, everyone would trust that no one’s about to pull a gun, but the glass table ensures it would be seen if that were to happen. Trust issues much?
“Thank you everyone for coming tonight,” Declan starts off. “As you know, we had a situation arise recently that the Irish had to handle swiftly and violently. However, I want to assure each of you that was not the route we wanted to take. We stand by the pact and would like to continue leading our organizations in the same direction as before.”
The leaders of the Russians, Italians, Cartel, Albanians, Chinese, Serbians, and several other syndicates sit around the table with their seconds-in-command standing behind them.
Andrei Volkov, the new leader of the Russians, clears his throat. “I agree with Declan. As you know, our previous leader made several poor choices that the Russian organization as a whole did not support. He broke the pact and I give my sincerest apologies to the Irish for any pain caused by that. I assure each of you I have the best interest of all our organizations at heart and would like to maintain the original pact that was in place.”
Even though I don’t know Andrei well, I do know he was a good second-in-command when he worked under Ivan’s father. It had been a shock when Vladimir retired and named his son as the new leader instead of Andrei. It was a mistake that cost him his life.
Diego Alvarez, the leader of the Cartel, nods. “This issue didn’t affect the Cartel. As long as the Irish are willing to forgive Ivan’s actions and the men who were involved, I agree to keep the pact.”
Everyone around the table makes sounds of agreement as their gazes land on Declan. Like me, part of him wants to rip the Russian organization apart piece by piece and destroy them all. They kidnapped his woman and mine. We are not forgiving men. Especially when it comes to what belongs to us. We’re also smart enough to know an end to the pact would be bloody and devastating for our businesses.
We also know this situation happened because of Ivan and he’s dead—along with every man on his property the day we saved the girls.
Declan looks to Andrei. “There will be no other issues with your organization?”
Andrei meets his gaze. “None. We want peace like everyone else at this table.”
I believe him. Declan does too. One thing we are experts at is reading people. You have to be in this line of work. We knew the second Ivan was named boss it was going to be a disaster. Neither of us have that feeling about Andrei.
“Then we continue the pact and business as usual,” Declan says.
The meeting wraps up. We shake hands with Andrei and his underboss as a symbol of forgiveness and go our separate ways.
On the flight home, we sit with Kieran and Ronan, glasses of whiskey in our hands.
“Now that you have that settled, when are you taking your wife on a honeymoon?” I ask Declan.
His expression softens. I’ve known this man my entire life, and he doesn’t have a soft bone in his body. At least he didn’t until he met Cali. It makes me hopeful for a future with Scarlet because every time I think about her, I feel myself soften inside too.
“I don’t know. She doesn’t want to leave her sister right now. Scarlet is still too vulnerable.”
“What’s your plan with Scarlet?” Kieran asks.
“She’s mine,” I snap.
The three of them look at me with amused expressions. I want to throw something at them. I already know I’m going to get endless shit from Declan. I was a meddling asshole when he was fighting his attraction to Cali. Now it’s going to bite me in the ass, I just know it.
“Too bad she hates you.” Declan chuckles. “I don’t know what the plan is. She wants to leave, but I want to make sure it’s totally safe before that happens.”
“I’ll start giving her target lessons as soon as she’s strong enough,” Ronan offers.
A growl escapes as I scowl at Ronan. “You won’t fucking give her shit. She’s mine. If anyone is going to teach her, it’s going to be me. And she’s not going anywhere besides my fucking house when I finally convince her who she belongs to.”
The plane erupts in laughter as they start cracking jokes at my expense. After snatching the bottle of Jameson in front of us, I retreat to the back of the plane where I don’t have to listen to those fuckers. They laugh harder when I slam the door to the small bedroom. Finally, I can drink my whiskey in private. Fuckers.
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