Page 45 of Taken By the Mobster

“She’s put herself in a lot of danger working for us,” Conor said. “But this time, she’s risking everything. Clyde will kill her if he finds out she helped us.”

Declan shook his head. “I won’t let that happen. I swear I won’t let anything happen to her.”

“We won’t let anything happen to her,” Drew added. “I wouldn’t be sitting here if it wasn’t for Ruth.”

“What do you mean, we?” Declan snapped. “I forbid you from going in there. You’re still hurt and can barely walk.”

“Declan, come on,” Drew grumbled.

“Don’t argue with me, damn it!” Declan stuck his finger in the younger man’s chest, emphasizing each word with a stab to the heart. “I will not lose you. You are the only family I have left. You are staying here. Period.”

Drew nodded. “Okay, big brother, okay. I’m sorry.”

Declan pushed himself away from the table. “We’re leaving at midnight, Conor. I’m gonna try to get some sleep. I’m drained.” He stalked down the hall to the small bedroom off the living room and slammed the door behind himself.

He sat on the edge of the bed in his childhood bedroom. His heart pounded painfully, like it might burst from his chest, and there was a low hum in his ears. He scrubbed a hand over his face, the weight of his tears heavy behind his eyes. Being home dredged up memories he didn’t want to relive, especially the memory of holding his sister’s dead body in his arms.

He had lost so much, had his entire world taken from him. Declan had done horrible things to save his brother, using his grief to justify the terrible things he’d done. He’d let himself become a bitter, uncaring man.

Until he walked into Olivia’s bank. Something had changed in him since he’d taken Olivia as his hostage. Something came awake inside him that had long lay dormant. Olivia brought him back to life.

If he couldn’t get her back, if he couldn’t save her, then he had nothing left to live for anymore. Olivia was all that mattered.

Declan drove through the open gate at the back of the compound and parked the car under a stand of trees. He and Conor left the car and followed the dirt road half a mile to the mansion. They stuck to the shadows, staying away from any lights that might illuminate them. Once they reached the back of the mansion, they hid in the bushes near the back entrance.

“Where is she?” Declan grumbled. “Something is wrong. It’s taking too long.”

Conor checked his watch. “Give her time. It’s not midnight yet. She’s gotta wait until it’s clear.”

Declan tapped his fingers against the side of his leg. Despite the cool evening, sweat beaded on his forehead and ran down the side of his face. He needed to get inside and get to Olivia. Every minute she was inside, she was in danger.

The door opened, and Ruth stepped out. She looked in both directions before gesturing for Declan and Conor to follow her. They crowded into a cramped mud room. Ruth pressed herself against the door leading into the house, with Conor in front of her. Declan stood behind them, gun drawn, ready to enter.

“Hey, Ruthie,” Conor murmured. A smile played at the corners of his mouth.

“Conor,” Ruth whispered, affection clear in her voice. She squeezed his arm, then she opened the door and gestured for them to follow her down a short hallway to the kitchen.

Conor set the duffel bag over his shoulder on the floor and went to work while Declan kept watch at the door.

“How is she, Ruth?” Declan asked, afraid to hear the answer.

“Olivia’s scared,” Ruth replied. “But she’ll never admit it. She’s a tough one, that girl. You’re lucky to have found her.”

“Found her again,” Declan muttered.

“What do you mean, again?” Ruth asked.

Declan smiled. “We dated about a million years ago, when we were much younger. Her father didn’t approve of me, so Olivia broke it off.”

“But Conor said you kidnapped her from the last bank you robbed,” Ruth said.

Declan couldn’t help but chuckle. “Mere coincidence.”

“Well, all I have to say is you better take care of her, Declan.” Ruth stabbed her finger into the center of his chest. Despite her diminutive stature, it forced Declan to take a step back. The Scottish lilt to her voice seemed stronger thanks to her emotions. “She deserves to be protected. Make sure Clyde cannot hurt her ever again. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Declan said. “I didn’t know you cared so much about my love life.”

Ruth glared at him. “Some of us never get the chance to love someone.” She shot a furtive glance in Conor’s direction. “It seems you have a second chance at love with Olivia. Take advantage of that.”

---