Page 29 of Taken By the Mobster

Declan shook two pills out of the bottle and downed them with his coffee, wincing when it burned his tongue. He sat down across the table from Walsh.

“Did you and Murph find anything in Ohio?” he asked.

Walsh nodded. “We found a couple of places. They need to be scouted, but they look like potential marks.” He shifted in his chair and stared at the tabletop. “How much longer are we going to stay here?”

“I don’t know,” Declan replied. “Why?”

“Are we staying because of the girl?”

“You need to mind your business and stay away from the girl,” Declan snapped.

Walsh snorted. “That’s what Conor said.”

“Conor is smart,” Declan said. “You should listen to him.”

“You know, I could take care of her. I’ll make it quick and painless. I’ll take her out in the middle of nowhere—.”

Declan slammed his hand on the table so hard that his coffee sloshed over the side of the cup. “Enough. You will not touch her. You will go nowhere near her. Do you understand me?”

Walsh sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. “Sure, boss. Whatever you say.”

Declan shoved himself out of the chair, coffee in hand, and went upstairs. He checked on Drew, who was still asleep, and made his way to the third floor to Olivia’s room. He tapped twice before opening the door and stepping inside.

Olivia paced the small room, wrapped in a blanket. She stopped when he came in.

“Hi,” she murmured.

“Hey there,” he said. “Did you get any sleep?”

She nodded. “A little.”

“Are you okay?” he asked. He knew it was a stupid question; she was being held against her will in a strange town by a bunch of thugs. But after last night and the kiss they’d shared, as well as the things they’d talked about, he needed to know.

“I’m okay,” she said. “I’m sick of being cooped up.”

“Would you like to go for a walk? Outside?”

A smile spread across Olivia’s face. “I would love that,” she whispered.

“Get dressed and come downstairs. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

Declan stepped out of the room and pulled the door closed behind him. He jogged down to his second-floor bedroom and put on jeans and a long-sleeved Henley, along with boots and a jacket. He tucked his gun in the waistband of his jeans and went downstairs.

Conor and Murphy had gotten up while he was upstairs. The men were in the kitchen with Ezra, drinking coffee and eating fresh pastries at the kitchen table.

“Morning, boss,” Conor said. “Is Drew awake? Does he want something to eat?”

Declan shook his head. “He’s still asleep.” He took a deep breath. “Olivia is coming down. I’m going to take her outside for some fresh air.”

Murphy squirmed in his chair and Walsh made a face. He opened his mouth to say something, but Declan silenced him with one look. Ezra cleared her throat and shook her head.

Declan checked his watch, poured himself another cup of coffee, and ignored the disapproving looks aimed at him from the other people in the room. He leaned against the kitchen counter to wait for Olivia. Conor rose to his feet and sauntered across the room; it did not surprise Declan that it was his best friend who spoke up.

“What are you doing, Deck?” Conor whispered.

Declan sipped his coffee and raised an eyebrow. “I’m having a cup of coffee.”

Conor sighed. He kept his voice low as he spoke. “You know what I mean. You’re taking her out for a walk, like she’s some woman you’re dating instead of—.”

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