Page 54 of Lord of Ruin

I took a deep breath. “Wide reaching and worldwide crushing just like a science fiction novel.”

“Yes, and they’ve had years if not decades to plan out their activities and their final resolution,” Phoenix answered.

I locked eyes with my brother. It was rare to see him troubled in any way. Maybe it was because he had a family to worry about. “I’ll put some thought into your request. I am honored that you would think of me for this position.”

“Your reservations are noted. Starting a family is daunting in and of itself,” Diego said. “I should know. It just recently happened for me.”

“And me as well,” Sabatino added.

“Why in God’s name is everyone certain this chick, who I barely know, is the one? I don’t need matchmakers.”

Every man in the room laughed except for me. Gabriel patted me on the back.

“You’ll see. It hits you like a ton of bricks.”

I grumbled under my breath hearing his words.

Constantine was studying me far too carefully. “At minimum, the Brotherhood would like you to accept the nomination to become a part of our group. You have already proven yourself worthy.”

Worthy.

Someone was going to need to explain the word to me in greater detail. “Let me think about that as well.”

“Agreed, but don’t take too long,” Dante said.

“This Madden dude. Is he in the United States?” I asked, getting back to the business that needed more immediate handling.

“There hasn’t been an actual sighting yet but there has been chatter on the streets from Miami to New York. I found as much about him as possible. Brogan filled in what he knew about the Irish mob. Now, from what Phoenix told us, it’s conceivable the Albanians also have some skin in the game, but other than what we know from your experience, we don’t have anything else. I’ve made you a jump drive with all we know so you’re kept up to date. If you’ve been made a target for some reason, I assure you that Madden will come for you. He’s a dangerous man by any account. But I suspect he’ll stay holed up in Ireland all nice and cozy until all hell breaks loose.”

He handed me the drive and I sighed, giving him a quick nod. “So in other words, I have the target on my back.”

“It’s possible, brother,” Phoenix said. “Keep you and your lady safe. Be careful.”

I thought about Jenna’s concerns, her words of hatred because of being forced to live a sequestered life. I’d been right to bring her with me. She was nothing more than collateral damage, but it was something I refused to allow to happen.

No one fucked with what belonged to me.

CHAPTER 16

Jenna

Ihadn’t laughed so hard or so often in years.

Elena had a way of making what I was going through seem almost like a vacation or as if we were already family. It was strange and powerful in softening the anger. Would it last? Could I put what he’d done in a neat shelf on some box? I couldn’t be certain of that.

“This one is a subtle yet powerful merlot,” Elena said as she poured a small amount in a glass.

I lifted it, swirling the deep, beautiful color, inhaling the scents of raspberry and cinnamon. When I dipped my tongue into the warm liquid, I instantly tingled. Her face held eagerness to hear what I had to say. It was the fifth wine of the Diamondis wineries I’d tried. “This one is perfect. I think it’s my favorite.”

She clapped her hands together. “I’m glad you think so.”

“This is incredible.” She’d driven me through the vineyards themselves before heading to the most impressive tasting facility I’d ever seen. It wasn’t just a room where wine tastings were done. It was the complete package, people longing to rent the facility for weddings, celebrations, and holiday events. There were cabanas with firepits and complete kitchens, cozy areas with leather sofas and chairs by huge fireplaces made of stone.

The commercial kitchen was state of the art, the gift shop was adorable. It was the kind of cozy shop where you could find the perfect gift from candles to handblown glass, stuffed animals to silk scarves, and they were all from local artisans.

The main tasting room had cathedral ceilings and the most incredible music coming from unseen speakers. There was room for a band on the outdoor covered stage, and festive lights hung everywhere in trees and on railings. The place was packed, the small room we were in constantly being invaded by customers. I’d loved every minute of being here. The environment, the scents, the music, and the company. Let alone the wine was the best I’d ever tasted.

“I’m so glad you like this. This is our recent gold medal win and something I am so proud of,” Elena said with such delight in her voice.

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