Page 63 of Taken By the Mobster

Notorious Boston Mobster Found Dead in Boston Harbor.

Declan knew the details, so he only half-listened to the newsflash on the radio. They had found Clyde Braniff floating in Boston Harbor. When they pulled him from the water, it was obvious that someone tortured him, as bruises and cuts covered almost every inch of his body. The police had no suspects.

As much as Declan wanted to celebrate the death of the man who killed his sister, held his brother captive, and raped the woman he loved, he couldn’t. Not until he had Olivia safely back in his arms.

“Did you call the mansion?” Declan asked.

Shane nodded. “They know we’re on our way back. James assured me he would give the message to Ms. O’Reilly himself. He also said it will thrill her to see you.”

James wasn’t lying. Olivia stood in the driveway when they pulled in. He wasn’t even out of the car before she flung herself into his arms and pressed kisses to his neck and face.

Declan held her tight and breathed her in. Even though it had only been three days, it had been too long. Every second away from Olivia was a second too long.

Declan hugged her close, sighing into her mouth as he returned her kiss. “God, I missed you,” he whispered when they broke apart.

“I missed you too,” she said. “Why didn’t you answer my texts or calls?”

“I’m afraid that’s my doing, love,” Shane said, as he climbed from the car. “I have a strict no phone rule when I’m negotiating. Nothing messes it up more than someone’s phone going off at a critical moment. But he’s home now, safe and sound.”

“Thank you, Shane,” Olivia said.

Declan squeezed her hand. “I need to talk to you,” he said. “It’s important.”

Olivia nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

“Use my office,” Shane said.

Declan held her hand tight as they walked inside and through the house to Shane’s office. Declan ushered her inside and closed the door.

Olivia crossed her arms and stared at Declan. “What is it?”

“I don’t think you’re going to like it,” he said.

She closed her eyes. “Then tell me and get it over with,” she muttered.

“Donovan wants me to take over the Muldoon family.”

“What?”

Declan sat on the sofa against the wall. “Donovan Muldoon is dying, Liv. Clyde was his heir—.”

“But now Clyde is dead,” Olivia interrupted.

“Exactly. Donovan and I were close once, a long time ago, when my father and I both worked for him. He’s old and dying, and he wants to leave his family, his birthright, in excellent hands. He said he always trusted me, believed in me. He doesn’t have an heir, and he doesn’t have a lot of time.” Donovan patted the sofa beside him. “Come sit with me.”

Olivia sat beside him, her feet tucked under her and her head on his shoulder. “What are you going to do?”

Declan kissed the top of her head. “I’m going to do it.”

Olivia tipped her head back and looked at him. “What does that mean for us?”

He shrugged. “Well, I believe you were supposed to marry the Muldoon heir to unite the families and help bring peace, weren’t you?”

Olivia narrowed her eyes, a faint smile dancing across her lips. “I believe I was, yes. But that was three years ago, and a lot has changed.”

“So, you don’t think your father will allow you to marry the heir to the Muldoon family anymore?” Declan asked.

“Well, there’s only one way to find out,” Olivia said. “I have to talk to my father.”

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